The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees kick off a four-game series at the Rogers Centre this evening with AL East standings on the line. New York sits three games ahead of the Blue Jays heading into this series, and the Jays occupy the second spot in the AL Wild Card

While the Jays and Yankees haven’t faced off North of the border yet, the two sides met in late April, and the Bronx Bombers hold a 2-1 season series advantage.

Looking to change the narrative is right-hander Max Scherzer, who makes his third start of the season. In his last start against Cleveland last week, the veteran arm went five innings and allowed three runs off of six hits and three walks while striking out four. He reached 83 pitches in that outing and was sitting in the low 90s with his fastball.

With over 17 seasons and 468 games under his belt, Scherzer has only made 12 starts against the Yankees across his career and owns a 4.25 ERA through 72 innings. He was on the IL when the Jays visited the club earlier this campaign.

Opposite Scherzer this evening is left-hander Carlos Rodon, who makes his 18th start of the year.

Rodon owns a 2.92 ERA and a 3.50 FIP through 101 2/3 innings, crafting a 10.5 K/9 in the process. The left-hander has limited opponents to a .180/.255/.326 slash line this year with a 5.8 H/9, allowing just 33 earned runs and 13 homers. The Yankees starter didn’t appear against the Jays earlier this season, so this will be his first outing against the AL East rival in 2025.

The left-hander has faced some pushback this past month compared to his season stats, allowing 12 earned runs through 29 innings to the tune of a 3.72 ERA and a 4.47 FIP, allowing eight walks and five homers in the span. New York has lost three of the last five games he has taken the mound.

With a left-hander on the mound, Jays manager John Schneider has seven right-handed bats in the lineup. Addison Barger and Will Wagner are the only left-handed bats making the start today, with Wagner slotting into second base for his first start since returning from the minor leagues. Wagner came off the bench this past weekend when the Red Sox demolished the Jays to take over for Bo Bichette and eventually slot over to first base. Alejandro Kirk will be behind the plate while George Springer will be the DH, as the outfield will be made up of Barger in right, Myles Straw in centre, and Davis Schneider in left field.

The first 15,000 fans at tonight’s game will receive an Andres Gimenez new blue replica jersey, and ironically, he’s out of the lineup tonight.

Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

First Pitch: 7:07 PM EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Max Scherzer: 0-0 record, 5.63 ERA, 8 IP, 5 SO, 3 BB

New York Yankees – Carlos Rodon: 9-5 record, 2.92 ERA, 101 2/3 IP, 119 SO, 34 BB