About Last Night: Blue Jays Top Yankees

By Andrew Hefner

July 24, 2025

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The Big Story

“The Yankees are playing this game as if they are battling two enemies, the Blue Jays and the defense,” announcer Michael Kay said after the Toronto Blue Jays plated their sixth run versus New York last night.

Kay was certainly not wrong in his assertion of the game as the Yankees fell 8-4 north of the border and went on to commit four errors throughout the night and fall apart amid a game that they seemed to have a chance to win. The defense has committed 12 errors in just 10 games against the Jays this season.

In terms of hitting, the Yankees were not all that bad, putting up four runs on five hits, all off of homers from Volpe (solo), Dominguez (solo), and Judge (two-run). The Yankees went up early courtesy of a line drive home run by Dominguez in the second to snap an 0-18 streak, and Volpe would later tie the game with a clutch solo shot in the fifth after the Jays took a 2-1 lead. Finally, Judge would play catch-up as well, as he delivered a two-run shot to tie the game at four after Toronto was once again able to take the lead in the fifth.

Max Fried was not all that he has been cut out to be this season, as he gave up four earned runs while only fanning three and giving three free passes as well. He also committed one of the four errors on defense on a bad throw home to catcher JC Escarra, who was unable to gain control of the ball to tag out the speedy George Springer. Fried matched a season high of six runs allowed, with two being unearned due to errors.

Although not an error, historically great defender Cody Bellinger lost a ball in the lights, which fell, leading to a triple and setting up a big inning for the Blue Jays.

Manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake were also ejected late in the contest for arguing balls and strikes amidst a game that came down to the defense rather than errant calls. Boone got his money's worth, though, as he had a lengthy “discussion” with the umpire team after he was tossed.

With the loss, the Yankees move to four back in the AL East behind the Blue Jays, but they hold the second-place position. The Yankees are 3-7 against Toronto this year.

Player of the Game

Chris Bassit spun 7.1 innings, allowing three earned runs and fanning eight. He also did not allow a single free pass and limited the damage to three hits.

Yankees Player of the Game

Interestingly enough, this one will go to Anthony Volpe, who was 1-2 on the night with a clutch solo home run midway through the game and a hit by pitch. However, throughout the multitude of errors for the Yankees, the shortstop, who has been struggling defensively lately, did not commit any of New York’s four.

Notable Performances

• Aaron Judge: 1-4, 2 RBI, HR

• Jasson Dominguez: 1-4, RBI, HR

• JT Brubaker: 1 IP, 1K, 0R

Better to Forget

• Max Fried: 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 6 R, 3 BB, Error

• Jazz Chisholm: 0-4, 2 K, Error

• JC Escarra: 0-3

• Ben Rice: 0-4, 2 K, Error

• Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 ER, HR, BB

My Take

I am honestly at a loss for words after what I witnessed last night. Again, Aaron Boone, who was ejected, seems to be thinking that changes still do not need to be made after one of the worst defensive games I have ever witnessed as a fan of baseball.

“I think we are a very good defensive club,” is specifically what Boone remarked during his postgame presser when asked about the defense while giving what seemed like an excuse for each error. He cannot and could not just admit that something needs to change and get better, and for the first time, I, who has been an avid defender of Boone for years, believe that it is time for a change. To summarize, Boone also mentioned that the Yankees only struggled defensively in Toronto and that was the main reason for their woes. Moving forward, he is confident they will be better at defending with their good defenders.

The trade deadline is what the Yankees need right now, and I really hope that big changes are made, but also that the young prospects making waves in the minors will remain. I will be completely honest in saying that I am not sure how Cashman will make that happen, but all I know for sure is that any new spark to this team will be welcomed with open arms, including a new manager.

It was great to see a big home run from Volpe as well because I do want to see him succeed. I just wish changes would be made about his playing time or how Boone chooses to use him.

All in all, it was a bad game, but up next is a huge series versus the Phillies after an off day, so I’m hoping for some big discussions being had about the defense and the future of this team, and how these important upcoming series will be approached.

Up Next

Young starter Will Warren (6-5, 4.91 ERA) is expected to start against Philadelphia Phillies’ RHP Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.75) in the Bronx Friday night on Apple TV+, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET.