Toronto Blue Jays series preview: Home for rivalry week

May 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees pinch hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a home run tying Willie Mays record for most home runs during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Across the Diamond

The New York Yankees swept the Boston Red Sox this past weekend to move to 16-9, 4.5 games clear of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.  For New York, their offensive production has been boosted by a hot start across the outfield.

Chris Young has exploded out of the gates, entering Sunday night’s game with a .317 average and 6 home runs for 12 runs batted in.  Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner also sit above the .300 mark, and have combined for 15 steals.  Against Russell Martin, there could be some elite battles on the base paths.

Mark Teixeira has brought the boom stick out early, and despite a weak average, has launched 8 home runs for 18 RBI’s with 15 walks.  The greatest surprise of all, however, is the return of Alex Rodriguez.  Love him or hate him, the man is producing.

Rodriguez entered Sunday night hitting a modest .243, but has clubbed 6 home runs for 14 RBI’s.  New York has experienced slow starts from Brian McCann, Stephen Drew, Carlos Beltran and Didi Gregorius, however, so Blue Jays’ pitchers will hope to find a resting spot towards the bottom of the lineup.

Next: Dickey leads the way for Blue Jays