Blue Jays Reveal Probable Starters for Massive Series vs Yankees

The Toronto Blue Jays won their seventh consecutive series after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 on Thursday. It was Toronto's first series win at Tropicana Field since September 2023.

The Blue Jays have found new life in August. The pitching staff's 3.11 ERA is the third-lowest in the MLB. They've played a major role in Toronto's recent success. The offense also came around, scoring 21 runs against the Rays.

The Blue Jays trail the final wild-card spot by half a game heading into the weekend. Their fourth consecutive American League East opponent is the New York Yankees. Here are the probable pitchers for Toronto manager John Schneider.

Game 1: Mason Fluharty

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Mason Fluharty throws a pitch. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Friday's contest will be a bullpen game, as Fluharty will make his fourth opener start of the season. The lefty has posted a 3.71 ERA over 51 innings. He's been sensational in August.

Over eight appearances, Fluharty has allowed two baserunners. He's been called on to record one out a few times, but that's still impressive. His chase percentage (35.3) and average exit velocity (86.2) both rank in the 90th percentile or higher, according to Baseball Savant.

The Blue Jays are no strangers to a bullpen game. Schneider used seven relievers en route to a 4-1 win over the Yankees on August 15. New York will throw their ace, Cam Schlittler, for game one. He has a 10-6 record with a 2.19 ERA.

Game 2: Dylan Cease

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease throws a pitch. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's hard to find new adjectives to describe Cease's first season in Toronto. His 2.42 ERA is the fourth-lowest among qualified pitchers, and he's currently second in strikeouts (201).

Cease is on pace to set a new career-high in strikeouts in a single season. He recorded 227 in 2022. The righty will make his third start of the year against the Yankees. He ran into trouble the first time, allowing five earned runs and two home runs.

In his last outing, he allowed two hits and two earned runs and struck out 10. The Blue Jays are hoping for a similar outcome on Saturday. New York will hand the ball to Ryan Weathers (5-7, 3.56 ERA) for the second game.

Game 3: Jose Soriano

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Soriano throws a pitch. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Soriano allowed nine hits and three runs in his last outing but received instant run support on Tuesday. He didn't walk anyone and nearly got to six full innings before getting pulled.

That will be the key to Soriano's success. He's had a fantastic season, but walks have shortened some of his starts. He's been a great addition to this starting rotation. Soriano will play a huge role if the Blue Jays are going to make a postseason run.

The Yankees will throw Carlos Rodon (4-2, 3.22 ERA) for the series finale.

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