Baseball followers have a treat awaiting them on August 19th as two intriguing matchups take center stage on the MLB schedule. The Blue Jays visit Pittsburgh to face the Pirates, and the Red Sox welcome the Orioles to Fenway Park. Both contests have all the ingredients of exciting games as teams maneuver for valuable places in their divisions.

• Date & Time: August 19th, 2025 - 23:40 UTC

• Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh

The Blue Jays travel to Pittsburgh looking to bounce back from their most recent loss to Texas. Sitting atop the AL East with a 73-52 record, Toronto clings to their division lead but can't afford to take their foot off the gas with Boston and New York nipping at their heels. The Pirates, 52-73 and last in the NL Central, are in desperate need of victories to salvage their season.

Toronto sends Kevin Gausman to the mound with good statistics despite his record. The veteran right-hander has been consistent, striking out 138 batters while showing excellent control with just 40 walks.

Paul Skenes answers Pittsburgh with shiny statistics that belie his team's struggles. The rookie sensation boasts a glittering 2.13 ERA and has been almost unhittable at times, fanning 166 against only 36 walks. His ability to keep the ball in the yard (a mere 9 homers surrendered) makes him a formidable presence.

The numbers reveal an enormous difference between these clubs. Toronto's offensive edge is evident in every major category, with an average of 176 more runs and a much higher team batting average. Its power advantage is tremendous, with 60 more home runs than Pittsburgh.

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B) - The Blue Jays' offense catalyst leads the charge with a .300 batting average, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs. His consistency and clutch hitting ability are Toronto's greatest threat.

• Bo Bichette (SS) - A major cog in Toronto's offense, Bichette brings speed and bat-to-ball ability to the table with his .297 batting average, 16 home runs, and team-leading 81 RBIs.

• Oneil Cruz (CF) - Despite his .207 average, Cruz provides the Pirates' most significant power threat with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs. His explosive potential can change the nature of the game.

• Bryan Reynolds (RF) - The veteran outfielder provides Pittsburgh with consistency in the form of a .244 average, 13 home runs, and 61 RBIs, offering steady production amidst a struggling lineup.

• Isiah Kiner-Falefa (SS) - Hitting .267 to pace Pittsburgh right now, Kiner-Falefa is a welcomed shot of offensive consistency.

• Shane Bieber (SP) - 60-Day IL, expected return August 22nd

• Alek Manoah (SP) - 60-Day IL, expected return August 25th

• Nick Sandlin (RP) - 15-Day IL, expected return September 1st

• Yimi Garcia (RP) - 15-Day IL, expected return September 1st

• Oneil Cruz (CF) - 7-Day IL, expected return August 20th

• Anthony Solometo (SP) - 60-Day IL, expected return August 19th

• Justin Lawrence (RP) - 60-Day IL, expected return September 2nd

• Tim Mayza (RP) - 60-Day IL, expected return September 2nd

• Malcom Nunez (1B) - 60-Day IL, expected return September 15th

• Pirates to win: 1.92

• Blue Jays to win: 1.92

• Date & Time: August 19th, 2025 - 23:10 UTC

• Location: Fenway Park, Boston

This AL East matchup has significant implications as both teams battle for divisional standing. The Red Sox (68-57) are five games behind division-leading Toronto, while the Orioles (57-67) sit 15.5 games back but are seeking to finish the season strong.

Dustin May gets the start for Boston with solid strikeout numbers but concerning control issues, as evident by his inflated ERA and WHIP. The right-hander needs to limit walks and keep Baltimore's power bats in the park.

Trevor Rogers is the top pitching prospect in Baltimore with fantastic numbers since joining the rotation. His microscopic 1.43 ERA and incredible 0.81 WHIP show he's comfortable now. Most impressively, Rogers has surrendered just two home runs in 69.1 innings pitched.

Boston leads in most offensive categories, scoring 89 more runs with the higher batting average and on-base percentage. The two clubs are close, though, when it comes to home run production. The Red Sox pitching staff has been significantly better with a much lower team ERA.

• Jordan Westburg (3B) - Coming off a four-hit masterpiece in his previous outing, Westburg offers offensive punch with 15 home runs, a .277 average, and 34 RBIs. His current hot streak earns him the title of Baltimore's most dangerous hitter.

• Gunnar Henderson (SS) - Plate discipline and power are the name of the game for the young shortstop with his .279 batting average, .350 OBP, and .460 slugging percentage, along with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs.

• Wilyer Abreu (RF) - Boston's power source - leads the club with 22 homers and 69 RBIs and is batting .253. His ability to drive in runs makes him a key component of Boston's success.

• Trevor Story (SS) - The veteran provides veteran presence and offense with 19 homers, 79 RBIs, and a .258 batting average.

• Jarren Duran (LF) - Contributing speed and versatility, Duran adds his .263 average, .338 OBP, and .454 slugging.

• Colin Selby (RP) - 15-Day IL, estimated return August 18th

• Rodolfo Martinez (RP) - 7-Day IL, estimated return August 19th

• Carlos Tavera (RP) - 7-Day IL, estimated return August 19th

• Scott Blewett (RP) - 15-Day IL, estimated return August 24th

• Kyle Bradish (SP) - 60-Day IL, estimated return August 25th

• Wilyer Abreu (RF) - Day-to-Day, anticipated return August 21st

• Josh Winckowski (RP) - 60-Day IL, anticipated return August 26th

• Justin Slaten (RP) - 60-Day IL, anticipated return August 27th

• Luis Guerrero (RP) - 60-Day IL, anticipated return August 27th

• Liam Hendriks (RP) - 60-Day IL, anticipated return September 1st

• Red Sox to win: 1.72

• Orioles to win: 1.97

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August 19th has two contrasting tales to tell. In Pittsburgh, a divisional leader hosts a rebuilding club in what should favor Toronto no matter the brilliance of Paul Skenes. Meanwhile, Boston's playoff aspirations receive a stern test from Baltimore's young rising talent.

The Blue Jays possess superior offensive weaponry but must navigate Skenes' dominating pitching. The Red Sox Orioles matchup relies in big part on Trevor Rogers' continued brilliance against Boston's potent offence at Fenway Park.

Both games promise competitive baseball as the season comes to a close, with each team fighting for different objectives but the same resolve.