New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Series preview

The Yankees head to Toronto tonight to kick off an 11-game road trip that will carry them to the All-Star break. After they finish up with the Blue Jays, they’ll head to Baltimore for a four-game set, then on to Cleveland for four. The last time these two teams met up, the Yankees swept a two-game series in Toronto. Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups and what to expect this time around.

Game One: Sonny Gray vs. Sam Gaviglio

Sonny Gray is the most frustrating player on this team. He is in the midst of a terrible season, and it’s difficult to make excuses for him anymore. We’re at the halfway point, and just five of his 17 starts have been quality ones. Most recently, he surrendered six runs to the Red Sox without making it through three innings. The good news is that he has been much better on the road (3.28 ERA versus 8.25 ERA), and he has pitched well in Toronto this year. If it is possible to be due for a good outing, then Gray is due. He will square off against Sam Gaviglio. The right-hander owns a 3.97 ERA with 1.51 HR/9, though the Yankees managed just three hits off of him in June.

Game Two: Luis Severino vs. J.A. Happ

Might the Yankees be facing their future teammate? They are reportedly the “main player” for J.A. Happ, and they could certainly use the pitching help. The left-hander has been decent this season, pitching to a 4.03 ERA (3.65 FIP) with 9.64 K/9. Luis Severino is set to make the start for the Yankees. Unlike Gray, Severino is on his way to the best season of his career. With 13 wins under his belt, Sevy seems to just keep getting better and better. He hasn’t given up a run in over 13 innings.

Game Three: Domingo German vs. Ryan Borucki

German has been nearly as bad as Gray recently. The strikeouts are there, but he has also given up 1.70 HR/9. He cruised through the first four innings during his last start against the Braves, then the wheels fell off in a hurry. This will be his first start against Toronto, however, he did give up two runs in relief against them back in April. German will take on fellow rookie, Ryan Borucki. This will be the young lefty’s third major league start. He held the Astros to two runs off six hits during his debut, and racked up eight strikeouts against the Tigers this week.