The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up to inch closer to clinching a coveted playoff spot as they square off against the visiting New York Yankees in the opening game of a three-game series on Tuesday night.
The Blue Jays (87-69) are riding the momentum of a successful 4-2 road trip, which included two crucial wins in a three-game set against the Yankees, helping them secure the second American League wild card as the regular season’s final week unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Yankees (79-77) have been eliminated from playoff contention, a fact confirmed on Sunday. Despite this, they managed to bounce back on Monday with a 6-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, concluding their home schedule on a positive note.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed before Monday’s game that he has not received any information regarding his status for the next season. His contract runs through 2024, and he remains focused on preparing for the offseason to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
The Blue Jays enjoyed a day off on Monday but were in high spirits following a 9-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday in the deciding game of their three-game series in St. Petersburg, Florida. Manager John Schneider praised his team’s performance, particularly highlighting their offensive prowess, defensive skills, and pitching.
Right fielder George Springer played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win, delivering a spectacular three-run inside-the-park home run while also making crucial defensive plays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added to the offensive onslaught with two home runs.
As the playoff race intensifies, the Blue Jays are focused on executing the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing quality at-bats, disciplined plate appearances, and situational play to secure victories in September.
On Tuesday, the Blue Jays will send right-hander Kevin Gausman (12-9, 3.29 ERA) to the mound. Gausman has faced the Yankees three times this season, boasting a 2-0 record while allowing just three runs (two earned) across 20 innings. In his career, Gausman holds a 10-7 record with a 3.15 ERA in 30 appearances (24 starts) against New York.
Gausman’s most recent outing against the Yankees saw him dominate, pitching six shutout innings, striking out 10 while surrendering only three hits and three walks.
The Yankees are expected to counter with right-hander Michael King (4-7, 2.66 ERA). King had an impressive performance in his last start, allowing just one run on five hits and recording 13 strikeouts in seven innings against the Blue Jays, even though the Yankees suffered a 6-1 loss. In his career, King holds a 2-2 record with a 3.35 ERA in 17 appearances (three starts) against Toronto.
In roster news, the Yankees recalled Matt Bowman from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday and placed fellow right-hander Tommy Kahnle on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.
