After earning a first-round bye as the American League’s No. 1 seed, the Toronto Blue Jays are finally back in action as they open their postseason run today against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.
Toronto tied for the best record in the American League this season but secured the top seed by winning the season series against New York, taking eight of 13 games. The Yankees advanced after a three-game wild-card series win over the Boston Red Sox, setting up an all-AL East matchup in the Division Series.
Right-hander Kevin Gausman will start Game 1 for the Blue Jays. Gausman delivered another steady season atop Toronto’s rotation, finishing with a 10-11 record, a 3.59 ERA and 189 strikeouts. He will face Yankees right-hander Luis Gil, who missed time due to injury but impressed after returning, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.32 ERA.
Manager John Schneider finalized his Game 1 lineup amid questions about how the team would adjust after a week off and the loss of shortstop Bo Bichette to a knee injury. Toronto’s starting nine are as follows:
1. George Springer (R), DH
2. Nathan Lukes (L), RF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R), 1B
4. Addison Barger (L), 3B
5. Alejandro Kirk (R), C
6. Daulton Varsho (L), CF
7. Anthony Santander (S), LF
8. Andrés Giménez (L), SS
9. Ernie Clement (R), 2B
Off the bench, Schneider will have Myles Straw, Davis Schneider, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and backup catcher Tyler Heineman available.
With their ace on the mound and a rested lineup, the Blue Jays will look to carry their regular-season success over the Yankees into the postseason as they begin their push toward the American League Championship Series.