The Toronto Blue Jays have shared details about the starting pitching approach ahead of a critical series against the New York Yankees that begins on Friday, August 21.
Left-hander Mason Fluharty will get the ball for the first matchup of the three-game set, according to multiple reports, including from Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
The Yankees will have a steady stream of left-handed hitters at the top of the order. Trent Grisham and Ben Rice have typically been the first two hitters in the lineup. Luis Garcia Jr. and Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be in the middle of the order, with righty Heliot Ramos sandwiched between them.
Fluharty has neutralized lefties this season. He’s held left-handed hitters to a .067 ISO and a .200 wOBA. Fluharty is striking out lefties at a strong 28.4% clip.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Pitching Update: Mason Fluharty to Serve as Opener
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 04: Mason Fluharty #68 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on August 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Fluharty has appeared as an opener three times this season. He has a 2.45 ERA across 3.2 IP in those outings. Toronto has won two of the three games Fluharty has started this year. For the season, the 25-year-old has a solid 3.71 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning. Fluharty ranks second on the team with 13 holds. He emerged as a key left-hander in the later innings after Brendon Little struggled in the role.
The Blue Jays have leaned heavily on their bullpen this season. Fluharty leads the team with a whopping 67 appearances. Braydon Fisher and Tyler Rogers have also reached 60 games pitched. Closer Louis Varland is just behind at 59 appearances. The heavy reliever usage has been a product of an oft-injured starting rotation. The club has been without Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios, and Bowden Francis for most of the year. Trey Yesavage and Jameson Taillon are currently sidelined.
Who Will Follow Fluharty as the Bulk Reliever?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 18: Yainer Diaz #21 and Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros speak on the mound during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Daikin Park on July 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Trade deadline acquisition Spencer Arrighetti is the top candidate to pitch after Fluharty. He came to the organization in a deal with the Houston Astros for outfielder Daulton Varsho. Arrighetti was injured at the time of the trade. He’s dealing with a nerve issue in his foot. The righty has made a pair of rehab appearances at Triple-A Buffalo. Arrighetti has allowed two earned runs over six innings with the Bisons. He’s struck out four and walked three.
Arrighetti got off to a tremendous start this season. He carried a pristine 1.34 ERA into June. It all came crashing down in the summer months. Arrighetti permitted 25 earned runs over 25 innings in June. He posted a 7.31 ERA across four July starts before hitting the injured list with a foot issue.
Blue Jays Reveal Pitching Plan Ahead of Yankees Matchup