May 22, 2026 Updated 1:13 pm EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a three-game series at Rogers Centre, with first pitch at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday. Kevin Gausman (3-3, 3.61 ERA) gets the start for the Blue Jays, who are 23-27 this season and third in the AL East. Bubba Chandler (1-5, 5.14 ERA) is starting for the Pirates, who are 26-24 and fourth in the NL Central.
How to watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Toronto Blue JaysPirates vs. Blue Jays odds
Injury reportsBlue Jays
Nathan Lukes: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Addison Barger: 10 Day IL (Elbow), Alejandro Kirk: 10 Day IL (Hand), Joe Mantiply: 15 Day IL (Knee), Tommy Nance: 15 Day IL (Forearm), Max Scherzer: 15 Day IL (Forearm), Lazaro Estrada: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), José Berrios: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Cody Ponce: 60 Day IL (Knee), Anthony Santander: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Shane Bieber: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Bowden Francis: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Yimi Garcia: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Jesus Sanchez: day-to-day (Shoulder)
Pirates
Joey Bart: 10 Day IL (Foot infection), Ryan O’Hearn: 10 Day IL (Quadricep), Chris Devenski: 15 Day IL (Illness), Jared Jones: 60 Day IL (Elbow)
Stats to know
Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hit three home runs this season. He has also tallied 22 RBIs and has scored 29 runs. In 211 plate appearances, he has recorded a .283 BA, .374 OBP and .372 SLG with an 11.8% walk rate and a 10.9% strikeout rate. He has been effective on the base paths, recording four steals on four attempts.
In 197 plate appearances, Ernie Clement has slashed .296/.320/.429 this season. He has hit three long balls and driven in 16 runs with a strikeout rate of 8.1% and a walk rate of 3.6%. He has come around to score 19 times.
Brandon Lowe is hitting for a .256 BA, .348 OBP and .558 SLG with a 22.2% strikeout rate and a 12.1% walk rate. His OPS is .907, which ranks 15th in MLB, and he has scored 28 runs. In 198 plate appearances, he has hit 13 home runs (8th in MLB) and driven in 32 runs (18th in MLB).
In 222 plate appearances, Oneil Cruz has posted a 35.1% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate while slashing .257/.324/.455 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs (12th in MLB) and 36 runs scored. He has stolen 16 bases on 19 attempts.
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images
May 22, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle