August 20, 2025

Game Preview

Written by: Jake Turner

Jake is a veteran sports analyst with over 10 years of MLB prop betting experience.

Jays vs Pirates: Betting Preview & Props (Aug 20)

Last updated: August 20, 2025

Game Time: 8/20, 12:35PM

Game Preview

The Toronto Blue Jays visit the Pittsburgh Pirates in what promises to be a compelling matchup. DraftKings has the Blue Jays as a −157 favorite, with the Pirates as a +128 underdog. A significant 92% of the money is backing the Blue Jays, indicating strong public confidence in Toronto.

Rotation Report

Pitching Matchup: Chris Bassitt vs Johan Oviedo

Chris Bassitt (TOR):

Chris Bassitt utilizes a diverse array of pitches, featuring a Sinker (41% usage, 91.5 mph), Cutter (18% usage, 88.4 mph), Curveball (17% usage, 71.2 mph), and several others. His style is that of a pitch-mix artist, relying more on variety than velocity. The Pirates lineup averages .235 this season, with a projected xBA of .258 against Bassitt's arsenal.

Johan Oviedo (PIT):

Johan Oviedo is noted for a mixed arsenal. The Blue Jays lineup, averaging .250 this season, projects to maintain that average against Oviedo's offerings.

Offensive Breakdown

Lineup Matchups & Batting Edges

For Toronto vs Johan Oviedo:

The Blue Jays lineup averages .250 this season and projects to maintain a .250 xBA against Oviedo's arsenal.
With no significant differential in xBA for Toronto's key performers, no batter stands out significantly.

For Pittsburgh vs Chris Bassitt:

The Pirates lineup averages .235 this season but projects to improve to .258 against Bassitt's diverse pitch mix.
Biggest Increase: Nick Gonzales: Season BA .278 → xBA .324 (+46 points), Season K% 17.0% → Arsenal K% 11.3% (−5.7%)
Biggest Decrease: Henry Davis: Season BA .254 → xBA .216 (−38 points), Season K% 26.9% → Arsenal K% 27.6% (+0.7%)

Strikeout Trends

Strikeout Risks & Rewards

The Blue Jays' projected K-rate is 22.5% vs Johan Oviedo, consistent with their season average of 22.5%.
The Pirates' projected K-rate is 22.1% vs Chris Bassitt, slightly down from their season average of 22.4%.

Behind the Plate

Behind the Plate: TBA Umpire assignment has not been announced, which makes prop volatility a concern.

What to Bet On

📢 Prop Alert: Nick Gonzales (.278 → .324, +46 points) meets betting lean criteria!
No significant strikeout prop opportunities as neither team's projected K-rate deviates sufficiently from season averages.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Nick Gonzales presents a strong batting prop opportunity with a projected xBA significantly higher than his season average.
No substantial strikeout prop value is observed due to stable K-rates against opposing pitchers.
With the umpire assignment yet to be announced, bettors should be cautious due to potential volatility in strikeout and walk rates.
Toronto's public backing as a favored team is reflected in betting lines, but Pittsburgh's lineup shows potential against Bassitt's pitch mix.

🧠 FAQs

Q: Who is the best betting prop for the TOR vs PIT game? A: Nick Gonzales is the standout batting prop with a significant projected increase in xBA.

Q: Is the umpire for this game a pitcher-friendly umpire? A: Umpire assignment has not been announced, making it difficult to determine strikeout or walk tendencies.

Q: What time is the TOR vs PIT game? A: The game is scheduled for 12:35 PM on August 20th.

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