The Blue Jays finished third in the AL East with a 32-28 record. Toronto was one game behind the Yankees, who finished 33-27 on the season. Toronto was eliminated by the Rays in the first round of the playoffs, while New York won their first round series against the Indians before being eliminated by Tampa in the second round. Both teams are dealing with some injuries to key players as the season begins. The Blue Jays acquired George Springer and Kirby Yates to bolster their team, and both were injured during the preseason. Yates is expected to miss the entire season with an elbow injury, while Springer is likely out for the first 1-2 weeks with an oblique strain. Nate Pearson, a key member of the Blue Jays bullpen, is also out with a groin injury. The Yankees will start the season without slugger Luke Voit (knee), third baseman Miguel Andujar (hand), and relievers Justin Wilson (shoulder), Zack Britton (elbow), and Aroldis Chapman (suspended). Jays Tab Ryu as Opening Day Starter The Toronto Blue Jays will hand the ball to Hyun-Jin Ryu to start the 2021 season on the mound. Ryu made 13 starts last season, going 5-2 while allowing 20 earned runs and six home runs in 67.0 innings of work. Ryu walked 17 batters and registered 72 strikeouts last season. Ryu did not miss a start last season after pitching 182.2 innings for Los Angeles in 2019. Ryu faced the Yankees twice last season, going 1-0 while allowing five runs and 11 hits in 12 innings, striking out nine and walking four. Ryu pitches to contact, and will rely on the young core of Blue Jays to provide solid defense behind him.