TORONTO — The New York Yankees suffered another demoralizing loss on Tuesday night, falling 12–5 to the Toronto Blue Jays in a game defined by defensive miscues and bullpen breakdowns. What began as a promising start quickly unraveled into one of the more frustrating defeats of the Yankees’ season.
New York struck first in the opening inning, taking a 2–0 lead on a two-run single from Jasson Domínguez. However, the offense stalled from that point forward, finishing the game 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Despite several opportunities, the Yankees were unable to capitalize and watched the Blue Jays storm back to take control.
The turning point came in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs and a runner on base, George Springer cut the lead in half with a solo home run off Max Fried. Moments later, Fried appeared to induce an inning-ending ground ball to third base, but Jazz Chisholm Jr., filling in at the position despite being a natural second baseman, mishandled it. A subsequent two-out walk to Miles Straw set the stage for Andrés Giménez, who launched a three-run homer — one that would have only cleared the fence at Rogers Centre.
The Yankees briefly tied the game in the seventh inning after capitalizing on some shaky Toronto defense. But with the score knotted, manager Aaron Boone turned to right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. in a high-leverage spot — yet again. Leiter Jr., who Boone has continued to trust in critical moments, was unable to deliver, recording only one out while allowing two runners to reach base.
Boone then turned to Luke Weaver, who appeared to record a strikeout against Addison Barger. However, the Blue Jays challenged the play and replay review confirmed that catcher J.C. Escarra committed catcher’s interference, loading the bases. Ernie Clement followed with a sharp line drive that deflected off Anthony Volpe’s glove and into left-center field, scoring the go-ahead run.
The final blow came on a 2–1 pitch to Springer, who crushed a 95 mph fastball down the middle from Weaver for a grand slam, giving Toronto a commanding lead. Of the 12 total runs scored by the Blue Jays, eight came on three separate home runs — an unusual outcome for a team that doesn’t typically rely on the long ball.
Over the past few days, the Yankees bullpen has been in freefall, posting an ERA north of 10.00 while blowing multiple late-inning leads. Springer, who recorded eight RBIs in the game, drove in seven of them against Yankees relievers.
Following back-to-back defensive collapses and bullpen meltdowns, the Yankees will look to regroup with Will Warren on the mound Wednesday. One thing is for certain, the Yankees are now 10–14 against the AL East this season and something needs to change quick.