Series Preview: Rays vs Blue Jays

Philadelphia Phillies v Tampa Bay Rays — Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Forty games down, one-hundred twenty-two to go

The Tampa Bay Rays are back on the road after a six game homestand in which they went 2-4, having been swept by the Phillies and then taking two of three against the Brewers. Now the Rays are traveling north of the border to take on the division rival Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have won four in a row and are currently .500 on the season with a 20-20 record and sit 3.5 games back of the New York Yankees; the Rays meanwhile are 18-22 and are 5.5 games back of New York.

Toronto has been led this season by George Springer, who enters play hitting .297/.404/.517 with 5 HR and 6 SB over 37 games, registering a 163 wRC+ and 1.1 fWAR. Vladimir Guerrero Jr has also been solid offensively (126 wRC+ | 0.7 fWAR). The Blue Jays big signing of the offseason, Anthony Santander, has provided some power (5 HR), but has struggled offensively, hitting .196/.275/.336; Santander has also been out for several games after getting injured attempting to catch a foul ball.

Pitching wise, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt have been solid in the starting rotation and Jeff Hoffman has been good in the bullpen. Brendon Little has also been a bright spot for the Blue Jays, but it’s been a struggle for Toronto to find dependable arms this season; they’ve already had 22 different pitchers take the mound at some point in 2025.

Frivolities

The top players by career WAR to have played for the Rays and Blue Jays:

Fred McGriff
Jose Bautista
Kevin Kiermaier
David Price
Jose Canseco

The Rays best player offensively against the Blue Jays all-time (min. 25 PA):
Felix Escalona: .520/.539/.760 with 0 HR over 27 PA
The Rays most previous transacation with the Blue Jays:
1/23/25: Claimed Brandon Eiser off of waivers from the Blue Jays
The Rays first transaction with the Brewers
7/31/00: Traded LHP Mark Guthrie & RHP Steve Trachsel to the Blue Jays for 2B Brent Abernathy