Yankees vs Blue Jays: Bronx Rivalry Heats Up in Tight AL East Race
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We have a long way to go yet until the 2025 MLB season actually begins, but even this early into the divisional matchups, they already feel like playoff games; at least the New York Yankees’ upcoming showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays on April 26th at Yankee Stadium will. Both teams are fighting near the top of the AL East standings, but one side will end up with bragging rights — and a few more wins — on this mid-April afternoon.
The Blue Jays, who have won three straight, start the game at 8-5. On both sides of the ball, they have exhibited great balance, with a batting average but a good team ERA of 3.32, which is near the top of the American League. It is still a decent road record (3–3), and a victory in the Bronx would send a message.
Resting in second place at 7-5 are the Yankees, who have been dishing out the early offensive fireworks, spurred on in no small part by an MVP-caliber start from Aaron Judge. Judge is batting .354, with 6 home runs and 20 RBIs, to lead all Yankee regulars in the major hitting categories. The team boasts a grounding into a triple play on the first day of a long stretch against teams at -251 on the season, including a 7. 509 SLG.
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Head-to-Head
These are well-worn foes among the two AL East rivals, and with the postseason rearing its head, these early-season games could be critical tiebreakers by September. Experts give the Yankees a 56.8% win probability, compared to a 43.2% clip for the Blue Jays in what figures to be a razor-close clash between two division rivals.
As it stands, the pitching matchup continues to be a focal point, particularly with injuries affecting the rotations for each team. Despite the Blue Jays missing ace “Max Scherzer”, who is on the injured list with an expected return in late April, they’re vulnerable at the top end of their rotation.
The Yankees are missing some big arms too; Clarke Schmidt and Tyler Matzek are both out- stretching their bullpen depth. To their credit, the Yankees’ offense more than made up for that, with Paul Goldschmidt as the steady veteran presence in the lineup.
Players to Watch
George Springer (TOR): — Hitting red-hot at .447 with a whopping 6 now and slugging.711, Springer is still a nightmare as a leadoff man. Thanks to his on-base and power numbers, he is a catalyst at the plate for the Jays.
Aaron Judge (NYY): This is still Judge showing us why he is one of the scariest hitters in the game. With every plate appearance, his polished strike zone discipline and impressive power to all fields can change the complexion of a game in a flash.
Bo Bichette, (TOR): Bichette has flown a bit under the radar with on-time hits and solid infield defense (a model of consistency). The 22-year-old shortstop remains poised and filled with potential; he’s providing the Yankees with athleticism and some life in the middle infield.
More than just another regular-season game, Friday’s clash at Yankee Stadium two AL East heavyweights square off, with MVP candidates, stars on the rise and playoff aspirations on the line. And there are playoff seeds that are often won or lost by a game or two, so this April meeting could resound through October.
The Bronx figures to be sold out, with bats cracking and the fireworks flying — both on the scoreboard and between the dugouts. In Yankees vs Blue Jays, the one thing you can always count on is drama.
