The New York Yankees dream of the World Series and in order to get to this point, they must first defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series. The Canadian team remained during the regular season as the leader of the East side above the pinstripes, so beating them will not be an easy task. However, manager Aaron Boone will be able to use a player whose multifaceted performance could make the difference.
In the review of the game between the Yankees and Red Sox, although it seemed that things were not going to be so easy in the third game for New York, the situation was calm thanks to the performance of starting pitcher Cam Schlittler, and the Bronx team won 4-0 in the third game of the wild card series against Boston. The Yankees took advantage of a slip-up in the fourth to score all the runs and leave the Red Sox with no opportunities.
Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ ‘Master Key’
The Yankees have a lot of talent, there’s no doubt about that. While many expect their pitching to thrive, it’s the hitting that needs to be effective. They struggled to produce many runs against the Red Sox, and that can’t continue. All eyes are on Judge and Cody Bellinger. However, neither of them is the Yankees’ key player
Anthony Volpe is. What Volpe brings to New York’s lineup is a multifaceted ability to do anything. He currently ranks seventh in the batting order. While some would see it as a low spot, it’s more beneficial to have it there. Volpe can produce in the seventh spot, either as a run producer or as an innings opener
Assuming he gets on base, he can steal bases and put himself in scoring position. If the Blue Jays focus more on Judge, Bellinger and Goldschmidt, it will take someone like Volpe to bring the runners home. Similarly, if there is a situation where they need someone to build a rally, Volpe can be big. His defense is also elite at shortstop.
Kevin Gausman to start Game 1 against Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays’ most consistent pitcher this year will get the ball for Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Kevin Gausman will start Saturday’s series opener against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre, Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Friday.
Gausman last pitched on Sunday in the Blue Jays’ final regular-season game, so he has a fairly normal schedule. The right-hander was 10-11 with a 3.59 ERA this season, improving to 2.78 in five September starts. His first start in September was an eight-inning gem (four hits, one run) in a win at Yankee Stadium.
Gausman is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in eight career playoff appearances (three starts). His last playoff start was the Blue Jays’ 2023 wild-card opener against the Minnesota Twins, when he allowed three runs in four innings and took the loss.
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