Yankees-Blue Jays game stands cancelled, doubleheader on Sunday

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Saturday’s matchup between the Yankees and the Blue Jays has been postponed because of bad weather, and there will be a doubleheader on Sunday.

NEW YORK — Due to persistent heavy rain and an unfavorable weather forecast, Saturday’s game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays has been postponed. The contest will now be made up as part of a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday, April 27, with the first pitch for Game 1 scheduled for 1:35 p.m., the Yankees announced.

This postponement marks the first rainout of the season at Yankee Stadium, disrupting what was set to be an important series between two American League East rivals. With both clubs battling for early-season positioning, the twin bill on Sunday will offer plenty of intrigue, especially on the mound.

Pitching matchups set for doubleheader

The Yankees have confirmed that Clarke Schmidt, originally slated to start on Saturday, will take the mound in the opener on Sunday. Schmidt, still seeking his first win of the 2025 season, carries a 7.45 ERA into the game. In his most recent outing on April 21 against the Cleveland Guardians, Schmidt struggled, allowing five earned runs over four innings. The Yankees will look for a bounce-back performance from the right-hander, who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to find consistency.

Opposing Schmidt will be Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt. Bassitt, a steady presence in Toronto’s rotation, holds a 2-1 record with an impressive 1.88 ERA. Despite a rough outing in his last start, where he surrendered four runs to the Houston Astros, Bassitt has otherwise been dominant, allowing just two runs over his first three starts.

The second game of the doubleheader will feature a high-profile pitching duel between Yankees newcomer Max Fried and Toronto ace Kevin Gausman. Fried, in his debut season with New York, has quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the rotation. He enters Sunday’s matchup with a 4-1 record and a sharp 2.78 ERA, showcasing his signature curveball and pinpoint command. Fried has been particularly effective in high-leverage situations, giving the Yankees a reliable option every fifth day.

Gausman, a veteran and one of the Blue Jays’ most consistent starters, brings a 3.12 ERA into the game along with 45 strikeouts through April. Known for his devastating splitter, Gausman poses a significant challenge to a Yankees lineup that has found its rhythm recently. His ability to neutralize power hitters will be tested against the likes of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, both swinging hot bats.

Yankees weather the storm, literally

While the weather delay is an unwelcome hiccup in a tightly packed schedule, it offers the Yankees a brief reprieve as they continue navigating the early marathon of the MLB season. The Yankees, who have started strong with a 13-7 record, will look to capitalize on home-field advantage during the doubleheader and build momentum.

Manager Aaron Boone noted earlier in the week the importance of depth, especially when handling doubleheaders. “It’s about managing the bullpen, getting quality innings from your starters, and making sure we stay fresh,” Boone said. With Fried and Schmidt slated to start, Boone will have his top relievers on standby for key situations.

Implications for the AL East

This doubleheader could have early implications for the American League East standings. The Blue Jays, hovering just below .500, are looking to gain ground on division leaders, while the Yankees aim to extend their lead. Every game counts in a competitive division where four teams are expected to contend deep into the summer.

Toronto manager John Schneider expressed confidence despite the schedule change. “We’ve dealt with these situations before. It’s about coming in focused and ready to play two,” Schneider said.

Fan information for Sunday

Sunday’s doubleheader will be single-admission, meaning fans with tickets for the original game will be able to attend both contests. Gates will open earlier than usual, and the team has encouraged fans to arrive early to avoid delays. The Yankees have also stated that standard rain check policies apply for those unable to attend.

Weather forecasts for Sunday indicate clearer skies, with no additional delays expected.

After wrapping up the series against the Blue Jays, the Yankees will hit the road for a key series against the Boston Red Sox. With back-to-back games on Sunday, managing player workload will be critical as New York enters a stretch of 13 games in 14 days.

For now, all eyes are on Sunday’s doubleheader, where the Yankees will rely on both experienced arms and emerging talents to secure a crucial series win at home. Despite the rain, the stage is set for an action-packed day of baseball in the Bronx.

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