Yankees vs. Blue Jays: 5 things to watch and series predictions | August 2nd to 4th

Here are five things to watch and predictions like the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays play a three-game series at Yankees Stadium starting Friday night…

Preview

Go Gerrit Cole tone?

The Yankees ace has been out since Tuesday’s game due to what the team called “general fatigue” and was dealing with a stomach issue. He threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and reported no problems.

The Yankees expect Cole to start this weekend against Toronto, but that is not guaranteed. We’ll have to see if he takes the mound and how effective he is.

His last time out (July 24), he was blitzed by the Mets, who pushed in six runs in the reigning AL Cy Young winner’s 5.2 innings. It was a disappointing start after Cole had back-to-back fantastic starts against the Rays and Orioles.

The Yanks will need an effective and, most importantly, healthy ace.

Jazz comes to the Bronx

Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the big trade deadline acquisition for the Yankees and he did not disappoint. In four games since being acquired, Chisholm is 7-for-19 with four home runs and eight RBI.

He will look to continue his winning streak when he plays at home for the first time as a Yankee.

The Yankee Stadium crowd will welcome their new player, but they will truly fall in love with him if he continues to hit.

Chisholm played four games at the Stadium in his career and was 5-for-15 with a home run. Playing for the Yanks has re-energized Chisholm, and hopefully playing in the stripes will do the same.

How will trade deadline relievers perform?

In addition to Chisholm, the Yankees acquired relievers to bolster the bullpen. Marcos Leiter Jr. It is Enyel De Los Santos were added on schedule and their effectiveness will be monitored throughout the season.

So far, Leiter has been effective and we have yet to see De Los Santos. But we should expect him to make his Yankees debut this weekend.

What will we get from Clay Holmes?

The Yankees were unable to land another high-leverage reliever at the deadline to potentially relieve Holmes of his final duties.

Holmes promptly had his eighth save blown hours after Tuesday’s deadline, but blocked his 22nd save to seal the series win against the Phillies.

The Yankees closer probably won’t be available on Friday despite the off day, but what will he be like when called up? Before Wednesday’s save, Holmes had missed four of his last six chances. Holmes’ organization and teammates support him, but he will need to improve down the stretch and especially in the playoffs.

Can DJ LeMahieu stay consistent?

LeMahieu has struggled since returning from injury, but he may have turned his season around on Wednesday against the Phillies.

LeMahieu hit a grand slam and drove in six runs in Wednesday’s win, but is still batting just .182 on the year. Fans shouldn’t expect a performance like that on a consistent basis, but can he become a solid right-handed bat?

With Chisholm at third base, LeMahieu will likely split time with Ben Rice and start against lefties. However, the Blue Jays have three right-handers this weekend, so Rice will likely see the majority of the playing time. But LeMahieu was able to start and definitely hit late in games.

Predictions

Who will be the series MVP?

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Sure, Chisholm being the MVP in his first home series with his new team seems like a dream, but why not?

Chisholm doesn’t appear to be a player who succumbs to pressure and will continue to get on base and use the short porch to hit at least one home run this weekend.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Carlos Rodon.

Cole may be the Yankees’ best pitcher this weekend, but it’s hard to know what you’ll get out of him.

Against a Blue Jays team that sold at the deadline, Rodon should be able to navigate this lineup.

Which Blue Jays player will be a thorn in the side of the Yankees?

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Jays’ first baseman wasn’t traded at the deadline, so he’ll be there to give the Yankees fits as usual.

Guerrero has a .284 average and 19 home runs in 86 career games against the Yanks, with 13 of those long balls coming at Yankee Stadium.