Comparing the Blue Jays to the Yankees – who has the upper hand?

Bullpen

Both teams have a good rotation, and it appears to be the same case with the bullpen. Both have two of the best closers in the American League while being paired with a strong supporting cast. Despite having Aroldis Chapman’s performance taking a downwards slide as well as an IL stint, the Yankees have embraced Clay Holmes in the closer role, and he’s been nothing short of nasty.

The former Pirate has produced a minuscule 0.28 ERA thus far, though logging only 11 saves. This is due to both taking over the role a bit later, and the Yankees winning games by an amount that restricts any actual save opportunity (3 runs or less). His other pen mates have been excelling as well.

Michael King has transformed himself into a dominant reliever. He’s capable of working multiple innings per outing and striking out hitters while limiting walks. Former Blue Jay, Miguel Castro has fared well this season despite a high walk total, he’s kept an ERA under 3.00. Wandy Peralta and Lucas Luetge have been serviceable out of the bullpen as veteran lefty options. While there are many options to go here, I believe the Blue Jays bullpen to be deeper.

Spearheaded by Canadian closer, Jordan Romano, this bullpen is a strength of the Blue Jays and a key difference between this and last years club. Romano, with 16 saves under his belt, has been as steady as can be. The three set-up men employed by the Jays haven’t been too shabby either. Tim Mayza and Adam Cimber, with WHIPs under 1.00 and have been truly reliable. They’ve also been getting support from the lower ladder guys in the pen. Trent Thornton, despite what social media may want you to think, is a good pitcher. The glasses wearing gladiator has yet to give up a homer and has an ERA of 2.91. Veteran David Phelps has been a blessing as well, answering the call in every situation and producing an ERA under 2.50.

Advantage: Blue Jays