Game #121 New York Yankees (77-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (49-72) - game recap

Masahiro Tanaka threw 8 dominant innings in a 1-0 shutout over the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays were going for a rare series win vs the all-mighty Yankees. The Blue Jays were facing a formidable opposing pitcher in Masahiro Tanaka who has historically given him trouble. Meanwhile, Trent Thornton got the start for the Blue Jays. A pair of roster moves are anticipated today with righty Neil Ramirez, a free agent signing this week and Billy McKinney spotted in the clubhouse. Ken Giles could be one of the roster moves as his elbow has not responded to the cortisone shot. Could he be the third reliever headed to Dr. Andrews for season-ending surgery. I think McKinney is being brought up because the team is not comfortable with just 2 available off the bench. Vlad got the whole day off as a reward for hitting his first career triple. I'm not even going to begin to analyze Charlie Montoyo's lineup decisions because they are random and bizarre at the best of times. It was Cavan Biggio's turn to get the half day off, serving as the DH. Reese McGuire got the start behind the plate with the short turnaround between games. Could the Blue Jays take the series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Brett Gardner doubled home Gio Urshela
• Trent Thornton pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 89 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Masahiro Tanaka pitching line: 8IP 3H 0R 0BB 1K 94 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Aroldis Chapman pitched the 9th for his 31st save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 1 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Trent Thornton had one of his better starts in his rookie season. He allowed just one run on 3 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 6. He deserved to win. It's too bad the Blue Jays chose to leave arguably their best hitter in Vlad on the bench. I still wonder if the Blue Jays might shut Thornton down a start or two early in September. He has already surpassed his innings pitched from last season and he had two IL stints this season.
• Through the first seven innings, Masahiro Tanaka absolutely dominated. Through the first 7 innings, he allowed a leadoff hit to Bo Bichette to start the game (it was immediately erased by a double play) and Justin Smoak reached on an error in the second. Eighteen straight Blue Jays were out before Smoak led off the eighth with a double. The Blue Jays made Aroldis Chapman work, forcing him to throw 27 pitches. The Yankees have a double-header tomorrow vs. Baltimore. Champan may now only be available for one of the two games.
• Up next, the Blue Jays start a three game series vs. the Texas Rangers. The Rangers took two of the three games in Arlington back in the beginning of May. The Rangers will start righty Ariel Jurado, while the Blue Jays will likely have a bullpen day with Wilmer Font getting the ball first.