For the first time, the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays will meet in the postseason. The Blue Jays secured the American League’s top seed and waited in Toronto during their bye week as the Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-0 in the Wild Card Series. The Yankees are aiming to return to the World Series after losing to the Dodgers last year, while Toronto is seeking its first championship since 1993.
Game 1 of the American League Division Series is set for Saturday at 4:08 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre. Fans in the United States can watch on FOX, while Canadian viewers have access through Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Radio coverage will be available on Sportsnet 590 The FAN in Canada. In addition, MLB.TV offers live streaming for authenticated U.S. viewers, but games are not available live in Canada due to broadcast rights.
The starting pitchers for Game 1 have yet to be officially announced by either team. For Toronto, Kevin Gausman or Shane Bieber are expected options, with Gausman favored after his recent performance and history against New York this season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone is considering Luis Gil or Will Warren for Game 1; Gil was not on the Wild Card roster due to his pitching schedule but previously beat Toronto on September 6.
Lineup decisions could shift depending on matchups and injuries. The Blue Jays might use several different lineups over a five-game series, especially if Bo Bichette remains sidelined with a knee injury. For New York, a right-handed starter from Toronto means a lineup heavy with power hitters—during the regular season, they led Major League Baseball with 274 home runs.
Both teams enter with some injury concerns. Bo Bichette’s status remains uncertain for Toronto as he recovers from a left knee sprain; Chris Bassitt is expected back if needed later in the series. For New York, Cody Bellinger has a left foot injury but expects to play, while Aaron Judge continues to manage issues related to a July elbow strain that has affected his throwing but not his hitting.
In terms of bullpen readiness, Toronto’s relievers remain fresh after a bye week that included practice appearances. Manager John Schneider may rely heavily on Seranthony Domínguez and Louis Varland for key innings and has other options like Yariel Rodriguez and Brendon Little for middle relief roles.
The Yankees’ bullpen saw significant use during their Wild Card victory over Boston, though Cam Schlittler’s extended outing provided most relievers an extra day of rest before facing Toronto.
Several players’ recent performances may influence Game 1 strategies. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., struggling since early September without a home run and low offensive production, needs improvement—especially if Bichette is absent from Toronto’s lineup. Addison Barger also cooled off late in the season after being one of the team’s bright spots earlier on. George Springer stands out as one of Toronto’s hottest hitters entering October.
On New York’s side, Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe were consistent during the Wild Card Series against Boston pitching; Ben Rice also homered in his first postseason appearance and continues strong form from late in the regular season.
Toronto seeks its first ALDS appearance since 2016 and aims for its first playoff win since then—a period highlighted by stars like Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson. Both teams finished with identical records (94 wins) during the regular season; however, Toronto won more head-to-head games (8-5), earning them home-field advantage for this series.
“Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Yankees and MLB delivered right to your inbox.”
