The Toronto Blue Jays (57-71) and New York Yankees (75-54) will close out an American League East series on Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 ET

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees

Toronto has lost 21 of its last 27 games, which includes a hard-fought 2-1 setback in the Bronx on Tuesday night.  The Blue Jays lineup has been hit hard by injuries, causing the club to score three runs or less in eight of the last 10 contests.  Slugger Edwin Encarnacion has failed to get a hit in eight at-bats in this series, while entering with a .222 career averaging against today’s opposing starter.  Toronto is 13-22 versus left-handed starters this year, with the “over” going 24-9 in those contests.

Blue Jays starting pitcher J.A. Happ (9-10, 4.68 ERA) has pitched quite well over his last two efforts, allowing two runs and six hits over 13.1 combined innings.  The left-hander is 1-5 with a 5.16 ERA in 11 road appearances (nine starts), surrendering nine home runs in 52.1 frames.  In two career starts versus the Yankees, Happ has compiled a 1-0 record and 4.63 ERA, including a 10-7 home win on Aug. 12.

New York is currently playing without its corner infielders, as both third baseman Alex Rodriguez and first baseman Mark Teixeira have been out of the lineup.  Nick Swisher has become a utility player due to the circumstances, while also batting .341 with six home runs and 21 RBIs since moving into the No. 2 spot in the order on Aug. 8.  “I’m just trying to put up quality at-bats every time,” stated Swisher.  Shortstop Derek Jeter should be able to provide some offense at the top, going 3 for 6 with a pair of round trippers against Happ.  New York is 26-19 versus southpaw starters in 2012.

Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (13-3, 3.44 ERA) picked up a solid 3-1 road victory over the Cleveland Indians in his first effort since returning from the disabled list, giving up a single run and four hits over 7.1 frames.  The left-hander is 6-2 with a 2.81 ERA in nine home outings, with opposing hitters batting .199 against him.  In 17 starts versus the Blue Jays, Sabathia has notched an impressive 13-3 record and 3.00 ERA.

Sports bettors will likely back the Bronx Bombers due to their 9-1 record in their last 10 series meetings at home, while the Blue Jays are 2-8 in their last 10 divisional contests.

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