Blue Jays edge Yankees 3-1 to close within one game of AL Wild Card spot
Toronto defeated New York 3-1, moving to 60-64 and sitting one game behind the final American League Wild Card position with 38 games left in the season.
Toronto beat the New York Yankees 3-1 on Friday, improving to 60-64 and narrowing the gap to the final American League Wild Card spot to a single game with 38 contests remaining. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game after a collision at third base while scoring the team's first run in the sixth inning. Despite the injury, his .693 OPS this season makes him a key player for Toronto.
"People are always trying to have the right answer," manager John Schneider said. "The person who knows his swing the best is Vlad." A misplay by the Yankees in the same inning allowed Alejandro Kirk to double in the go-ahead run. Schneider described the chaotic throw as unusual, noting it was uncomfortable to see a fielder throw without a glove. Shane Bieber, who remained with the Blue Jays after the trade deadline, delivered six innings of one-run baseball, helping to steady the pitching staff. "This feels great. We’re just excited to get to the ball yard every day," Bieber said. "Credit to this group for continuing to trudge forward and playing better baseball." Schneider added that recent roster changes have refreshed the team's approach, saying new players have helped shift the club's mindset.