Blue Jays VS Pirates Weekend Betting Preview

Blue Jays VS Pirates Best Bets of the Weekend

As they look to put an end to their six-game losing streak, the Toronto Blue Jays will travel to the Steel City to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend. Both teams are coming off of being swept in their previous series with the Blue Jays getting manhandled by the Red Sox, while the Pirates were dominated by the Tampa Bay Rays.

With both sides desperate to put an end to their recent losing skids, this weekends action is sure to produce some fireworks.

At Canadian Sports Betting, we provide the top expert betting analysis and moneymaking picks on the MLB including this weekends Blue Jays VS Pirates series. Below you can find the best bets and helpful resources to utilize for this weekend’s action that will have you walking away with some cash in your pocket.

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Blue Jays VS Pirates Picks & Predictions

Back the Pirates to Cover the Runline at Home

While they were unable to get the better of the Rays, look for the Pirates to put up a fight against the Blue Jays at home, covering the runline as underdogs in this weekend’s series. One of the biggest surprises of the 2023 MLB season so far, the Pirates have exceeded expectations and have looked like a strong overall unit this year.

With explosive hitters and a shutdown defence, the Pirates match up well with the Blue Jays and will have all the tools necessary to compete with the high-octane Blue Jays. With the Jays looking out of sorts defensively in their recent outings, look for the Pirates to capitalize on any given opportunities, keeping themselves well-within striking distance in their head-to-head clashes.

Back the Pirates to cover the runline this weekend against the Blue Jays as they continue to make a push toward the postseason, maintaining control over the NL Central.

Expect to See Low-Scoring Ball Games this Weekend

With the Pirates lacklustre output offensively over their last three games coupled with the Blue Jays horrid defence, look for this weekends series to be scarce of scoring plays as both sides struggle to pull ahead.

While the Blue Jays were able to produce well offensively, they certainly lacked the two-way play that had brought them success in the early goings of the season. Both teams in this series are likely still reeling from the shellacking they received from their last opponents and may need to use this time as a way to round back into form.

Bank on both sides to take their time this weekend in finding their bearings, bet the Under on the Blue Jays VS Pirates this weekend.

Best Blue Jays VS Pirates Batter Prop Bets

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Hit a Home Run

The Blue Jays may not have been able to pull out the victory against the Red Sox earlier this week, but it certainly wasn’t the fault of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Tallying five RBIs and two home runs in four games played, look for Vladdy G to stay hot this weekend, hitting another homer in this upcoming series.

A ferocious batter when he steps up to the plate, Guerrero Jr. is always a threat to hit the long ball. With no shortage of power behind him, look for the young star to continue his elite play, knocking one out of the park against the Pirates over the course of their weekend series.

Bryan Reynolds Over 1.5 Total Bases

While they weren’t able to pull out a win against the Rays earlier this week, outfielder Bryan Reynolds was a reliable source off offence, totaling Over 1.5 total bases twice over the course of their three-game series. Look for his stellar offensive production to continue into this weekend as Reynolds rounds the bases against the Blue Jays.

On-pace for a career-best season, look for Reynolds to continue leading by example for his squad, producing consistent offence and opening up scoring chances for his team. A terrific athlete, Reynolds has no problems outrunning the ball as he touches up safe prior to being tagged out.

Back Reynolds to continue his strong start to 2023 at the expense of the Blue Jays, bet the Over on his total bases this weekend.

Blue Jays VS Pirates Probable Pitchers

Chris Bassitt (May 5th)

Struggling to find consistency in his game, Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt will have a tough task ahead of him on Friday night as he is tasked with shutting down a dynamic Pirates ball club. Coming off a subpar performance against the Mariners in his last appearance, Bassitt will need to get back into form in order to secure his team the victory.

A gambler on the mound, Bassitt is a stellar strikeout specialist but tends to fall in love with the fast ball, resulting in a high number of hits resulting in deep shots. With his team clambering for a win, look for Bassitt to set the tone early as he looks to turn the tides of his teams recent poor play.

Jose Berrios (May 6th)

Just when it looked like Blue Jays starting pitcher, Jose Berrios was starting to hit his stride, he ran into a red hot Red Sox team. Allowing 11 hits including two home runs in five innings pitched, look for Berrios to have a comeback performance in Saturday’s clash with the Pirates.

Still possessing incredible upside, Berrios will need to prove that his is a reliable option in the Jays bullpen with a strong showing this weekend. Able to send a variety of pitches at opposing batters, Berrios will need to keep the Pirates guessing in order to help pick up the win for his down-bad Jays team.

Yusei Kikuchi (May 7th)

Another victim of the Red Sox insane scoring surge from earlier this week, Yusei Kikuchi saw his season stats take a major hit as he was unable to keep his opponents off the board. Allowing nine hits, two of which were home runs, in four innings, this was easily the worst performance of Kikuchi’s season thus far.

Don’t expect to see a repeat of this however, as Kikuchi is primed to bounce back in a big way on Sunday evening as he takes the mound against the Pirates. Kikuchi has been arguably the best starting pitcher for the Blue Jays this season and will be ready to overcome his latest hurdle in order to get back to his dominant play.

Rich Hill (May 5th)

An 18-year veteran of the MLB, ageless wonder, Rich Hill will take centre stage against the Blue Jays on Friday night as he will look to put an end to his teams recent struggles. Despite his advanced age, Hill has been rock solid when his number is called this season.

A savvy player that never cracks under pressure, Hill is a cool customer while throwing heat at his opposition. Look for Hill to take a cautious approach against the heavy hitters of the Blue Jays, avoiding any chance for a big play occurring on their home field.

Johan Oviedo (May 6th)

Coming off of his worst outing of the 2023 season, Pirates pitcher Johan Oviedo will look to pick up his third win of the season in his seventh starting nod.

Oviedo has been inconsistent to say the least this season, playing as the differentiator between winning and losing to begin their new campaign. After being forced out of the game in two innings against the Washington Nationals in his last showing, look for Oviedo to slow down his game and eliminate an unnecessary risks from his game as he looks to keep the Jays at bay this weekend.

Roansy Contreras (May 7th)

After coming up short against the Rays as he failed to extend his two-game winning streak, look for Pirates starter, Roansy Contreras to provide his team with the best chance of winning a game in their upcoming series against the Blue Jays.

A fantastic player, Contreras is looking to continue his strong start to the 2023 MLB season as he faces a Blue Jays squad that will be competing in their seventh consecutive road game. Look for Contreras to prey on the fatigued Blue Jays and keep his opponents scoring output to a minimum this weeknd.

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