clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Mat Latos

After losing two straight for the first time since April 8th, the Bombers look to regain their footing with their ace on the mound.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

It's only been three days since winning baseball, but I miss it already. The Yankees are still 15-9, so don't fret. Oh yeah, they also have their ace in Masahiro Tanaka on the mound to face Mat Latos, who has an 81 ERA+ since 2015.

Notably missing in the lineup tonight is Jacoby Ellsbury, who's nursing a sore elbow after hitting into the wall last night, and Greg Bird, who was moved to the 10-day disabled list after finally succumbing to a right ankle issue that's clearly been bugging him since the end of spring training.

Let me get my two cents in: please don't fool with Ellsbury, for one. If he's hurt, put him on the disabled list. Losing him for five games and then having him come back half-hurt is bad for everyone, player and team, and could only exacerbate the issue. Secondly, I don't trust them at all with this because they just did it with Bird! He's complained about this issue on-and-off since last month, and it's pretty clear his timing and mechanics were off. Maybe instead of letting him suffer, use Chris Carter and give the man a break. It can't be worse that way than just hoping he wills himself to be better. But what do I know.

So, they'll survive with Hicks and Carter. Sanchez is returning this weekend so it's not like they're hobbled or anything, but these injuries can add up. Ranting aside, let's focus on the game today. Hopefully Tanaka does his thing, and the Yankees get back on track. Go Yankees, go baseball.

Today's Lineups

TORONTO BLUE JAYS NEW YORK YANKEES
Kevin Pillar - CF Brett Gardner - LF
Jose Bautista - RF Chase Headley - 3B
Russell Martin - C Matt Holliday - DH
Kendrys Morales - DH Starlin Castro - 2B
Justin Smoak - 1B Didi Gregorius - SS
Steve Pearce - LF Aaron Judge - RF
Ryan Goins - SS Aaron Hicks - CF
Devon Travis - 2B Chris Carter - 1B
Chris Coghlan - 3B Austin Romine - C
Mat Latos - RHP Masahiro Tanaka - RHP