The Toronto Blue Jays (83–62) look to take the rubber game of their three-game set with the Houston Astros (79–67) this afternoon at Rogers Centre.
Both teams sit atop their respective divisions in tight postseason races. The Blue Jays hold a three-game lead over the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East, while the Astros’ margin is slimmer: just a one-game edge over the surging Seattle Mariners and a 2.5-game lead over the red-hot Texas Rangers.
Of the two, Houston’s postseason outlook is more precarious. A loss today combined with a Mariners win would drop them into a tie for the AL West lead.
Falling to second place would also place them in third in the AL Wild Card race, with the Rangers pressing from behind. Toronto, meanwhile, would have more cushion if pushed into the Wild Card race.
Cristian Javier takes the mound for Houston. Since returning last month from Tommy John surgery, he’s been uneven — shaky in his last outing against the Yankees (four runs, six hits, and three walks in 4.1 innings), but dominant against the Los Angeles Angels, where he threw six no-hit innings before being pulled. The Astros will need the latter version to show up against Toronto’s lineup.
Kevin Gausman gets the start for the Blue Jays, entering with a 9–10 record and 3.63 ERA. Over his last seven starts, he’s posted a 3.13 ERA with back-to-back strong outings, allowing just two runs across 15 innings. Gausman struggled in his lone start against Houston this year back in April, giving up four runs over six innings, but he’s been more consistent since late summer.
Predictions
Expect a tight contest, but Toronto holds the offensive edge with its ability to change the game in a single swing. The Blue Jays’ power makes the difference at home.
Prediction: Blue Jays 4, Astros 3
Starting Lineups
Toronto Blue Jays
1. George Springer — DH
2. Nathan Lukes — RF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — 1B
4. Addison Barger — 3B
5. Ernie Clement — SS
6. Daulton Varsho — CF
7. Davis Schneider — LF
8. Tyler Heineman — C
9. Andres Gimenez — 2B
Starting Pitcher: Kevin Gausman (RHP) — 9–10, 3.63 ERA
Houston Astros
1. Jeremy Peña — SS
2. Yordan Alvarez — DH
3. Carlos Correa — 3B
4. Jose Altuve — 2B
5. Jesus Sanchez — RF
6. Yainer Diaz — C
7. Christian Walker — 1B
8. Taylor Trammell — LF
9. Mauricio Dubon — CF
Starting Pitcher: Cristian Javier (RHP) — 1–2, 4.43 ERA
How to Watch Astros vs. Blue Jays
First pitch for this afternoon’s game between the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays is set for 3:07 PM Eastern at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The game airs live nationally in the U.S. on MLB Network for out-of-market viewers. Local viewers can catch the game on Space City Home Network in Houston and Sportsnet in Canada.
Looking to catch the game for free? The MLB Network is available on streaming on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, all of which offer free trials.
Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
First Pitch: 3:07 PM Eastern
Venue: Rogers Centre (Toronto, ON)
TV: MLB Network, Sportsnet (Canada), Space City Home Network (Houston)
Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market), Sportsnet+