The Toronto Blue Jays are in the middle of another series against the New York Yankees. Before the second game, they announced a decision on Brandon Valenzuela and Jesus Sanchez.
Game 1 featured a bullpen game from the Blue Jays against the Yankees’ Cam Schlittler. The Yankees walked away with a 3-1 victory, with David Bednar notching his 30th save of the year.
Saturday’s game will be broadcast at 11:35 AM Mountain Time, 1:35 PM Eastern Time.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce Brandon Valenzuela Decision
GettyToronto Blue Jays have announced a change at the catching position prior to game 2 of their Boston Red Sox series.
Before they go toe-to-toe with the Yankees on Saturday afternoon, the Blue Jays announced the lineup.
Missing from that lineup was Sanchez and Valenzuela:
- RF: Brett Bateman
- 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- C: Alejandro Kirk
- DH: George Springer
- 3B: Kazuma Okamoto
- SS: Ernie Clement
- LF: Daz Cameron
- 2B: Charles McAdoo
- CF: Myles Straw
Starting Pitcher: Dylan Cease.
Looking at Brandon Valenzuela
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – MAY 9: Brandon Valenzuela #59 of the Toronto Blue Jays is soaked with BodyArmor after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre on May 9, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
Valenzuela is a 25-year-old catcher and has been in and out of the lineup for the whole season.
In Game 1 of this series against the Yankees, Valenzuela recorded one hit and one strikeout in four at-bats. He played first base due to the absence of Guerrero Jr and was seventh in the batting order.
Considering the inconsistent nature of his batting success, it makes sense to take him out of the lineup every once in a while. Add to the mix that Kirk has been playing some of his best baseball over the last few weeks, and Valenzuela getting pulled was inevitable.
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Toronto Blue Jays and the AL Wild Card Standings
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: Brett Bateman #21 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides home safely as Ali Sánchez #39 of the New York Yankees cannot make the tag in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
After Friday night’s game, the Blue Jays are seven games back of the Tampa Bay Rays and four games back of the Yankees in the AL East.
The Texas Rangers are currently occupying the final Wild Card spot in the American League. Right behind them are the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians, who are both 1.0 game back.
The Blue Jays are 1.5 games back of the Rangers.
After Toronto, come the Baltimore Orioles (2), Detroit Tigers (2.5), Seattle Mariners (3.0), Kansas City Royals (8.5), Los Angeles Angels (13), and the Oakland Athletics (15).
The Blue Jays need to win every game that they can in order to secure the final AL Wild Card Position.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce Brandon Valenzuela News After Poor Game vs Yankees