The Toronto Blue Jays finally hit some dingers (not Vladdy, but one step at a time) and powered their way to a 6-3 win over the Atlanta Braves last night.
Now, with this series knotted at one win apiece, they play the rubber match this afternoon at Rogers Centre.
And it should be an intriguing matchup as Spencer Strider makes his season debut while Chris Bassitt has been dealing.
My Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks break down which starter has the edge in this interleague matchup.
Blue Jays predictions for April 16
- Best bet
Chris Bassitt Over 5.5 strikeouts
(-125 at BetVictor) - SGP pick
Chris Bassitt Over 5.5 strikeouts
Michael Harris II Under 0.5 hits
Jarred Kelenic Under 0.5 hits
(+750 at BetVictor)
Today’s Blue Jays best bet: Bassitt's a Hound for Punchouts
Pick: Chris Bassitt Over 5.5 strikeouts (-125 at BetVictor)
Spencer Strider will get most of the headlines heading into this matchup as he prepares to make his first start of the 2025 season.
And deservedly so. 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.
But with Strider getting all the attention, people may overlook today's counterpart, Chris Bassitt. The Toronto Blue Jays starter has been spinning it to start the season and will have a great chance to keep doing that against a struggling Braves lineup.
The veteran right-hander has what seems like an unlimited arsenal of pitches to choose from, and when several of them are moving well, he can be one of the toughest pitchers to hit in baseball. And that’s exactly what has happened through Bassitt’s first three starts of the season.
Bassitt has allowed just two earned runs on 17 hits while striking out 21 in 18 1/3 innings. And that has come against tough lineups in the Orioles, Mets, and Red Sox.
While the Braves on paper should be along the same lines as those teams, that’s not how they’ve played this season. Atlanta is ranked 19th in batting average and OPS, and 20th in wRC+.
Additionally, Bassitt has plenty of experience against a lot of guys in this Braves lineup thanks to his time with the Mets. And generally, Bassitt came out on top. Current Atlanta hitters have combined for a .229 expected batting average and a .388 expected slugging percentage vs. Bassitt while getting punched out 24% of the time.
Like I said, Strider may grab the headlines and get his fair share of strikeouts, but Bassitt will too. His ability to pitch deep into games while going against a slumping lineup means he should have plenty of chances to eclipse his strikeout prop, which is at 5.5 today.
Give me the Over 5.5 Ks for Bassitt in what should be a fun afternoon in Toronto.
Today’s Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Chris Bassitt Over 5.5 strikeouts
Michael Harris II Under 0.5 hits
Jarred Kelenic Under 0.5 hits
Let’s triple down on what should be another great afternoon for Bassitt by taking a couple of Braves hitters to go 0-fer at the dish, and I’m targeting Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris II.
Both Kelenic and Harris have been ice cold to start the season, with Kelenic hitting .154 and Harris at .190. That’s not great, particularly when you go against a starter against whom you’ve struggled in the past.
Kelenic is hitless in 10 career plate appearances vs. Bassitt with four strikeouts, while Harris is 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. Kelenic has a .002 expected batting average against Bassitt and Harris is at .188. Not great, Bob. Unless you are betting Unders on hit totals that is.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the Blue Jays at BetVictor!
Canada's home for betting on the Toronto Blue Jays, elevate your game with BetVictor and get access to competitive odds, great daily promotions, and more — for all 162 games!
19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Live Blue Jays odds for today
How to watch the Blue Jays today
| Location | Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario |
| Date | Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
| First pitch | 1:07 p.m. ET |
| TV | Rogers Sportsnet |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Chris Bassitt (1-0, 0.98 ERA) |
| Braves starting pitcher | Spencer Strider (0-0, 0.00 ERA) |
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
