Series Preview: Series 4 vs. Blue Jays

Photo Via: Jim McIsaac

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After losing three games in a row, the Yankees managed to grab a win in the series finale against the Rays. The club did not have to travel far for its next matchup against the Blue Jays, who have made a new home in Dunedin, Florida, at their spring training facility. The teams will square off in a three game series, their second of such on the season. The Blue Jays took the first series 2-1 in the Bronx.

Game 1

Monday, April 12 — 7:07 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Gerrit Cole - RHP (NYY) vs. Robbie Ray - LHP (TOR)

Game Notes: Gerrit Cole will pitch to Kyle Higashioka once again. Manager Aaron Boone says it is not a personal catcher situation, but just that Higashioka and Cole are familiar with each other and the timing has worked out for Sánchez’s days off. Boone also cited yesterday’s 10-inning affair in St. Petersburg as a reason to give Sánchez the day. Cole is coming off a spectacular 7 shutout innings, 13 punch-outs performance back in the Stadium against the O’s.

Game 2

Tuesday, April 13 — 7:07 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Jameson Taillon - RHP (NYY) vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu - LHP (TOR)

Game Notes: Taillon did not pitch last time around against Toronto, but the Yankees saw Ryu on Opening Day. The Yankees struggled with Ryu’s offspeed/fastball combination and looked uncomfortable at times, but the righty-heavy lineup will be tough to fool for a second time. Jameson Taillon faced the Orioles and struck out 7 batters over 4.2 innings. With an increased pitch count, Taillon will attempt to earn his first win since 2019.

Game 3

Wednesday, April 14 — 1:07 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Corey Kluber - RHP (NYY) vs. Ross Stripling - RHP (TOR)

Game Notes: These pitchers already faced each other once this season, a game that the Yankees won 5-3. Both pitchers had to give a max effort to get through a few innings, but neither imploded. Stripling is prone to the home run ball, so that is something the Yankees will hope to capitalize on during this matchup.

Injury Report

Aaron Judge (side soreness) returned from injury in the second game of the series against the Rays, but eyes will definitely still be on him until he gets rolling.

Luke Voit (torn meniscus), Miguel Andújar (carpal tunnel syndrome), Zack Britton (arthroscopic elbow surgery), Clarke Schmidt (elbow strain), and Luis Severino (Tommy John surgery) are all out for the series.

Teoscar Hernández is on the COVID-19 injured list due to an exposure to a person with the virus outside of the organization. It is possible he returns during the series.

George Springer strained his quad while rehabbing his strained oblique and is out for the series.

Thomas Hatch (elbow discomfort), Tyler Chatwood (triceps discomfort), Patrick Murphy (sprained shoulder), Nate Pearson (strained groin), and Kirby Yates (Tommy John surgery) are all out for the series for Toronto.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned yesterday from the COVID-19 injured list after experiencing side effects from his vaccine.