Blue Jays Host Rangers in AL Showdown at Rogers Centre
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays welcome the Texas Rangers to Rogers Centre on Friday night for the first game of a three-match series. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. EDT in what promises to be a compelling matchup between two contrasting teams.
Team Snapshot
Toronto (71-51, 1st in AL East) has been dominant at home this season, boasting a 40-20 record at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays’ hitters have collectively slashed a .426 slugging percentage, ranking fourth in the American League. Meanwhile, Texas (61-61, 3rd in AL West) has struggled on the road with a 24-35 record, though the Rangers shine in games where they hit at least two home runs, going 27-9 under those circumstances.
This series marks the fourth meeting between these clubs in 2025. Toronto has taken the early season advantage, but the Rangers are looking to turn the tide.
Pitching Matchup
The mound matchup features two aces:
- Rangers: Jacob deGrom (10-5, 2.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 143 strikeouts)
- Blue Jays: Chris Bassitt (11-6, 4.17 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 128 strikeouts)
Both pitchers bring experience and strikeout power, setting the stage for a classic duel that could define the weekend series.
Key Players to Watch
For Toronto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the charge with 20 home runs, 29 doubles, and 67 RBIs. Ernie Clement has been hot recently, hitting .357 (15-for-42) over the last 10 games with four home runs.
On the Rangers’ side, Corey Seager paces the lineup with 17 homers and a .461 slugging percentage, while Kyle Higashioka has delivered timely power with three home runs in his last 10 games.
Recent Form
- Blue Jays: 6-4 over the last 10 games, hitting .310 with a 3.44 ERA, outscoring opponents by 27 runs
- Rangers: 3-7 over their last 10, batting .229 with a 4.25 ERA, outscored by 10 runs
Injury Report
Blue Jays: George Springer (7-day IL, head), Shane Bieber (60-day IL, elbow), Alek Manoah (60-day IL, elbow), among others.
Rangers: Wyatt Langford (day-to-day, forearm), Adolis Garcia (10-day IL, ankle), Tyler Mahle (60-day IL, shoulder), plus multiple others on the injured list.
Betting Line
According to BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Rangers: -116
- Blue Jays: -103
- Over/Under: 7.5 runs
With Toronto aiming to maintain its divisional lead and Texas hoping to stay alive in the wild card hunt, Friday night’s series opener should deliver high-stakes action and plenty of fireworks for fans at Rogers Centre and viewers nationwide.
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