Yanks take last stand against Blue Jays
Toronto certainly doesn’t look the part of a contender at the moment. Nonetheless, a productive weekend vs. the fading Yankees could put John Gibbons’ bunch exactly where it wants to be again.
The two teams begin a four-game series tonight, with a 7:07 p.m. ET first pitch at Rogers Centre. Handicappers at online sports book Bovada.lv lean toward the hosts, whereas New York represents a +185 underdog. The over/under run total rests at 9.5.
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At the end of August, the Blue Jays (83-69) stood atop the American League East. They’ve dropped 12 of 19 tilts since then, though, tumbling into the first wild-card position. With Detroit and Baltimore hot on Toronto’s heels, Gibbons needs to see lefty hurler Francisco Liriano (7-13, 5.08 ERA) assert himself shortly. General manager Ross Atkins’ midseason acquisition owns a 2-4 mark with a 1.51 WHIP in 10 career outings against the Bronx Bombers.
Joe Girardi answers with Bryan Mitchell (1-1, 6.00). A toe injury prevented the 25-year-old from making his 2016 debut until Sept. 7. Most recently, Boston reached him for four runs on five hits in four-plus frames.
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New York (79-73) has fought valiantly to remain in the postseason picture. The Blue Jays, however, are about to send the revered franchise to the canvas. Expect the opener in question to quickly turn into a rout.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: BLUE JAYS -1.5