The New York Yankees (8-8) host the Toronto Blue Jays (12-5) in a four-game series after splitting a couple of games with the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays have won three straight games after sweeping the Kansas City Royals at home and enter this series having won seven of their last eight. These teams kicked-off the 2018 season together. They split the series two games apiece, with the Yankees outscoring the Blue Jays 17 to 15.
Pitching matchups
Thursday (6:35 p.m.):
RHP Aaron Sanchez (1-1) vs.
LHP CC Sabathia (0-0)
Note: During the weekend Aaron Sanchez limited the Orioles to just three hits over eight innings, but this year he has walked 11 batters through the first three starts of the season.
Friday (7:05 p.m.)
RHP Marco Estrada (1-1) vs.
RHP Sonny Gray (1-1)
Note: Sonny Gray has been a big disappointment so far this season as he owns a 6.92 ERA, largely due to the six runs that he allowed in just three innings pitched during last week’s loss to the Red Sox. Estrada has been dealing with back spasms and has allowed eight runs through 17 innings.
Saturday (1:05 p.m.):
RHP Marcus Stroman (0-1) vs.
LHP Jordan Montgomery (1-0)
Note: Marcus Stroman has failed to make it past five innings in any of his starts and has given up 13 earned runs while allowing 18 hits. Jordan Montgomery has a 4.70 ERA and in his last outing pitched six innings, striking out four and allowing three runs en route to his first win of the season.
Sunday (1:05 p.m.):
LHP Jaime Garcia (2-0) vs.
RHP Luis Severino (3-1)
Note: Jaime Garcia has given up four home runs during his first three starts, but has pitched at least five innings in each start, and allowed no more than 3 runs in any outing.
Key Stats:
Beware of the Blue Jays offense. Despite the absence of Josh Donaldson, the Jays rank in the top 4 in runs, home runs, RBI and 8th in batting average. The Jays have scored 39 runs, blasted seven home runs and batted a collective .291 over their last four games.
Betting Trends
The Blue Jays are 10-5 against the spread in their last 15 games
The Blue Jays are 7-1 straight up in their last eight games
The Blue Jays are 6-3 against the spread in their last nine games on the road
The Blue Jays are 4-1 straight up in their last five games on the road
The Yankees are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games at home
The Yankees are 2-4 against the spread in their last six games at home
The Yankees are 18-6 straight up in their last 24 games at home
The Yankees are 8-4 straight up in their last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto
