Blue Jays vs Pirates Predictions, Picks, Odds — 5-31 (2024)

With Pittsburgh and Toronto both heating up offensively, Tom Oldfield's expert handicap is fading the pitching at the Rogers Centre this evening. Read more in our Pirates vs. Blue Jays betting picks.

The Toronto Blue Jays are inching back towards the elusive .500 mark and they’ll chase a fourth straight win tonight as they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays climbed to 26-29 after a much-needed sweep — their first of the season — against the lowly Chicago White Sox this week and, with ace Jose Berrios on the mound, they’re clear favorites here in the latest MLB odds.

However, the Pirates are still in the NL wildcard mix and they’ll be no pushovers, especially following a 10-2 win against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Find out why my Pirates vs. Blue Jays predictions anticipate a high-scoring affair in our MLB picks for May 31.

Pirates vs Blue Jays prediction

My best bet
Both teams to score 3+ runs (+100 at PROLINE+)

My analysis

This is set up to be a pivotal weekend for both of these teams, who arrive in solid form with the bat and with ground to make up in their respective wildcard races.

Neither offense will be mistaken for a run-scoring machine, but the trends this month suggest they’re heating up — and I’m picking both teams to end up with at least three runs tonight at slight plus odds.

Cashing in on a softer portion of their schedule, the Toronto Blue Jays have scored three or more runs in six of their past eight contests, and they’ve piled up five or more runs five times in that span.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates have posted three or more runs seven times in their last nine games, and they’re coming off an emphatic victory over the Tigers.

Then there’s the pitching matchup. While Jose Berrios is putting together a strong season for Toronto, his form has dipped this month. After a lights-out April, where the right-hander posted a 1.19 ERA and allowed just five runs in his six starts, Berrios is sporting a paltry 5.70 ERA in May.

That ERA drop-off is largely due to a rough outing in Philadelphia at the start of the month, but Berrios has allowed two or more runs in each of his last four starts.

On the other side, Pittsburgh has confirmed lefty Bailey Falter as their starter to open the series. Despite a rock-solid 0.98 WHIP, he gave up three runs on six hits in his last start.

With in-form hitters in both line-ups, pitchers could pay a hefty price tonight if their execution isn’t on point, and I expect runs to come early and often.

Blue Jays star player prop

My best bet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 RBI (+162 at PROLINE+)

No Blue Jays hitter has turned their numbers around more impressively this month than Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as the superstar slugger is providing Toronto consistent offense while hitting .376 with a .958 OPS in May.

That’s the type of power surge the hosts will need to crash the wildcard party, and I see Vladdy staying hot tonight against Falter and a shaky group of Pittsburgh relievers.

Though Guerrero Jr.’s home run tally of just five feels like a misprint, there’s everything to like about a 35-for-93 effort at the plate this month.

Pirates vs Blue Jays odds

Pirates vs Blue Jays live odds

Pirates vs Blue Jays opening odds

• Run line: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-152) | Toronto -1.5 (+125)
• Moneyline: Pittsburgh +140 | Toronto -165
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)

Pirates vs Blue Jays spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Blue Jays have had a stranglehold on the Pirates over the past few seasons, winners of eight straight meetings.
• Toronto has won seven of its last 11 contests overall but is just 12-12 at the Rogers Centre.
• The Over is 8-2 across Pittsburgh’s last 10 games with a double-digit total in five of those contests, and the Pirates’ bullpen continues to be one of the weakest in the majors, entering tonight with a 4.68 ERA.
• The Under is 23-32 for Toronto in 2024, but Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette have looked like their old selves over the past few weeks, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa is riding an eight-game hit streak.

Pirates vs Blue Jays trend

The Pirates have hit the Over in 14 of their past 20 outings.Find moreMLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Blue Jays

Pirates vs Blue Jays game info

Pirates vs Blue Jays latest injuries

Pirates vs Blue Jays weather

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