Gerrit Cole, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the New York Yankees (25-19) as they face off against the Toronto Blue Jays (24-18) at Rogers Centre on Wednesday.
The Yankees lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-3 on Tuesday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Ryan Weber got the win with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, and Wandy Peralta picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored three runs. Jose Trevino went 3 for 3 with one run. Kevin Kiermaier’s on-base streak is now at 12 games as he went 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Blue Jays.
ON THE MOUND
Cole (5-0, 2.22 ERA) is in line to start for New York. The right-hander is tied for third in the AL in wins, fourth in ERA, and fifth in strikeouts (62). Cole allowed two runs over five innings in his last start, a 6-5 home win over the Rays on Friday.
He yielded five hits while striking out four and walking two in the no-decision. Cole has made one previous start against the Blue Jays this season, a 3-2 home victory on April 22. He allowed four hits over 5.2 scoreless innings, striking out four and walking two.
For Toronto, RHP Chris Bassitt (5-2, 3.49 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Yankees. In his last start on Friday, Bassitt threw a complete game shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Braves. He gave up only two hits, striking out eight and walking two en route to the win. The righty is tied for third in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 7.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, while performing better across the board (.286/.375/.565).
Against righties like Bassitt this season, the Yanks have a .725 OPS. Aaron Judge is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.048 OPS in 90 at-bats.
Toronto is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Jays have a .741 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .918 OPS over 121 at-bats, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 9-9 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Toronto has gone 12-5 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.3.
In the last 10 games between the AL East rivals at Rogers Centre, New York is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 6.3-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Yankees are fourth in the AL East, seven games behind the division-leading Rays. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, seven games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
NY Yankees (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
