Blue Jays Aim to Complete ALDS Sweep Over Yankees in Game 3
NEW YORK – The Toronto Blue Jays seek to eliminate the New York Yankees and advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nearly a decade when the two teams meet tonight in Game 3 of the ALDS. Toronto holds a commanding 2-0 series lead after a decisive 13-7 victory in Game 2.
Toronto’s potent offense has outpaced New York’s, launching seven home runs to the Yankees’ two through the first two games. The Blue Jays boast a +15 run differential (23-8) in the series.
The blue jays will turn to veteran right-hander Shane Bieber, acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, to close out the series. Bieber went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven regular-season starts for toronto. He has a 2-1 record with a 4.11 ERA and 27 strikeouts in five career regular-season starts against the Yankees. Aaron Judge has struggled against Bieber, hitting .077 (1-for-13) with eight strikeouts, though his lone hit was a home run.
Bieber has two prior postseason starts against New York. He took the loss in the 2020 AL wild Card game, allowing seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. He later pitched a no-decision in Game 2 of the 2022 ALDS, giving up two earned runs across 5 2/3 innings in a 4-2 Guardians victory.
Facing Bieber will be Yankees’ starter Carlos Rodón, who finished 2025 with an 18-9 record and a 3.09 ERA. Rodón is 2-3 with a 4.72 ERA in nine career starts against Toronto.Blue jays hitters Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.588, 10-for-17, 1 HR) and George Springer (2 HR in 26 at-bats) have historically performed well against him.
The City of Mississauga will host a watch party at Celebration Square, transformed into “The Birds’ Nest,” following the securing of broadcast rights. Toronto is encouraging residents to support local restaurants and venues for viewing parties.
Series by the Numbers:
* Run differential: Toronto +15 (23-8)
* Home runs: Blue Jays 7, Yankees 2
* Starting pitcher eras: Jays starters (Gausman, Yesavage) – 1.38 ERA; Yankees starters (Luis Gil, Max Fried, bullpen) – 11.25 ERA
* OPS leaders: Guerrero (1.500 OPS) and Varsho (1.875 OPS)
First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. A Blue Jays win would secure a sweep and a trip to the ALCS, while the Yankees face elimination.
