After wrapping up a 10-game road trip that produced more highs than lows, the Toronto Blue Jays return to Rogers Centre to kick off a four-game series against the American League-leading New York Yankees. Their first road trip following the trade deadline, which resulted in a wholesale on Jays’ pitching, showed encouraging results. We saw Bo Bichette, who was called up following the trade of Eric Sogard, set new club and league records when he collected 10 extra-base hits in the first nine games of his career. We also watched several young pitchers show that they had the stuff needed to compete at the Big-League level.
On Thursday, the Jays will attempt to continue the in-game development of their youth against one of the best teams in baseball. The New York Yankees lead the Majors in runs scored (663) and feature arguably the best lineup 1-9, so it’ll be a true test for these young Jays.
The task for Toronto will be limiting the damage that the Yankees do to their pitching. Thomas Pannone will get the ball in the first game; he has looked better of late, pitching six innings in each of his last two games. Pannone is certainly in the Jays’ plans for the future, so all eyes will be on him in this high-pressure game. First pitch is set for 7:07 PM ET
