Yankees outfielder Andrew McCutchen turned up the heat Friday in an 11-0 win over the Blue Jays.
Acquired by he Yankees from the Giants before the August 31 waiver deadline, McCutchen collected three hits with two walks. He also hit his third home run with the Yankees and scored two runs.
New York received even better news late in the game, when Aaron Judge, out since July 26 with a wrist injury, took the outfield. Judge did not bat as he continues to recover.
Masahiro Tanaka started for the Yankees, tossing six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. He has been inconsistent this season, but improved to 12-5 with a 3.47 ERA.
While the Yankees (91-56) are expected to beat the struggling Blue Jays, the win helped them remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the Athletics for the top American League wild-card spot after Oakland defeated the Rays 2-1 in 10 innings.
Stud of the Night
The Indians fell 5-4 to the Tigers, but Josh Donaldson belted his first home run since joining Cleveland before the August 31 waiver deadline. If Donaldson can remain healthy and regain his power stroke, the Indians, with Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor already in place, could be a tough out in the postseason.
.@BringerOfRain20’s first HR with the @Indians is an absolute MOONSHOT. pic.twitter.com/AYJj3SdaeN
— MLB (@MLB) September 15, 2018
Dud of the Night
Marlins pitching: Wei-Yin Chen started the game, allowing five earned runs off seven hits in just four innings. But Miami also had three relievers allow three earned runs apiece in a 14-2 loss to the Phillies. Philadelphia remains 7 1/2 games back of the Braves in the National League East.
Highlight
The Nationals may have found a gem in Juan Soto:
Juan Soto now has more dingers (20) than years on Earth (19). pic.twitter.com/qsLxhY1Gos
— MLB (@MLB) September 15, 2018
What's Next
Dodgers (81-67) at Cardinals (81-67) 1:05 p.m. ET — Despite making some big splashes before the July non-waiver trade deadline, Los Angeles is still chasing the Rockies in the NL West. The Cardinals are fighting for a wild-card spot as they currently sit behind the Cubs and Brewers in the NL Central. Rich Hill (8-5, 3.88) will take the mound for the Dodgers, while John Gant (7-5, 3.16) will take the mound for St. Louis.