The New York Yankees have their backs against the wall—and almost everyone knows it. They got completely crushed 10-1 in Game 1 by the Toronto Blue Jays. They walked out of Rogers Centre looking like a team that very much needed a reset. But here is the thing: there is no time for that now, and Game 2 is here. But so is Max Fried.

The ace takes the mound with one goal—to breathe life back into the New York Yankees. Toronto, of course, won’t make their life easy. The Blue Jays have turned Rogers Centre into a fortress this season, and they went 54-27 at home. Whether it’s the crowd that makes it impossible for them to falter or not, no one knows. They are for sure riding with confidence, or how else did Vladimir Guerrero, who had not a single home run the month, manage to break that in Game 1 there? On the other hand, Judge and the company are desperate to find that spark after being held at just one run.

Injury Report

New York Yankees:

• Brent Headrick – 15-Day IL (forearm)
• Jonathan Loaisiga – 15-Day IL (back)
• Clarke Schmidt – 60-Day IL (forearm)
• Oswaldo Cabrera – 60-Day IL (ankle)
• Jake Cousins – 60-Day IL (elbow)
• Gerrit Cole – 60-Day IL (elbow)

Toronto Blue Jays:

• Jose Berrios – 15-Day IL (elbow)
• Ty France – 10-Day IL (oblique)
• Chris Bassitt – 15-Day IL (back)
• Bo Bichette – 10-Day IL (knee)
• Robinson Pina – 60-Day IL (elbow)
• Nick Sandlin – 60-Day IL (elbow)
• Yimi Garcia – 60-Day IL (ankle)
• Bowden Francis – 60-Day IL (shoulder)
• Ryan Burr – 60-Day IL (shoulder)
• Angel Bastardo – 60-Day IL (elbow)

Toronto Blue Jays lineup

DH George Springer

LF Davis Schneider

1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

C Alejandro Kirk

CF Daulton Varsho

3B Ernie Clement

2B Isiah Kiner-Falefa

SS Andres Gimenez

RF Myles Straw

Toronto starter: Trey Yesavage (1-0, 3.21 ERA)

New York Yankees Lineup

CF Trent Grisham

RF Aaron Judge

LF Cody Bellinger

1B Ben Rice

DH Giancarlo Stanton

2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.

3B Ryan McMahon

SS Anthony Volpe

C Austin Wells

Yankees starter: LHP Max Fried (19-5, 2.86 ERA)

Can Max Fried even the series for the New York Yankees? 

Game 2 at the ALDS is for sure shaping up to be a fascinating bout for both teams. Toronto is making a surprising choice, sending Trey Yesavage to the mound instead of Shane Bieber. If you are questioning why, it can be because he is a young arm, and he can pitch in a high-stakes game without the full glare of expectations. But risks? Yes, that decision carries a fair bit of it.

First, there is a lack of experience, given that Yesavage has only thrown in three big league games this season. And while his stuff is no doubt electric, the red flag is that his command is still something that’s a work in progress. He is a kind of pitcher who can miss bats but also walk hitters, and that’s where the New York Yankees can really capitalize on. Yesavage has also posted a 3.21 ERA in his short MLB sample, but his 4.14 xERA and 2.35 FIP suggest that he has had some luck. His pitch count could go up if the Yanks stay patient, and this is something they excel at. Meanwhile, Jays thrive in putting the ball in play, and that made Luis Gil’s outing in Game 1 short and difficult, which is all the more reason why Max Fried needs to go deep this time.

And honestly, Max Fried’s record against the Toronto Blue Jays is solid. In four regular-season starts, he has held them to three or fewer runs in each outing. In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, he delivered 6⅓ innings. Fried has command and movement and is the type of pitcher who can frustrate any team, and he has been heavy for Yesavage. The New York Yankees’ lineup will also play to Fried’s strength. Judge, Stanton, and Rice are all capable of punishing the mistakes, especially when they will be from a rookie. Yesavage is inexperienced, and a tendency to walk batters could force him into a deep pitch count early, and that opens the door for big things.

Sure, the Jays are 7-1 at home against the New York Yankees this season, but given that a rookie pitcher is on the mound, things can change. Plus, postseason pressure is no joke, and it can magnify even the smallest mistakes. Fried thrives in these high-pressure situations, given he went 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his last seven regular-season games. So he might just be able to neutralize Toronto’s offense. The Yankees do have a real shot to shift the momentum before they head back home for Game 3.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays: Game Time & Broadcast Info

The New York Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays today at 4:08 p.m. ET. You can also tune in on FS1.