The Toronto Blue Jays face a pivotal three-game series against the New York Yankees, the American League East leaders, starting Monday. Toronto trails New York by just three games but has struggled recently with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games.

Adding to their challenges, the Blue Jays will be without star shortstop Bo Bichette due to right knee discomfort. Bichette has been a key contributor with an .819 OPS over his last 12 games. He will be replaced by Addison Barger at third base, with Ernie Clement stepping in at shortstop and leadoff. The Blue Jays' reliance on Bichette's table-setting ability raises concerns as they take on the formidable pitching of the Yankees, including lefty Carlos Rodón against veteran Max Scherzer.