Despite a very strong start from Cam Schlittler, the Yankees offense never got going as they were defeated by the Blue Jays, 2-1, on a rainy Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

This is the first loss of this four-game homestand against their divisional rivals for New York (30-20).

Here are the takeaways...

-Schlittler was efficient, continuing to emerge as a headliner of the Yankees' starting rotation. The lanky righty pitched six innings of dominant ball, striking out seven batters and allowing eight hits.

-The wheels came off for Schlittler and the Yanks in the seventh inning. In quick succession, Ernie Clement singled and Jesús Sánchez walked -- Schlittler's first walk all game. Brandon Valenzuela reached first on a bunt which was fielded and mishandled by both Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt.

With the bases loaded, Schlittler's pitch count approaching triple digits, and Jake Bird warming up in the bullpen, manager Aaron Boone opted to keep his starter in the game to face Andrés Giménez. The Blue Jays infielder fouled off seven pitches in an 11-pitch at-bat, which culminated in a walk on a 3-2 count, driving in the game's first run for Toronto.

Bird managed to limit the damage and recorded all three outs in the seventh inning. Ryan McMahon threw out the lead runner via force out at home plate, Bird allowed a sacrifice fly to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that drove in Valenzuela, and then Bird struck out Daulton Varsho to end the inning.

Schlittler was charged with two earned runs in the loss. His ERA for the season now sits at 1.50.

-The top three hitters in the Yankees lineup were a combined 1-for-12, including four strikeouts from Aaron Judge. The lone hit was a double in the bottom of the ninth by Cody Bellinger, who scored on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to 2-1. Blue Jays closer Louis Varland worked through some trouble to shut the door, stranding Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base by striking out Amed Rosario to end the game.

-Fellow rising star pitcher Trey Yesavage outdid his counterpart, allowing just two hits and walking none while striking out eight through six innings of scoreless work.

-Out of the bullpen for the Yanks, longtime minor leaguer Yovanny Cruz made his major league debut in the top of the eighth inning. He marked his arrival in a big way, sitting down all six batters he faced in order on just 15 pitches, striking out Kazuma Okamoto, Ernie Clement, and Gimenez in the process.

-Trent Grisham left the game with left knee discomfort. He was replaced in center field by Spencer Jones.

Game MVP: Cam Schlittler

Without Schlittler's heroics on the mound, the Yankees wouldn't have had a chance to potentially tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. His ability to go deep into ballgames has been a massive boost for a thin bullpen that can use all the rest it can get.

Highlights

What a catch on the run by Cody Bellinger! pic.twitter.com/4dHjHgeSPy
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 21, 2026

A pair of strikeouts for Yovanny Cruz in his MLB debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cOlVNrpBKM
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 21, 2026

What's next

The Yankees and Blue Jays will conclude their four-game set on Thursday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Carlos Rodón (5.63 ERA) will look to shake off the lingering post-injury rust in his third start of the season. Toronto's starting pitcher is yet to be determined.

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