New York @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 6, 2018 ) NY Yankees 2, Toronto 6

Luis Severino has emerged as a bona fide ace for the New York Yankees, leading the major leagues in wins and looking like the starter for the American League in the All-Star Game. Severino could be facing a future teammate in his next start when the Yankees resume their three-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.

Severino, who will match his career-high win total with his next victory, is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA versus the Blue Jays this season, allowing one run and four hits over 12 2/3 innings. He will be opposed by left-hander J.A. Happ, a 10-game winner for Toronto who has been the subject of rampant trade speculation -- with New York considered among the top suitors. Justin Smoak clubbed a three-run homer to spark a five-run second inning as the Blue Jays won the series opener 6-2 to improve to 4-7 against the Yankees this season. Aaron Hicks drove in both runs for New York, including his career-high 16th homer -- his fifth blast in the last five games.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SNET (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (13-2, 1.98 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (10-4, 4.03)

Severino has won four consecutive starts and has not allowed a run in three of them, including 13 2/3 scoreless innings over his last two turns. He blanked the Boston Red Sox on two hits over 6 2/3 innings last time out -- the fifth time in his last eight starts he has permitted four hits or fewer. Smoak has had success against Severino, going 6-for-16 with a pair of home runs.

Happ had his six-game winning streak halted by Detroit on Sunday, getting tagged for seven runs and 10 hits to absorb his first defeat since May 10. He has surrendered four of his 14 homers in his last three turns and also yielded a two-run shot to Giancarlo Stanton in an Opening Day loss to New York. Happ won both his starts against the Yankees last season, giving up a combined two runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hicks has homered nine times in the last 16 games.

2. Blue Jays 3B Yangervis Solarte is 5-for-12 during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka will return from the disabled list on Tuesday to start against Baltimore.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 1