The New York Yankees will go with a different look in the rubber game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Toronto Blue Jays (68-52)
- New York Yankees (61-58)
- American League, 1:05 pm ET, YES Network
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
After a deflating loss to Toronto in the middle game, New York Yankees skipper Joe Girardi is shaking things up in the series finale.
The bright spot of last night’s loss, Gary Sanchez, will DH and bat cleanup in a day game after night game scenario. In 12 games in the bigs this year, the 23-year-old phenom is batting .340 with four home runs and 12 runs batted in, including two jolts last night.
Aaron Judge, who has done his early damage out of the eighth spot in the lineup, will bat fifth in the Yankee lineup. Through his first four games in the show, the 6’7″ right fielder is batting .357 with two homers, three RBIs, and a brilliant 1.295 OPS.
At 23 years, 259 days, Sanchez is youngest Yankee to start in cleanup spot prior to Sept 1. since Mattingly 7/31/84 (23.103) @JamesSmyth621
— Jeff Quagliata (@yestoresearch) August 17, 2016
Sanchez 4th, Judge 5th.
It’s a new time in #Yankees land.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) August 17, 2016
Furthermore, Brett Gardner returns for New York, leading off and playing left field. The 32-year-old has been sidelined since fouling a pitch off his ankle Friday against the Rays. Jacoby Ellsbury, who is currently in a 4-27 (.148) skid, will get the afternoon off.
Tyler Austin will return to the lineup as well, batting seventh and playing first base.
As long as the ‘Baby Bombers’ produce, they will receive heavy offensive opportunities, particularly when left-handers toe the rubber. Today is a direct example of that notion.
The Yanks will look to salvage the series as CC Sabathia (7-9, 4.20 ERA) goes up against J.A. Happ (16-3, 2.96 ERA) in a battle of southpaws.
