Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho: Taking seat Sunday

Blue Jays' Varsho likely to start Sunday despite minor ailment

Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho is likely to start Sunday's game against the New York Yankees despite a minor ailment, according to manager John Schneider.

Varsho left Saturday's game against the Yankees with a left knee contusion after he was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning, but Schneider said the injury is not serious.

"He's doing OK," Schneider said. "He's a little sore, but he's moving around OK. We'll see how he is tomorrow, but I would expect him to be in the lineup."

Varsho has been one of the Blue Jays' most productive hitters since being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, batting .313 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 25 games.

Blue Jays hoping Varsho can stay healthy

The Blue Jays are hoping Varsho can stay healthy as they make a push for the playoffs, having climbed into a virtual tie for the American League's final wild-card spot.

Toronto took over sole possession of the third wild-card spot with a 6-1 win over the Yankees on Saturday, moving a half-game ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost to the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in 10 innings.

The Blue Jays will face the Yankees again on Sunday before hosting the Rays for three games starting Monday.