The Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays for the final time this season in this series opener on Tuesday.

These AL East rivals start their last series of the season when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The Rays have dominated this season’s series against the 2025 AL East champs, leading the Blue Jays 8-2. The Rays are now in firm control of the division standings, sitting six games ahead of the New York Yankees. But they had a tough four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, who sit ahead of the Blue Jays in the AL East. Tampa Bay avoided a four-game sweep against the Orioles by winning the finale on Monday 7-6. Before losing three straight to Baltimore, the Rays had won nine in a row on the road. The Rays are still doing very well with a 75-49 record and a 42-21 mark at home. The Blue Jays are 61-65 overall and 28-32 on the road. They are coming off a series win against the New York Yankees over the weekend. Tampa Bay is the -156 favorite to win this series opener on Tuesday. The Rays will have a great chance at doing just that by starting Nick Martinez. The righty is 12-3 with a 2.74 ERA in 138 innings and made his first All-Star game in his first year with the team this season. The Blue Jays will counter with Jose Soriano, who is 9-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 133.2 innings. Soriano was traded at the deadline by the Los Angeles Angels and is looking for his first decision with his new club.

How to Watch Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Today:

Game Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Game Time: 6:40 p.m. ET

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TV: MLB.TV – Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Rays

Location: Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL

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The Rays avoided the four-game series sweep thanks to pinch-hitter Jonny DeLuca putting Tampa Bay ahead with a two-run single in the seventh. The Rays gave up three homers on the day, but hit three of their own from Ryan Vilade, Jorge Mateo, and Yandy Diaz. Tampa Bay was down 6-4 after the fifth inning, but Jonathan Aranda singled to left in the bottom of the seventh to get the rally going and to get within one run of the O’s. DeLuca then came in to drive in two more that would hold up to be the game-winning play, as Baltimore couldn’t score after the fifth. These two will play again shortly back in Baltimore over the weekend.

The Blue Jays nearly earned a series sweep against the New York Yankees on Sunday, but fell 4-3 in 10 innings at home. The Yankees were up 2-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but Clement hit a sac fly to center to drive in the tying run to force extras. Ben Rice hit the tie-breaking homer in the 10th for New York, which was a two-run shot. Toronto did score in the bottom of the 10th on an infield single from Andres Gimenez, but that is where the rally fell short. Daz Cameron scored the first run of the game in the fifth on an RBI double. Cameron signed a minor league contract in July with Toronto after playing for the Doosan Bears of the KBO League. After only 23 appearances, the Blue Jays picked up his contract. That’s an even better rally story from the right fielder.

What Time Is the Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Game On?

The Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays game will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. ET. Tune in and catch some great MLB action.

What Channel Is the Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Game On?

Looking to watch this game? Fans can tune into MLB.TV – Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Rays to see the action. Make sure you subscribe to Fubo now to watch this matchup, as well as numerous other sports leagues.

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