Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays play a three-game series at Yankees Stadium starting on Friday night…
Preview
Will Gerrit Cole pitch?
The Yankees ace was scratched from his start Tuesday due to what the team called “general fatigue,” and he was dealing with a stomach bug. He threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and reported no issues.
The Yankees expect Cole to start this weekend against Toronto, but that’s not guaranteed. We’ll have to see if he takes the mound and how effective he is.
His last time out (July 24) he got shelled by the Mets, who pushed across six runs in the reigning AL Cy Young winner’s 5.2 innings. It was a disappointing start after Cole had back-to-back fantastic outings against the Rays and Orioles.
The Yanks are going to need their ace effective and, most importantly, healthy.
Jazz comes to the Bronx
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the big trade deadline acquisition for the Yankees and he hasn’t disappointed. In four games since being acquired, Chisholm is 7-for-19 with four home runs and eight RBI.
He’ll look to continue his hot streak when he plays at home for the first time as a Yankee.
The Yankee Stadium crowd will welcome their new player but they’ll really fall in love with him if he continues to hit.
Chisholm has played in four games at the Stadium in his career and is 5-for-15 with a home run. Playing for the Yanks has re-energized Chisholm, and hopefully playing in the pinstripes will do the same.
How will trade deadline relievers perform?
Aside from Chisholm, the Yankees acquired relievers to bolster the bullpen. Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos were added at the deadline, and their effectiveness will be monitored as the season goes along.
So far, Leiter has been effective, and we haven’t seen De Los Santos just yet. But we should expect him to make his Yankees debut this weekend.
What will we get from Clay Holmes?
The Yankees did not get another high-leverage reliever at the deadline to potentially relieve Holmes of his closing duties.
Holmes promptly had his eighth blown save hours after Tuesday’s deadline, but locked down his 22nd save to seal the series sweep against the Phillies.
The Yankees closer likely won’t be available Friday, despite the off day, but how will he be when he is…