Blue Jays vs Yankees Preview: Top Arms Meet in Monday Showdown

Toronto's pitching staff helped them reach the World Series last year and remains one of baseball's best. Kevin Gausman serves as the ace, throwing heat that's tough to hit. Dylan Cease gives them another elite starter near the top of rotation. However, injuries are a concern because Shane Bieber and prospect Trey Yesavage are dealing with early-season problems. Jeff Hoffman, their closer, recorded 33 saves last season and anchors the bullpen. The Blue Jays beat Detroit 4-1 recently behind Gausman's strong performance. Now they travel to face a Yankees team that won their last two games.

Aaron Judge anchors the Yankees lineup as one of baseball's most dominant hitters. The towering slugger won the last two MVP awards and leads with power and patience at the plate. Judge hit about 50 home runs in each of the past two seasons and captured the batting title. Jazz Chisholm Jr. brings energy and athleticism to the infield with his combination of power and speed. He made the All-Star team last year after hitting 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases. However, injuries affect New York's pitching staff as Max Fried and Gerrit Cole are on the injury list.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains Toronto's offensive centerpiece as a five-time All-Star who combines power and contact ability. Last season he hit 23 home runs with 84 RBIs while maintaining a .292 batting average. Guerrero's strength is staying healthy and in the lineup almost every day. Patrick Corbin takes the mound for Toronto while the Yankees will counter with Ryan Weathers. Both teams deal with injuries to key players. Toronto sits at 21-25 while New York leads at 28-19. This matchup features baseball at its best: great hitters facing quality arms.