What's Happening?
The New York Yankees are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in game four of the American League Division Series (ALDS), with the Yankees aiming to stave off elimination. After securing a 9-6 victory in the previous game, the Yankees will rely on standout starter Cam Schlittler to lead them in another crucial match. The Blue Jays have announced that Louis Varland will start the game, likely followed by a series of relievers. This decision comes after Toronto utilized six relievers in the last game, potentially giving the Yankees an advantage as they aim to extend the series to five games.
Why It's Important?
The Blue Jays' decision to start Louis Varland and rely heavily on their bullpen could play into the Yankees' favor, as the Yankees have already demonstrated their ability to capitalize on Toronto's pitching strategy. Aaron Judge's performance against Varland in game three, where he hit a game-tying three-run home run, highlights the Yankees' potential to exploit this pitching setup. The outcome of this game is crucial for both teams, as it could determine the continuation of the series and impact the Yankees' chances of advancing in the playoffs.
What's Next?
If the Yankees manage to win game four, the series will extend to a fifth game, where Max Fried is expected to pitch for New York. The Yankees' strategy includes starting Paul Goldschmidt against Varland, with Ben Rice likely serving as a pinch-hit option later in the game. The Blue Jays will need to manage their bullpen effectively to counter the Yankees' offensive strategies and maintain their lead in the series.
