New York @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2013 ) NY Yankees 2, Toronto 5

The New York Yankees are running out of time in their quest to snag an American League playoff spot - and losses to division basement dwellers won't help their cause. Andy Pettitte gets the call Tuesday night as the Yankees look to rebound in the middle contest of their three-game series against the host Toronto Blue Jays. New York fell further back of the pack after dropping a 5-2 decision in Monday's series opener.

Pettitte will try to help the Yankees trim their 7 1/2-game deficit in the American League East, and has momentum on his side after defeating the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium five days earlier. He'll be opposed by fellow left-hander J.A. Happ, who was the losing pitcher in their Aug. 22 matchup and has just one victory in his last nine starts overall. Toronto's victory in the opener halted a 10-game losing streak in the head-to-head series.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH Andy Pettitte (9-9, 4.26 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (3-3, 5.10)

Pettitte was masterful in his last encounter with the Blue Jays, limiting them to a run on four hits over six effective innings. It was his 24th career victory over Toronto, more than he has against any other major-league team. The 41-year-old Louisiana native has struggled in night games so far this season, posting a 5-9 record with a 4.66 ERA compared to a 4-0, 3.09 mark in afternoon action.

Happ was solid in a win over Tampa Bay on Aug. 17 but couldn't sustain it over his next start, allowing four runs on three hits and five walks over 5 1/3 innings. Control has been an issue for the 30-year-old since returning from a three-month absence after he was struck in the head by a batted ball. Happ has issued 11 walks over 21 2/3 innings in his last four starts, giving him 30 free passes in just 54 2/3 innings on the season.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York has a commanding 12-2 lead in the season series, with both Toronto victories coming at the Rogers Centre.

2. Blue Jays DH Adam Lind is 3-for-21 with eight strikeouts lifetime against Pettitte.

3. The Yankees (-2) are the only team in the majors with a winning record and a negative run differential.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 4