The New York Yankees concluded a three-game series sweep against AL East division rival Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
Both outfielder Spencer Jones and first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. hit a solo home run in Thursday’s 6-1 win.
Right-handed starter Gerrit Cole also had a stellar performance. Cole allowed 1 run through 6 innings. He struck out 8 Orioles batters.
The Yankees will face the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series on Friday. It marks the start of a nine-game homestand.
Yankees Announce Luis Garcia Jr. Lineup Decision Before Blue Jays Game
The New York Yankees announced their starting lineup before Friday’s game against the Blue Jays.
Star first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. is not in the lineup. Veteran Paul Goldschmidt will start at first base and bat leadoff.
Garcia Jr. is coming off a 3-for-4 performance against the Orioles on Thursday. The 26-year-old hit his second home run in 14 games since joining the Yankees.
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 20: Luis García Jr. #26 of the New York Yankees tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Looking at Luis Garcia Jr.
The first baseman was acquired by the Yankees from the Washington Nationals ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
New York traded four right-handed pitchers: Yovanny Cruz, Jake Bird, Jack Cebert, and Ben Grable to the Nationals in exchange for Garcia Jr.
The slugging first baseman is having a breakout season in his 7th season in the big leagues. Garcia Jr. has a career-high 25 home runs (23 with the Nationals, 2 with the Yankees) and 80 RBIs through 118 games this year.
The left-handed hitter is currently slashing .255/.288/.418 in 14 games with the Yankees.
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 20: Luis García Jr. #26 of the New York Yankees celebrates with manager Aaron Boone #17 after scoring in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Yankees Right Now
The New York Yankees hold a 72-55 (31-27 at home) record and currently own a four-game win streak. They are 4 games back of the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays (76-51).
The Yankees are currently the No. 1 AL wild card team and are 9.5 games ahead of the last wild card spot.
After a three-game weekend series against the Blue Jays, the Yankees will host the Houston Astros for another three-game set. They will then take on the Boston Red Sox for a four-game set at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees Announce Luis Garcia Jr. Lineup Decision Ahead of Blue Jay Game