The Toronto Blue Jays are aiming to stay within striking distance of the New York Yankees, but they will do so without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game. Guerrero is being held out because of back tightness, while Kirk is returning only after recently recovering from a fractured thumb. Manager John Schneider said the club is being cautious with Guerrero after he felt discomfort during Friday night’s 8-5 win. Guerrero went 1-for-5 in that game, including an RBI double, but his power drought continues, as he has not homered at home this season and last went deep on May 17 against the Detroit Tigers.
In Guerrero’s absence, Charles McAdoo will start at first base and bat eighth. Kirk’s return on Friday was a major boost for Toronto, and he made an immediate impact in his first game back. He challenged a pitch on the opening offering of the night, then followed with an RBI double in his first plate appearance and added two more hits later in the game. With Kirk not available to start Saturday, backup Brandon Valenzuela will handle catching duties and bat sixth.
Saturday’s matchup features a strong pitching duel between Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman and Yankees rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler. Gausman has remained a steady presence for Toronto this season, posting a 3.60 ERA across 14 starts, though he has allowed four earned runs in each of his last two outings. He has not faced New York this year, but he was effective against the Yankees in 2025, going 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA and 18 strikeouts in four appearances.
Schlittler has been one of New York’s most reliable young pitchers, recording a 1.87 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 14 starts. Toronto handed him a 2-1 loss on May 20 despite a solid performance, as he allowed just two earned runs over six innings while striking out seven.
The Yankees continue to play without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, leaving their lineup short on power. Toronto’s Friday win helped keep the pressure on New York in the AL East race, with the Blue Jays now two games under .500 and 7.5 games back of the Yankees in second place.
