I can say this a thousand times; the Yankees are smoking hot now and almost seem invincible. Of course, they could have had a commanding lead in the American League East if it wasn’t for the Toronto Blue Jays.
New York Yankees (16-6, 1st AL East, +1.5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-8, 2nd AL East, 1.5GB)
The Yankees will be making their first trip to Toronto this season to visit the Blue Jays. The importance of division games cannot be stressed enough, but they are mainly as important when only a game and a half separates you from the next best team, and that also happens to be the team you have a three-game set with.
Where to watch and listen:
Monday
7:07 PM EST
Watch on: YES Network
Listen on: 101.9FM or 660AM
Tuesday
7:07 PM
Watch on: YES Network/MLB Network
Listen on: 101.9FM or 660AM
Wednesday
7:07 PM
Watch on: YES Network/MLB Network
Listen on: 101.9FM or 660AM
Keys to the series
As previously stated, the offense has to continue to roll and the pitching. The outcome of this series can either give a more significant gap between the two teams or allow the Blue Jays to take over first place in the division. The bullpen has been one of, if not the best in baseball thus far, and it’s expected they will keep on rolling along. For the Yankee pitching, STAY AWAY FROM VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR. Just keep in mind what he did to Gerrit Cole last time around. We don’t need a repeat performance of that. With Jay’s shortstop Bo Bichette beginning to heat up, it is a crucial factor to keep him at bay at the plate. For the lefty bats in the Yankee lineup of Rizzo and Gallo (no, I’m not picking on him this time, I promise), it is crucial to capitalize on the right-handed pitchers all series. Also, consider the run differential of the Blue Jays going into this set, as the Jays have scored 92 runs and allowed 91, while the Yankees have scored 106 and allowed just 65. The Blue Jays will try to keep it close as best they can, but it’s important for the bats to do as much damage at the dish whenever possible.
Series prediction: Yankees 2-1
I don’t enjoy picking for the streak to end, but I’m not fond of the Yankee’s chances against Alek Manoah Tuesday. There’s something about him where he has the Yankees number, and I don’t see that narrative changing this time around. I’d love to be wrong about this one.
