Rodriguez to pitch for Blue Jays in decisive game against Yankees

Right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez will take the mound Sunday as the Toronto Blue Jays aim to win the rubber match of a three-game series against the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez (1-4, 4.31 ERA) is looking to bounce back after he was pulled during the first inning Monday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 27-year-old rookie lasted just 0.2 innings as he gave up one hit and four runs, three earned, while issuing four walks as the Blue Jays lost 11-5.

The Yankees counter with ace Gerrit Cole, who was scratched from his scheduled start this past Tuesday due to body fatigue. The 33-year-old righty has made seven starts since returning from the injured list due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow and holds a 3-2 record and 5.30 ERA.

Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will look to extend his 16-game hitting streak. The red-hot Guerrero finished a triple shy of the cycle Saturday after going 3-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run and two runs scored.

The Yankees’ Aaron Judge crushed homers in the first two games of the series. Judge leads the majors with 41 homers and 103 RBIs.

The Blue Jays (51-60) are last in the American League East while the Yankees (66-46) are tied with the Baltimore Orioles at the top of the division.

Toronto took Friday’s opener in the Bronx 8-5 following a rain delay while New York was victorious 8-3 Saturday. Sunday’s game is the final meeting between the two teams during the regular season.

You can watch the game live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 1:35 p.m. ET / 10:35 a.m. PT.

In a crucial matchup against their division rivals, the New York Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays have turned to their ace pitcher, Rodriguez, to lead them to victory in the decisive game. Rodriguez, known for his dominant pitching and ability to perform under pressure, will be tasked with shutting down the potent Yankees lineup and securing a much-needed win for the Blue Jays.

Rodriguez has been a key contributor to the Blue Jays’ success this season, posting impressive numbers on the mound and earning the trust of his teammates and coaches. His ability to mix up his pitches and keep hitters off balance has made him a formidable force on the mound, and his competitive spirit and determination make him the perfect choice to take the ball in such an important game.

Facing off against a talented Yankees lineup will be no easy task for Rodriguez, but he has proven time and time again that he is up to the challenge. With his arsenal of pitches and his ability to execute in high-pressure situations, Rodriguez has the potential to be a difference-maker in this crucial game.

The outcome of this matchup could have significant implications for both teams as they jockey for position in the highly competitive American League East. A win for the Blue Jays would not only give them a boost in the standings but also send a message to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, a victory for the Yankees would solidify their position at the top of the division and put them in prime position for a playoff run.

As fans eagerly anticipate this showdown between two fierce rivals, all eyes will be on Rodriguez as he takes the mound and looks to lead the Blue Jays to victory. With his talent, determination, and competitive spirit, Rodriguez has the potential to be the hero of this decisive game and help propel his team to success.