The Yankees conclude their homestand with a three-game set with the Blue Jays. New York has been underwhelming up to this point, playing to a mediocre 4-4 record on the homestand.
After taking three of four from the Rangers, the Yankees dropped a disappointing game to the Mets before losing two of three to the Rays. They have gone 13-13 since the All-Star Break.
The Blue Jays just split with the Royals before losing two of three to the Rays. They are 7-10 since the trade deadline and have virtually no chance to make the postseason (17 GB in Wild Card).
Game 1: Lance Lynn vs. Marcus Stroman
The acquisition of Lynn (8-8, 4.46 ERA) at the trade deadline was a bit puzzling at first, but he’s been impressive for the Yankees ever since. He has allowed just one run in 16.2 innings thrown with 22 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP. Lynn has provided some much needed relief to the rotation and exceeded expectations.
He has little experience against Toronto, having made three career appearances and pitching to a 5.54 ERA. Most recently, pitching with the Twins, Lynn got lit up for six runs in five innings. However, he seems to be locked in as of late with a 2.33 ERA in his last 38.2 innings pitched.
Stroman (4-8, 5.03 ERA) is having a massively disappointing year. For a guy who has a career 3.82 ERA, he has not been himself on the mound this year. Stroman has had some success against the Yankees in the past (3.87 career ERA) but no success at Yankee Stadium (5.84 career ERA).
Game 2: Luis Severino vs. Sean Reid-Foley
It seemed like Severino (15-6, 3.27 ERA) was starting to return to dominant form until he threw against the Mets on Monday. Four runs in four innings and Sevy left having gained zero ground. He’s given up 11 home runs in addition to a 7.50 ERA in his last seven starts and opponents are hitting to a 1.015 OPS in that stretch. It is imperative that he returns to form soon because he is extremely vital to the Yankees’ success.
Reid-Foley (0-1, 5.40 ERA) last pitched in his MLB debut against the Royals on August 13. He went five innings and gave up three runs on six hits in the loss. The 22-year-old is the 10th best prospect in the Blue Jays system, having compiled a 12-4 record with a 2.98 ERA through two minor league levels.
Prior to the game, the Yankees will honor the 1998 Yankees and their World Series championship.
Game 3: J.A. Happ vs Ryan Borucki
Much like Lynn, Happ (13-6, 3.86 ERA) has provided some stress-free starts for the Yankees ever since joining the club. He is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA since being acquired with a 0.74 WHIP.
The last time Happ threw against his former team was back in 2015. With a career ERA of 3.36 at Yankee Stadium, the southpaw’s stuff should bode well against his former teammates.
Borucki (2-2, 3.29 ERA) threw a gem against the Yankees on July 9, going seven innings and allowing one run in a 2-1 loss.
The 24-year-old has only thrown 52 innings while making nine starts this season.
