New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions April 27th 2025

As Devin Williams Struggles, Yankees Face Closer Uncertainty Heading into Doubleheader vs. Blue Jays

The tension surrounding the New York Yankees‘ bullpen situation couldn’t be higher as they prepare for a critical Sunday doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. After Friday’s late-inning collapse and Saturday’s rainout, the Yankees find themselves not only fighting for a divisional win but also battling internal uncertainty — most notably, the once-secure closer role now hanging in the balance.

With Devin Williams struggling mightily, questions swirl about who will get the ball if a save situation arises. As the Yankees and Blue Jays clash at Yankee Stadium, the performances on Sunday could define the trajectory for both teams moving deeper into the spring stretch.

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Devin Williams: From Dominance to Doubt

When the Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in December — sending Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin in the other direction — expectations were sky-high. Williams, armed with a devastating changeup and a strong track record, was seen as the final piece in solidifying New York’s bullpen.

However, reality has not matched the hype. Williams entered Friday’s game already carrying a bloated 9.64 ERA and worsened his standing after allowing three runs without recording an out against the Blue Jays. Alejandro Kirk’s two-run double highlighted a disastrous ninth inning where Williams fell behind each batter he faced.

The meltdown not only cost the Yankees the game but perhaps also Williams his stranglehold on the closer role — at least temporarily. His ERA ballooned to an unsightly 11.25, and manager Aaron Boone was noncommittal about Williams’ future responsibilities afterward.

“We’ll kind of talk through that stuff,” Boone said diplomatically. “This is raw right now. We want to do everything we can to get (Williams) right because we know how good he is and how valuable he’s going to be for us.”

Boone’s reluctance to make a definitive statement speaks volumes. While the Yankees aren’t abandoning Williams, they also seem prepared to pivot if necessary.

Luke Weaver: The Next Man Up?

Should Boone opt to remove Williams from the closer’s role — either temporarily or permanently — Luke Weaver stands as the logical replacement.

Weaver, a veteran right-hander, seamlessly stepped into the closer’s role in the final month of the 2024 season and has built a solid foundation early this year. He sports a sparkling 0.00 ERA across 11 appearances, showcasing improved command and poise in high-leverage situations.

Weaver’s emergence has provided Boone with a critical safety net. While he lacks the overpowering pure stuff of Williams at his peak, Weaver’s precision and steady demeanor could be just what the Yankees need to weather this storm.

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Doubleheader Breakdown: Critical Matchups on the Hill

Sunday’s doubleheader offers two compelling pitching matchups that could swing the series and, by extension, early AL East standings.

In the opener, Yankees ace Max Fried (4-0, 1.42 ERA) takes the mound against Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.16 ERA). Fried has been every bit the workhorse the Yankees hoped for when they signed him to an eight-year deal this past offseason. Since a shaky debut, Fried has been nearly untouchable, posting a 1.00 ERA over his past four starts. His last outing — 7 2/3 scoreless innings against Tampa Bay — reinforced his status as a true ace.

Fried’s dominance against Toronto is well-documented, too. In three career starts, he holds a 2-0 record with a 0.95 ERA, making him a nightmare matchup for a Blue Jays lineup still searching for consistency.

Meanwhile, Gausman represents Toronto’s best chance at a Game 1 upset. Although he struggled in his last start against Houston, Gausman’s career numbers against the Yankees (10-9, 3.63 ERA) show that he’s more than capable of stepping up in big moments.

In Game 2, the Yankees turn to Clarke Schmidt (0-1, 7.45 ERA), hoping for a bounce-back performance after two rough starts since returning from a shoulder injury. Schmidt’s history against Toronto is mixed — he’s 0-3 with a 3.06 ERA in six appearances — and his ability to limit early damage will be crucial.

Opposing him is Chris Bassitt (2-1, 1.88 ERA), one of the most consistent and underrated arms in Toronto’s rotation. Bassitt has dominated the Yankees in the past, compiling a 3-0 record and 0.82 ERA over five starts. He’ll be looking to continue that mastery Sunday.

Find expert MLB betting advice and series predictions in the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

Blue Jays: Signs of Life After Slump

Toronto entered Friday’s contest mired in a five-game losing streak, having scored just nine runs total during that skid. Facing Yankees pitching, and especially a struggling closer, proved to be the tonic they needed.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blasted a solo homer — only his second of the season — to give the Blue Jays early life. Kirk’s clutch two-run double in the ninth capped Toronto’s first significant comeback in weeks.

“It feels great. I needed it,” Kirk said through an interpreter after the win. “And the team needed it. I’m very happy, just very happy about it.”

Although the Blue Jays’ offense remains inconsistent, the pieces are there. Guerrero, Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk form the heart of a lineup that could heat up quickly. Toronto’s ability to string together quality at-bats on Sunday could dictate whether they secure a vital road series win or fall back into old habits.

Yankees: Power Still Reigns, but Flaws Emerge

Despite bullpen instability, the Yankees’ offense remains a juggernaut. New York leads the majors with 41 home runs — far outpacing Toronto’s 14 — and ranks near the top in both slugging and runs scored.

Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt continue to anchor the lineup, both carrying on-base streaks of over 20 games. However, the Yankees’ overreliance on the long ball and late-inning struggles threaten to undercut their early success.

Friday’s collapse served as a reminder that even the deepest lineups need reliable pitching to seal victories. Without it, no lead feels safe.

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Conclusion: A Defining Day Awaits

Sunday’s doubleheader feels like more than just two games. For the Yankees, it’s a chance to stabilize their bullpen, reaffirm their dominance in the AL East, and restore confidence heading into May. For the Blue Jays, it’s an opportunity to prove that their early-season struggles are behind them.

If New York’s bullpen falters again, the pressure on Boone — and the entire pitching staff — will intensify. If Toronto’s offense can stay hot, they could leave New York with renewed momentum and set the stage for a competitive summer race.

And somewhere, lurking in the background, looms the question: who will Boone trust if a save situation arises?

No matter the answer, Sunday’s action promises drama, intrigue, and the kind of playoff-like atmosphere that makes baseball’s long season so exhilarating.