With injuries mounting, Yankees aim to solve road woes vs. Jays

Already without Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees might have to deal with another injury to a productive outfielder.

The Yankees could be without center fielder Trent Grisham on Saturday afternoon, depending on his hamstring issue, when they try to even their three-game series with the host Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto took the opener 8-5 on Friday night after Alejandro Kirk returned from a fractured thumb to record three hits, a walk and two RBIs. The Blue Jays have won nine of their past 10 home games against the Yankees, including two victories in the 2025 American League Division Series.

"Last year was rough in this building for us," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said pregame, "but it's a new year, a new opportunity."

Grisham lined a two-run single to center field in the sixth inning but left the game after sliding into second when he advanced on the throw home. The team said he had tightness in his right hamstring, an injury that Boone said happened as he rounded first base.

"It's too early to tell," Grisham said. "Got to wake up tomorrow and see how it feels."

Outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who has been out with an AC joint sprain, could make his return from a rehabilitation assignment sooner than planned.

"There is a chance we bring him up, depending on Grish," Boone said. "We'll see what we have overnight and in the morning, but Jasson could be in play."

The Blue Jays are scheduled to start right-hander Kevin Gausman (4-4, 3.60 ERA) on Saturday. In 39 career games (33 starts) against the Yankees, he is 12-10 with a 3.67 ERA.

Right-hander Cam Schlittler (7-3, 1.87 ERA) will start for the Yankees. He is 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in three career starts against the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays were busy with transactions on Friday.

Center fielder Daulton Varsho was put on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation, and Davis Schneider was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. Schneider was 0-for-2 before being replaced by a pinch hitter on Friday.

Kirk was injured when he was hit by a pitch while behind the plate on April 3. In his first at-bat upon his return on Friday, he hit an RBI double in the first inning. He added two singles and another RBI before accepting a walk.

"He's just steady," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "He's one of one. It's great to have him back for a variety of reasons. There's always a domino effect. It's really good to have that kind of bat in our lineup, so I think it can rub off."

With Kirk's return, backup catcher Tyler Heineman was designated for assignment. He was expendable because Brandon Valenzuela has played well since his promotion from Buffalo.

"Tough decision, tough conversation with Heiny," John Schneider said. "Very well-liked. I think it comes down to performance and how (Valenzuela) was doing. Heiny understood that. Not the first time it's happened to him. But tough conversation, for sure."

--Field Level Media

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