The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off against the Atlanta Braves in a critical rubber match of their three-game series on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The game is scheduled for 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, and will be broadcast on SNET and FDSSO.
After a thrilling 6-3 victory for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night, the series is tied at one win apiece, creating palpable excitement as both teams look to gain the upper hand. The Blue Jays, now 10-8 overall and 6-3 at home, are coming off a strong performance that featured a five-run fifth inning, highlighted by two two-run homers from Alan Roden and Anthony Santander. Meanwhile, the Braves, struggling with a 5-12 record and 2-10 on the road, are looking to break their losing streak and improve their standing.
Starting for the Blue Jays is Chris Bassitt, who has been exceptional this season with a record of 1-0 and an impressive 0.98 ERA. Bassitt has pitched 18.1 innings across three starts, allowing only two earned runs while striking out 21 batters. His ability to pitch deep into games has been crucial for the Blue Jays, and he will be looking to continue that trend against a Braves lineup that has shown inconsistency this season.
"Bassitt has been spinning it to start the season and will have a great chance to keep doing that against a struggling Braves lineup," noted a sports analyst. With a strikeout prop set at 5.5 for the game, many are betting on Bassitt to exceed that mark, especially given the Braves' current struggles at the plate.
On the other side, the Braves will send Spencer Strider to the mound for his season debut. Strider, who missed the entire 2024 season due to injury, is making a highly anticipated return. In his previous season, he was a dominant force, striking out nearly 500 batters between 2022 and 2023. However, the pressure will be on him as he faces a formidable Blue Jays lineup.
"This is a guy who struck out nearly 500 batters between 2022 and 2023 and is making his highly anticipated return to the Atlanta Braves rotation," remarked a commentator. Strider will need to find his rhythm quickly, as the Blue Jays have a solid batting average of .331 on-base percentage, ranking seventh in the majors.
Historically, Bassitt has faced the Braves hitters numerous times during his tenure with the Mets, and the results have generally favored him. Current Atlanta hitters have combined for a .229 expected batting average and a .388 expected slugging percentage against Bassitt, with a 24% strikeout rate. This familiarity could play a significant role in the outcome of the game.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the stakes are high. The Blue Jays, looking to build momentum, will rely on Bassitt’s experience and skill on the mound, while the Braves will hope for a strong performance from Strider to kickstart their season.
The betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this game, with the Braves slightly favored at -135, while the Blue Jays sit at +116 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, indicating expectations for a potentially high-scoring affair.
In terms of individual matchups, some Braves hitters have had success against Bassitt in the past. Austin Riley, for instance, has three hits in 11 at-bats against him, including a home run. Bryan De La Cruz has fared even better, boasting a .600 batting average with six hits in ten at-bats, including another home run. However, other key hitters like Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris II have struggled significantly, with Kelenic hitless in ten career plate appearances against Bassitt.
As the game approaches, fans are eager to see how these two talented pitchers will perform under pressure. Will Bassitt continue his impressive start to the season, or will Strider reclaim his status as a top-tier pitcher? The stage is set for an exciting afternoon of baseball in Toronto.
Injuries have plagued both teams, with the Blue Jays missing key players such as George Springer and Max Scherzer, while the Braves are without Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna. These absences could impact the dynamics of the game significantly.
Ultimately, the outcome of this game could hinge on the performances of Bassitt and Strider. Both pitchers have the potential to dominate, but only one will emerge victorious in this crucial matchup. As the Blue Jays and Braves take the field, fans can expect a thrilling showdown filled with drama, excitement, and, hopefully, plenty of runs.
With the series tied and both teams eager to claim the win, the rubber match promises to deliver an unforgettable afternoon of MLB action.
