The Blue Jays host the Diamondbacks in a key three-game series starting June 18th, with both teams eyeing Wild Card spots. Toronto looks to bounce back at home, while Arizona brings a red-hot offense. Game 1 pits Chris Bassitt against Brandon Pfaadt in what could be a high-scoring opener.
- Date & Time: June 18th, 2025 | 11:07 AM UTC
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Series: Game 1 of 3
Head-to-Head: Diamondbacks vs. Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays (38-33) host the Arizona Diamondbacks (36-35) in an exciting interleague three-game series starting June 18th, 2025. With both teams hovering around Wild Card contention and key starters on the mound, fans can expect thrilling baseball at the Rogers Centre.
Current Standings Snapshot
Blue Jays (3rd in AL East): .535 Pct | 4.0 GB | 22-13 Home | 6-4 L10
Diamondbacks (4th in NL West): .507 Pct | 7.0 GB | 16-17 Away | 6-4 L10
Both sides come into this game with identical 6-4 records in their last 10, but the Diamondbacks are fresh off a productive homestand, while the Jays look to rebound from a sweep by the Phillies.
Game 1 Preview: Chris Bassitt vs. Brandon Pfaadt
Pitching Matchup
Chris Bassitt (TOR)
Record: 7-3
ERA: 3.70
WHIP: 1.31
Ks: 78
Bassitt brings veteran consistency and hasn’t lost to the D-Backs in five starts (4-0, 3.07 ERA). He will look to stop the bleeding after the Blue Jays’ disappointing weekend.
Brandon Pfaadt (ARI)
Record: 8-4
ERA: 5.37
WHIP: 1.41
Ks: 55
Despite his record, Pfaadt has been hit hard. His 53% hard-hit rate is among the worst in the league. Toronto’s bats will look to capitalize.
Betting Line: Blue Jays -123 | D-Backs +103 | O/U: 9 runs
Game 2: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Eric Lauer
Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI)
2-3, 6.27 ERA, returning from injury but sharp in his last two starts.
Eric Lauer (TOR)
2-1, 2.37 ERA, used sparingly but effectively. Yet to pitch 5 full innings.
Toronto could gain the edge with bullpen support if Lauer is limited in pitch count.
Game 3: Ryne Nelson vs. Kevin Gausman
Ryne Nelson (ARI)
3-2, 4.14 ERA, filling in for Corbin Burnes. Solid but not overpowering.
Kevin Gausman (TOR)
5-5, 4.08 ERA, can dominate but inconsistent. Feast or famine.
This series finale may well hinge on Gausman’s ability to control hard-hitting D-Backs hitters.
Offensive Power Rankings
Arizona Diamondbacks—Elite Offense
R/G: 5.08 (4th in MLB)
OPS: .776 (3rd in MLB)
Late/Close OPS: .799 (3rd)
9th Inning Runs: 39 (1st)
Top Hitters:
Ketel Marte: .959 OPS
Corbin Carroll: .897 OPS, 20 HR
Eugenio Suarez: 21 HR, 57 RBI
Josh Naylor: .300 AVG, 79 hits
Geraldo Perdomo: .361 OBP
The D-Backs’ offense is explosive and dangerous late in games. Expect relentless pressure from this group.
Toronto Blue Jays—Average Output
R/G: 4.25 (16th in MLB)
OPS: .713 (13th in MLB)
Key Bats:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: .274 AVG, 8 HR, .790 OPS
George Springer: .824 OPS, 10 HR
Alejandro Kirk: .316 AVG, recent hot streak
Addison Barger: 7 HR, .794 OPS
While Toronto’s offense lacks the firepower of Arizona, Guerrero and Springer can still do damage.
Bullpen Breakdown
Arizona Diamondbacks—Struggling Relief Core
Team Reliever ERA: 5.20 (27th in MLB)
Bright Spots:
Shelby Miller: 1.57 ERA, 7 saves
Jalen Beeks: 2.94 ERA
Loss of closure Justin Martinez (elbow) and likely A.J. Puk (elbow) weaken late-game capability.
Toronto Blue Jays—Solid Pen Depth
Team Reliever ERA: 3.65 (11th in MLB)
Top Arms:
Jeff Hoffman: 5.70 ERA, 17 saves (ERA inflated by 3 bad outings)
Yariel Rodriguez: 2.86 ERA, 8 holds
Brendan Little: 1.97 ERA, 13 holds
Toronto’s bullpen provides an edge, especially in close matchups.
Injury Report
Blue Jays:
Daulton Varsho (hamstring)
Yimi Garcia (shoulder)
Max Scherzer (thumb)
Alek Manoah (elbow)
Others: Bastardo, Lukes, Santander, Burr
Diamondbacks:
Justin Martinez (elbow)
Corbin Burnes (elbow)
A.J. Puk (elbow)
Jordan Montgomery (elbow)
Others: Graveman, Mena, Montes De Oca
Injuries are piling up, especially in the bullpen, and could impact high-leverage innings.
Prediction & Best Bets—Diamondbacks vs. Blue Jays
Final Score Prediction for Game 1:
Toronto Blue Jays 8 – Arizona Diamondbacks 4
Best Bet: OVER 9 RUNS
Both starting pitchers have struggled at times and face dangerous lineups. Add in bullpen inconsistencies, and you have a recipe for a high-scoring affair.
Pick Summary:
Moneyline: Blue Jays (-123)
Total: Over 9 (Best Value)
Player to Watch: Alejandro Kirk (TOR)—red-hot bat
Dark Horse: Eugenio Suarez (ARI)—always a home run threat
Series Outlook
- Game 1: Jays edge past with Bassitt’s control and D-Backs’ bullpen struggles
- Game 2: Slight advantage to Arizona if Rodriguez is stretched out
- Game 3: Gausman vs. Nelson may be the tightest contest of the three.
Series Prediction: Blue Jays win 2-1.
Toronto is strong at home and boasts the better bullpen, which gives them an advantage in late-inning situations.
Current Betting Odds
According to Stake.com which is the best online sportsbook the betting odds for Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays are 2.02 and 1.83 respectively.
Final Predictions
The Arizona Diamondbacks bring offensive heat, while the Blue Jays counter with savvy pitching and a stable bullpen. This interleague series could have playoff implications down the stretch.
For fans and bettors alike, this series offers excellent value and especially if you’re backing offense.
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