First pitch: 1:35 p.m. ET
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
TV: YES Network / Sportsnet (SNET)
This is the series finale of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. The teams split the first two: Yankees won 3-1 on Friday (Spencer Jones two-run HR), and Blue Jays responded with a 4-3 win on Saturday (Dylan Cease took a no-hitter into the seventh; Nathan Lukes homered for the decisive run). The Yankees remain in the thick of the AL East/wild-card race; the Blue Jays are fighting to stay relevant in the wild-card picture.
Starting Pitchers
Toronto: RHP José Soriano (10-6, 3.23 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 136 K in 139.1 IP overall). Acquired from the Angels at the trade deadline. Solid overall (high ground-ball rate, mid-to-upper 90s fastball); post-trade numbers with Toronto have been strong (roughly 2.76 ERA in limited starts). He has shown the ability to miss bats and induce weak contact but can be walk-prone. Recent outings mixed but competitive.
New York: LHP Carlos Rodón (4-2, 3.22 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 56 K in 50.1 IP). Recently activated from the 15-day IL (left elbow inflammation). Limited recent workload (4 IP/1 ER in return start vs. Orioles on Aug. 18 after rehab). Pre-IL form was solid; expects to be managed on pitch count as he builds back up. Career experience and lefty profile make him a key factor.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Blue Jays key contributors: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, recently activated from concussion IL), Alejandro Kirk (C, extended hitting streak earlier in series), George Springer (OF), Kazuma Okamoto (power, 26 HR / 74 RBI range), Ernie Clement (high average), Nathan Lukes (recent HR and multi-hit games), Myles Straw, Charles McAdoo, Brett Bateman. Pitching depth includes Dylan Cease (ace-level), Shane Bieber, and a capable bullpen (Louis Varland saves).
Yankees key contributors: Ben Rice (1B/DH, 34 HR / strong production), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (speed/power), Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones (rookie power, recent HRs), José Caballero, Austin Wells (C), Luis García Jr., George Lombard Jr. Offense has been powered by available bats amid absences. Strong pitching staff overall (Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, etc.) and elite team ERA.
Injury Reports
Blue Jays: Andrés Giménez (day-to-day, hamstring—probable for Sunday); Josh Smith (10-day IL, hamstring); Jonatan Clase (10-day IL, foot); Jameson Taillon (15-day IL, forearm); Joe Mantiply (60-day IL, knee); Luis Urías (10-day IL, quadriceps); longer-term absences include several pitchers (Yimi García, etc.) and others. Guerrero Jr. recently returned from concussion protocol.
Yankees: Cody Bellinger (10-day IL, hamstring—rehab progressing, possible activation around this series); Giancarlo Stanton (10-day IL, calf—longer outlook uncertain); Ryan McMahon (10-day IL, thumb); Aaron Judge (60-day IL, rib); Max Fried (15-day IL, elbow); Ryan Weathers (day-to-day/forearm discomfort after Saturday exit); Clarke Schmidt and others on longer IL. Core available bats and most rotation pieces active.
Weather Forecast (Yankee Stadium / New York City)
Partly to mostly cloudy with morning showers/thunderstorm chance (~50-60% early, decreasing). Highs around 81–83°F, humid. East/southwest winds 5–10 mph. Afternoon conditions should be playable with diminishing rain risk by first pitch; monitor for any delays.
Recent Team Forms
Yankees (73-56, 2nd AL East): Strong overall (best or near-best team ERA in MLB). Won five straight before Saturday’s loss; competitive at home. Power available despite key absences (Judge, Stanton, Bellinger). Last 10 roughly 6-4.
Blue Jays (64-67, 4th AL East): Mixed but opportunistic. Snapped Yankees’ streak on Saturday; solid road contributions from Cease and opportunistic offense. Fighting for wild-card positioning. Last 10 around 6-4.
Series History / Head-to-Head
2026 season series has been competitive (Yankees held a slight edge entering the weekend; split so far this set). Frequent AL East matchups produce tight, low-to-moderate scoring games. Yankees have home advantages historically in recent years, but Blue Jays have taken series or individual wins this season.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Soriano (RHP, velocity + ground balls) vs. Yankees lefty-heavy/power elements (Rice, Chisholm, Grisham, Jones). Soriano’s sinker/fastball mix could induce grounders; walks could create traffic against a patient lineup.
Rodón (LHP, returning from IL) vs. Blue Jays righties and contact hitters (Guerrero, Kirk, Springer, Okamoto, Clement). Limited pitch count expected; early effectiveness key. Blue Jays have shown ability to work counts and capitalize on mistakes.
Bullpens: Both capable late; Yankees’ overall staff strength vs. Blue Jays’ opportunistic late offense (Lukes, etc.). Speed (Chisholm) and power (Rice/Okamoto) vs. opposing defenses feature prominently.
Betting Trends
Yankees strong as home favorites with elite pitching staff; low totals common in recent series games. Blue Jays competitive as road underdogs with quality starters. Unders have hit in several recent Yankees/Blue Jays contests; overs possible if bullpens are taxed or weather delays occur.
GAME ODDS
Toronto Blue Jays 8
New York Yankees – 134
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026
