The New York Yankees kick off an extremely crucial series this September weekend against the Toronto Blue Jays. The three-game matchup will hold extreme postseason implications, directly affecting the American League East. Are there any advantages for the Yankees?
The Blue Jays currently hang onto the top spot in the division by a thread. The Yankees were once at the top of the division, and after a slide, they fell significantly behind. Toronto has run with the torch ever since.
The Blue Jays lead the season series against the Yankees, 7-3. They have a three-game lead in the AL East. The Bronx Bombers have climbed their way back into contention, and there are a few promising trends that could be in their favor.
Changes to the Yankees’ Structure Lead to Healthy Lineup for Postseason Push
The Bronx bats have wiggled their way back into synchronization. Aaron Judge is continuing to be himself. He has 24 hits, seven home runs, 15 RBI, 28 walks, and 23 runs in his last 30 games.
The slugger currently has a .322 batting average with 43 home runs and 97 RBI. His bat leads the pack, while others follow suit. His counterpart, Giancarlo Stanton, also has postseason fever on the offensive end.
Stanton has 28 hits, 12 home runs, 28 RBIs, 17 runs, and a .289 batting average. Lately, his bat has been hot and contagious. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been an all-around contributor to the lineup, both hitting-wise and running-wise.
AL East standings@BlueJays: 81-59 —@Yankees: 78-62 3 GB
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New Power On Display
Another source of power and run production is Trent Grisham’s recent power surge, launching his 30th home run on Thursday. He is seeing the ball well at the plate, and his confidence is present, giving the Yankees a competitive chance in each of his plate appearances.
Newly added Ryan McMahon is also adding timely swings and production to the overall course of the offensive game.
Yankees Pitching is Dominantly Structured
According to the numbers, the Yankees’ third starting pitcher in this series has had the best numerical success against the Blue Jays. Left-handed pitcher Max Fried will pitch on Sunday in the Bronx.
Fried has a 0.32 ERA in his career against the Blue Jays. The team hits .184 against him, and his left-handed tendencies are beneficial. The Yankees will also send former Rookie of the Year Luis Gil to the mound in Saturday’s game.
Gil is fresh off the injured list but looks dialed in, with a 2-1 record in 29 1 / 3 innings. The right-hander has a 3.68 ERA and a 1.602 WHIP.
His overall repertoire has been polished, and he seems to be postseason-ready. Gil will face off against Chris Bassitt on Saturday, and Max Scherzer faces Fried on Sunday.
Can Toronto Close It Out?
The Yankees have had issues of their own with closers, but it is evident that the Blue Jays are not the strongest in that department either.
Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman may rank fourth in the majors in saves this year, but that hasn’t kept him from several rough outings. Hoffman has not been exactly reliable, and does not always have lights-out stuff.
Hoffman has saved 30 games and blown seven of them. The right-hander admitted that his stuff hasn’t been good, and the inconsistencies have been noticeable.
The Yankees could pounce on the Blue Jays’ struggles in the late innings, especially if getting to a save situation.
The weekend series in New York may only be an early September series. However, both teams’ postseason hopes figure into this one.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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