How the Blue Jays have completely spoiled the Yankees pitching plans

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 13-7 on Sunday evening in what was quite the rout, as Toronto capitalized on every early opportunity and marched to a convincing ALDS Game 2 victory.

So far, the series has been a dazzling offensive display for Toronto, with the team feeding off a rowdy Rogers Centre atmosphere to score, at one point, 23 straight runs across two home wins. Toronto’s emphatic offense means New York has had to go deep into their bullpen in both games of the series, with their entire staff getting tagged for runs. 

How the Blue Jays have completely spoiled the Yankees pitching plans

Before this series began, New York coaches were hoping their Wild Card series in Boston would not affect their pitching in the ALDS against Toronto. To begin the series, the Yankees started 27-year-old Luis Gil and veteran Max Fried, who looked both fatigued and erratic, leading to unsavoury results. Here’s a look at what the Yankees’ pitching staff is up against — and why their path back may be too steep to climb.

Game 3

It has been announced that the Yankees will start Carlos Rodon in the upcoming elimination game. He will likely go up against Shane Bieber, a deadline acquisition with ample playoff experience as the series shifts to a raucous Yankee Stadium. Rodon must work deep into the game, as the Yankees enter with a more fatigued bullpen than Toronto.

If the Blue Jays pounce early again, they can extend their dominance over New York before they even have a chance to get going.

In Game 3, the Yankees’ bats must prove they are able to bounce back from two blowout losses in Toronto so far in this lopsided ALDS. The Blue Jays will enter this game with a bullpen that has only pitched in low-leverage situations so far, relieving some pressure on their back-end arms.

Facing elimination for the remainder of the series, the Bronx Bombers will be relying on their remaining starters to outlast this Blue Jays lineup.

*Game 4 (in necessary)

Game 4 will see the return of Cam Schlittler, who delivered a gem versus Boston in the Wild Card Series. The Blue Jays can start any of their remaining starters in this potential Game 4 matchup. The Blue Jays can continue to grind out at-bats and utilize their lineup depth, apparent in their effective Game 2 lineup shuffle.

Schlittler has a 0-1 record against the Blue Jays in 2025 with an 8.10 ERA in two starts. His most recent performance against Toronto was an ugly one, getting rocked at Yankee Stadium for 4 earned runs in 1.2 innings of work.

Like Rodon, Schlittler has to go deep if he wants to prevent a potential collapse from the Yankees bullpen. Some relievers may be forced into tough innings or matchups they’re not ideal for, increasing the chance of blowups against a Toronto lineup that’s attacking aggressively.

*Game 5 (if necessary)

A potential Game 5 would suggest the Yankees now own the momentum swing and be confident enough to start a short-rested Max Fried or turn to another member of the rotation. Toronto, at this point, would have the narrative flipped on them and could turn to Kevin Gausman, or even Trey Yesavage, to close out the series at home.

If the Yankees even force Game 5, their bullpen will be under max stress. In the remainder of the series, Toronto’s offense could exploit weak innings late if they can’t get to New York’s starters. If Rodon can’t perform in Game 3, their season will end before either game arrives.

The Yankees will be facing an uphill battle as they head into elimination territory Tuesday night. New York will need to spark an offensive resurgence if they want to keep up with a lineup that plays to contact and ranks second in the league in hitting with runners in scoring position. 

With an ALDS win, the Blue Jays could see Bo Bichette return to an already red-hot lineup that is proving to be as deep as it is clutch. They have an opportunity to close out the series in Game 3 on Tuesday, giving extra rest to a team hitting its stride at exactly the right time. It remains to be seen how things play out as this ever-suspenseful postseason unfolds.