The Yankees lost a sloppy one yesterday in opening this four-game series with the Blue Jays, and must once again turn to Max Fried to get back on the right track. I’m sure Fried has no real opinion on this, but it must be somewhat taxing to always have to be The Guy to take over after a loss, which he’ll have now done in two of his last three outings.

Still, if you have to be The Guy, Fried is a pretty good one to have. He’s top 10 in baseball in ERA, innings pitched and fWAR, while just outside the top 10 in FIP. He’s also been one of the more fun players to watch lately, working quickly and delivering on his reputation as a strong fielder. Fried is a near-lock to make his third career All-Star team and first since leaving Atlanta this past offseason. This will be his fifth career start against the Blue Jays, with a sterling 0.32 ERA, and delivered six innings of shutout ball against this Toronto squad in the Bronx back in April.

Kevin Gausman will counter, one of several pitchers on this Jays staff that’s not playing up to his peripherals. He still throws a boatload, averaging 5.875 innings per start — yes, in 2025 that’s a lot — but needs to clean up some home run troubles to get back to that five-win level we’ve seen him reach in years past. The righty was electric his last time out in Cleveland, firing eight shutout innings and allowing just two hits.

Austin Wells once again is on the bench as he deals with what’s hopefully a minor circulatory issue, with J.C. Escarra getting the assignment behind the plate. Stanton’s back at DH, with Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge making up the outfield. Trent Grisham was pulled from yesterday’s game with a hamstring issue but he does not need to go on the IL just yet. Regardless, it’s seemingly unlikely that he will play today.

How to watch

Location: Rogers Centre — Toronto, ON, Canada

First pitch: 3:07 pm EDT

TV Broadcast: YES Network, SNET

Radio Broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, Sportsnet 590/590 AM

Online stream: MLB.tv, Gotham Sports App

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