The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays are set to close out their three-game series on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with both clubs in the thick of a competitive American League East battle. Entering the game, the Blue Jays sit at an even 25–25 while the Rays are just behind at 24–26, making this matchup critical as both teams look to gain ground in a division where every win matters. The Rays have taken the first two games of the series by identical 3–1 scores, showcasing dominant pitching and timely hitting to stifle Toronto’s offense. Tampa Bay will hand the ball to Ryan Pepiot (2–5, 3.93 ERA), who has pitched better than his record suggests, while the Blue Jays counter with Chris Bassitt (3–2, 3.16 ERA), who’s been a steady presence in their rotation all season. On paper, this appears to be a closely matched contest, but the Rays’ ability to win tight games at home has given them a slight edge in the early going. Offensively, Toronto has been led by Bo Bichette (22 RBIs) and Daulton Varsho (six home runs), but the lineup has underwhelmed over the past week, managing just two total runs across the first two games of the series. As a team, the Blue Jays hold a .249 batting average, a .318 OBP, and a .380 slugging percentage, which places them around league average, though those numbers haven’t translated to consistent scoring during this road trip.

Tampa Bay’s offense, while also inconsistent at times, has leaned on breakout rookie Junior Caminero, who leads the team with nine home runs, and veteran Yandy Díaz, who has driven in 27 runs. The Rays’ team batting average stands at .242 with a .306 OBP and a .363 SLG, but their bullpen and situational execution have been the difference-makers in the series so far. Defensively, both teams are well-matched, though Toronto holds the edge in fielding percentage and has committed fewer errors on the season. With comparable pitching stats—Toronto’s staff carries a 4.31 ERA to Tampa Bay’s 3.91—this game will likely be decided by small details: plate discipline, bullpen reliability, and defensive sharpness. Recent betting trends reflect the tight nature of this matchup. The Blue Jays are 5–5 ATS in their last 10 meetings against the Rays, while Tampa Bay has gone 2–3 ATS in their last five overall but 10–8 ATS in their last 18 at home. With the moneyline nearly split and the over/under set at 9, oddsmakers are expecting a balanced contest that could go either way. For Toronto, salvaging a win from this series could prevent an early-season skid and boost morale heading into the next stretch of divisional play. For Tampa Bay, a sweep would push them closer to .500 and affirm that they’re still very much a threat in the AL East, even amid key injuries. Sunday’s finale offers both teams a chance to send a statement—and it’s a game neither can afford to overlook.