Blue Jays Make Pitching Decision Ahead of Yankees Series

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Blue Jays Make Pitching Decision Ahead of Yankees Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Aug 20, 2026 1:34 PM ET

Spencer Arrighetti carries a 7-5 record, a 4.60 ERA and 87 strikeouts across 17 starts this season, and the right-hander is about to bring that production to a big-league mound for a new team.

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired Arrighetti from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in a deal that sent outfielder Daulton Varsho to Houston. He has yet to appear for the Blue Jays, sidelined since July 25 with Morton’s neuroma, a nerve condition in his right foot, and Friday will mark his team debut.

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According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Arrighetti is likely to make his Blue Jays debut on Friday against the New York Yankees, either as a starter or out of the bullpen.

Sounds like Spencer Arrighetti will be part of Friday’s #BlueJays game in NY, as starter or bulk, depending on how today’s bullpen usage goes.
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) August 20, 2026

Arrighetti threw 3 2/3 innings and 50 pitches in a rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, allowing two earned runs on three hits, including a home run, with one walk and three strikeouts. His fastball sat around 90.5-91 mph, lower than his 92.4 mph season average, per Baseball Savant.

In order to make room for the 26-year-old righty, it will be either Brendon Little or Simeon Woods-Richardson heading down to the minors. The Blue Jays will need all the help they can get as both the starting rotation and bullpen have been hit hard with injuries.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arrighetti will be making his debut with a new club in one of the biggest starts of the season, as the Blue Jays are still within reach of the final American League Wild Card spot, facing off against an AL East rival.