Yankees at Blue Jays
With another disastrous series against the Boston Red Sox behind them, the New York Yankees resume their quest for the postseason when they open a three-game set against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. New York lost three of four at home to the American League East-leading Red Sox before beginning its 10-game road trip by taking three of four at Baltimore. The Yankees then traveled to Boston, where they were outscored 22-7 during a three-game sweep.
New York has a number of obstacles in its way as it attempts to claim a playoff berth. Along with Kansas City, it sits 2 1/2 games behind Texas for the second wild card, with 12 contests remaining and two other clubs stationed between them. Toronto looks to salvage what has been a horrendous homestand as it lost five of the first six contests.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, WWOR (New York), RSN (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH Andy Pettitte (10-9, 4.04 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (12-12, 4.36)
Pettitte looks to extend his unbeaten streak to eight starts as he comes off a no-decision at Baltimore on Wednesday in which he allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings. The 41-year-old is 3-0 in that stretch and has yielded three runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 outings. Pettitte has been dominant against Toronto this season, going 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts, and is 25-13 lifetime versus the Blue Jays.
Dickey's unbeaten run reached four starts Wednesday as he escaped with a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels after surrendering four runs in 5 1/3 innings. The 38-year-old knuckleballer won his previous three outings and is 4-1 over his last 10 turns. Dickey improved to 4-3 lifetime against the Yankees on Aug. 26, when he allowed two runs - one earned - over 6 1/3 frames in a 5-2 triumph.
WALK-OFFS
1. The status of New York 3B Alex Rodriguez is unknown after the troubled superstar left Sunday's game with tightness in his right calf.
2. The Yankees own a 13-3 record against the Blue Jays this year. Toronto has won only one season series (2010) since 2001.
3. Blue Jays OF Rajai Davis is 11-for-20 (.550) lifetime against Pettitte.