2025-07-12 Blue Jays at Athletics Matchup Preview

Starting Pitcher Matchup

Kevin Gausman takes the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays, while Jacob Lopez will start for the Athletics. Gausman brings a repertoire known for its effectiveness, relying on a fastball with good velocity and a splitter that induces swings and misses. Lopez counters with a mix designed to disrupt hitters' timing and location, using command more than overpowering velocity to get outs. The ability to locate pitches consistently will be key for both starters.

Blue Jays Hitting Analysis

The Toronto Blue Jays offense showcases a lineup with a collective age of 29, demonstrating a blend of experience and established talent. As a team, the Blue Jays demonstrate considerable discipline, showing the ability to identify balls and strikes, leading to a lower percentage of unproductive at-bats. This patience allows them to work counts and capitalize on mistakes from opposing pitchers. Their strategy often involves wearing down the starter and getting into the bullpen early. Against a pitcher like Jacob Lopez, whose approach depends on command and deception, the Blue Jays' ability to stay disciplined and avoid chasing pitches will be crucial. This can lead to a higher walk rate and opportunities to score runs through strategic hitting and capitalizing on runners in scoring position.

Athletics Hitting Analysis

The Athletics' offense, with an average player age of 28, has been a work in progress throughout the 2025 season. While the team has accumulated significant game experience, playing a substantial number of games, their offensive metrics suggest a need for improvement in key areas. The Athletics' strategy will need to revolve around maximizing their opportunities and manufacturing runs. Against Kevin Gausman, this means hitters must be prepared to battle and make the most of any hittable pitches he offers, as Gausman's ability to control the strike zone will not allow many free passes. The percentage of times the Athletics are successful when swinging at pitches will be key in determining their offensive output in this matchup.

Pitching Advantage

Gausman's history suggests he performs well against disciplined lineups, using his splitter to induce ground balls and strikeouts. The Athletics' focus on contact and putting the ball in play could play into Gausman's strengths, as he excels at controlling the tempo of the game and minimizing damage. Lopez, on the other hand, needs to exploit the Blue Jays' occasional aggressiveness by varying his pitch selection and keeping them off balance. If he can induce early-count outs and avoid deep counts, he can conserve energy and extend his outing.

Defensive Considerations

Both teams' defensive efficiency will be tested, but with Gausman on the mound for the Blue Jays, ground ball tendencies may be heightened, requiring sure-handed infield play. The Athletics must also focus on limiting errors and capitalizing on any defensive miscues by the Blue Jays, as every out will be crucial in a potentially tight contest.

Bullpen Outlook

Bullpen management will be critical, particularly if either starter falters early. The Blue Jays likely have a slight edge in bullpen depth and experience, which could prove decisive in the later innings. The Athletics will need their relief pitchers to maintain tight control and avoid giving up free passes, as their offense may struggle to overcome significant deficits.

Game Prediction

The Blue Jays' disciplined approach at the plate and Gausman's ability to control the game will give them a slight advantage. They should be able to capitalize on opportunities against Lopez and the Athletics' bullpen. The Athletics will need to manufacture runs and play flawless defense to stay competitive, but ultimately, the Blue Jays' offensive consistency and pitching edge should carry them to victory.

Away: Blue Jays Away Score: 5 Home: Athletics Home Score: 3