New York @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 6, 2018 ) NY Yankees 3, Toronto 0

The New York Yankees are jockeying with bitter rival Boston for both first place in the American League East and the best record in the majors, but they will not play again at home until after the All-Star break. The Yankees kick off an 11-game road trip with the first of three at the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.

New York has won three straight series since they were swept at Tampa Bay, getting a three-run homer from the resurgent Giancarlo Stanton in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over Atlanta. Stanton, who is riding a five-game hitting streak, made his Yankee debut with a two-homer, four-RBI game at Toronto on Opening Day. The Yankees have won seven of 10 this season from the Blue Jays, who have dropped three of their last four after splitting a two-game interleague series with the New York Mets. Rookie shortstop Lourdes Gurriel Jr. drove in five runs against the Mets, giving him 13 RBIs in 24 major-league games.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (5-6, 5.44 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.97)

The Yankees did not score in Gray's last two starts, although it wouldn't have mattered last time out -- he was pounded by Boston for six runs over a season-low 2 1/3 innings. He also lost his previous turn at Tampa Bay after permitting four runs in 6 2/3 innings. Gray, who owns a 1.88 ERA in seven starts at Rogers Centre, blanked the Blue Jays on two hits over eight scoreless innings on June 6.

Gaviglio matched his season high by pitching seven innings in a no-decision against Detroit on June 30, allowing three runs and four hits, including a pair of home runs. He had failed to get through five innings in each of his previous three turns and is seeking his first victory since May 25 at Philadelphia. Gaviglio stymied the Yankees with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball last month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RF Aaron Judge had 10 homers in 18 games versus Toronto in 2017 but is 8-for-35 with three blasts in this year's series.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales snapped a 1-for-19 rut with three hits Wednesday, including a homer and double.

3. The Yankees placed 2B Gleyber Torres on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a right hip strain.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 3