Yankees lose to Blue Jays, down 2-0 in 2025 ALDS

TORONTO – The Yankees had done their homework on Trey Yesavage, at least as much as they could. The rookie right-hander was something of a mystery, a live arm theyâ€d never faced, with a unique release and a hellacious splitter that didnâ€t show up clearly on video. Still, they figured they would adjust once they saw him live.

Then the first inning started, and reality hit hard. Three strikeouts later, the Yankees realized they werenâ€t just facing a challenge – they were in trouble. Yesavage carved through their lineup like a veteran, the Rogers Centre crowd roared like an all-day party and New Yorkâ€s hopes of returning to a second straight World Series are once again on the brink.

By the time Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched a fourth-inning grand slam off Will Warren, the game had gone from frustrating to humiliating. Max Fried was knocked out early, the deficit ballooned and the Yankees had no choice but to endure the final innings of a 13-7 loss to the Blue Jays in Sundayâ€s Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

The Yankees must win three consecutive games to extend their season, including a potential Game 5 here in Toronto, where they have lost all but one of their nine contests this year. Itâ€s a tall order, magnified by this: In Division Series with the current 2-2-1 format, teams to win both Games 1 and 2 at home have advanced 31 of 34 times (91.2%), including 20 sweeps.

The most recent comeback in both situations came in the 2017 ALDS, when the Yankees rallied past Cleveland. To accomplish that, theyâ€ll have to flip the script after being outscored, 23-8, through the first two games of this series.

A 22-year-old top prospect who opened this season with Class-A Dunedin, Yesavage became the latest breakout star of this postseason, raising his hands to a curtain call after striking out 11 over 5 1/3 hitless, scoreless innings. All of New Yorkâ€s damage came off the bullpen, as the Yankees scored seven runs on 10 hits following Yesavageâ€s exit, forcing Toronto manager John Schneider to rifle through his available arms.

Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer in the second inning off Fried, who was charged with seven runs on eight hits and two walks over three-plus innings.

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