Pirates vs Blue Jays Prediction 5/22/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Pirates vs Blue Jays prediction for this MLB game on Friday, May 22nd at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 26-24 this year after they won two out of three against the Cardinals by scores of 6-9, 7-0, and 6-2. In game three, Pittsburgh was tied at one in the third inning, but they scored the next five runs to pull away with the win. The Pirates recorded 10 hits in the game and they were led by Ozuna, who went 2-4 with two RBIs. Ashcraft allowed four hits and one earned run over 7.0 innings for the win, while Dotel allowed one earned run in relief. Prior to that series, Pittsburgh lost all three against the Phillies, but did win two out of three against the Rockies before that. 

This season, Pittsburgh has a 3.85 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and a .226 opponent batting average, while they have scored 248 runs with a .253 batting average and a .335 on base percentage. Oneil Cruz has led the Pirates with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs, while Brandon Lowe has added 13 home runs and 32 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Bubba Chandler, who is 1-5 with a 5.14 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP over 42.0 innings pitched this year. 

Toronto Blue Jays Betting Preview

The Toronto Blue Jays are 23-27 this season after they split four games with the Yankees by scores of 6-7, 4-5, 2-1, and 2-0. In game four, Toronto scored one run in the first inning and they added one in the seventh to seal the win. The Blue Jays recorded seven hits in the game and they were led by Springer, who went 1-4 with one home run and one RBI. Macko picked up the win by pitching early in the game, while Miles threw 4.1 innings in bulk relief. Prior to that series, Toronto won two out of three against the Tigers, but lost two out of three against the Rays before that. 

This season, Toronto has a 3.92 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and a .245 opponent batting average, while they have scored 202 runs with a .243 batting average and a .306 on base percentage. Kazuma Okamoto has led the Blue Jays with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs, while Andres Gimenez has added five home runs and 27 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Toronto is Kevin Gausman, who is 3-3 with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP over 57.1 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Toronto Blue Jays will win

• The Pirates have lost seven of their last eight night games against American League opponents following a win.
• The Blue Jays have won five of their last six games against the Pirates following a road win.
• The Blue Jays have covered the run line in each of their last six games.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four night games following a win.

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win

• The Blue Jays have lost five of their last six games as home favorites against National League opponents.
• The Pirates have won six of their last nine games as underdogs against AL East opponents.
• The Pirates have covered the run line each of their last six games against American League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Blue Jays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games against National League opponents following a win.
• The Blue Jays have trailed after 5 innings in six of their last seven night games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Blue Jays have trailed after 3 innings in six of their last eight games at Rogers Centre against opponents that held a winning record.

Total Runs Facts

• Eight of the Pirates’ last nine night games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Five of the Blue Jays’ last six night games against NL Central opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Blue Jays’ last eight home games against National League opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Pirates’ last four night games.

Toronto Blue Jays Player Prop Facts

• Kevin Gausman has recorded six or more strikeouts in 13 of his last 17 appearances with his team as a favorite against NL Central opponents.
• Daulton Varsho has hit a home run in each of the Blue Jays’ last three night games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has recorded at least one hit in each of the Blue Jays’ last seven games against NL opponents.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts

• Oneil Cruz has hit a home run in each of the Pirates’ last two road games against AL opponents.
• Marcell Ozuna has recorded at least one hit in each of his eight previous road appearances against the Blue Jays.

Pirates vs Blue Jays Prediction 

Toronto comes into this matchup after winning their last two games against the Yankees and they allowed just one total run in those two wins. The Blue Jays are 13-11 at home this year, while the Pirates are 13-11 on the road. Pittsburgh has also won two in a row and they have scored 6+ runs in three straight. The Pirates are starting Chandler, who has allowed 3+ earned runs in three of his last five starts, while Gausman has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last five, but did allow six earned runs in his last home start. I am not sold on the Toronto offense and I think Pittsburgh has great value at this price. Take the Pirates here.

David Racey's Pick: Pirates ML