The New York Yankees punched their ticket to the American League Division Series with a decisive 4-0 shutout over the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series on Thursday night. It was a clinical performance, one that silenced the doubters after a regular season that saw the Bronx Bombers stumble more than they soared. Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler took the mound and delivered, holding Boston scoreless through key innings, while the offense chipped away just enough to seal the deal.
Now, attention turns northward to Toronto, where the Blue Jays await in what promises to be a heated rematch. The ALDS kicks off Saturday at Yankee Stadium, with Game 1 slated for 7:08 p.m. ET. Indeed, this series feels like a continuation of their gritty divisional battles throughout 2025. The Jays had the upper hand in July, sweeping a three-game set at Rogers Centre with scores of 12-5, 11-9, and 8-5—games that exposed some Yankee vulnerabilities in the infield and bullpen.
However, New York bounced back later in the summer. They edged out a 5-4 victory on July 22, then got revenge in September with a narrow 4-3 win on the 7th during a three-game homestand. Those close calls highlight the parity; Toronto's bats, led by consistent performers, have plagued the Yankees before. Yet, with home-field advantage and momentum from the Wild Card sweep, the Yankees enter as favorites at -180 odds to win the series. Their schedule beyond Game 1 includes a potential Game 2 on Sunday afternoon, followed by travel to Toronto if needed for Games 3 and 4 midweek.
Moreover, the Yankees' postseason path isn't without its wrinkles. Injuries lingered into October, and while the rotation looks solid with aces lined up, questions remain about depth. The Blue Jays, fresh off clinching the AL East, bring a balanced attack that could exploit any Yankee lapses. Still, New York's pedigree in October speaks volumes—27 championships don't lie.
As the first pitch approaches, one wonders if this rivalry will deliver the drama that playoff baseball thrives on, or if the Yankees can finally dominate their Canadian neighbors.