Yankees Recap: New York’s Offense Takes Memorial Day Off

The Yankees lineup had no answer for Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada as he shut them down for the second time in the last week, leading Toronto to a 4-2 victory over New York Monday evening.

Don’t be fooled by the close score, the Yanks never really even threatened until Estrada was pulled from the game after eight innings. After Rob Refsnyder struck out to start the ninth, Aaron Loup plunked Carlos Beltran. Brian McCann followed with a monster two-run shot to deep center field. Mark Teixeira followed that up with a hard-hit double to right, which brought the tying run to the plate. Unfortunately, New York failed to capitalize. Starlin Castro flied out to right and Chase Headley struck out to end the game.

Ivan Nova had his first clunker since returning to the rotation. He allowed four runs on eight hits during his six innings of work. All things considered, it wasn’t a terrible start considering how hot the Blue Jays offense has been of late. Nova took the loss, but he kept the Yankees within reach which is all you can ask of your fifth starter against one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. Nick Goody added another 1.1 scoreless innings, and Richard Bleier finished the game, making his MLB debut at age 29.

Toronto has now won five of their last six, and are 5-2 against the Yankees on the season. They sit in third place in the AL East, but look ready to go on a tear similar to the one that saw them dethrone New York in the second half last season. The Yankees trail them by a game and a half. They will need to find a way to beat them if they want to be a serious contender.

Notes:

• Prior to the game, the Yankees activated Luis Severino from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton. Here’s what Joe Girardi had to say about the decision:

• Alex Rodriguez was not in the lineup Monday night. Girardi said it was just a normal night off, and not influenced by the fact that A-Rod is 1-for-16 since returning from the DL.
• Dustin Ackley was placed on the 15-day DL Monday and Rob Refsnyder was called up to take his place. Ackley hurt his shoulder diving back to first base on a pickoff throw Sunday, and an MRI revealed a torn labrum.