Aaron Judge, who seems to find a new way to surprise every day, reached base four of five times, including a two-run homer in the first inning (his 41st) and an intentional walk with two outs and the bases loaded in the second inning.
The Blue Jays didn’t want to pitch to him.
Austin Wells then singled, but Torres struck out.
Judge admitted he was surprised because “it was so early in the match.”
“It was still pretty close at the time,” Judge said. The Yankees were leading 4-1 at the time. “So with two outs, I think they were just trying to get the next batter to hit, and Wells got the big hit.”
“I pray that this never happens again.”
Loan transfer Mark Leiter Jr. made his home debut and allowed three singles to load the bases in the ninth inning.
After recording two outs, Leiter was replaced by Clay Holmes, who struck out George Springer for his 23rd save.
Giancarlo Stanton was kept out of the lineup for two reasons: Stanton is still building up his fitness after starting three of four games since returning from an injury that didn’t involve a rehab assignment, and Boone wanted to give Judge some rest.
Judge served as the designated hitter, while Trent Grisham, who hit a home run, started in center field.
Clark Schmidt, who is rehabbing from a right latissimus dorsi injury, is scheduled to make his first real pitch since the injury on Tuesday, Schmidt said.
Also on Tuesday, Ian Hamilton is scheduled to work in the bullpen as he recovers from a right lat strain. Boone did not say when Hamilton, who last pitched on June 16, will be ready.
Boone also said he doesn’t know when infielders Anthony Rizzo and Jon Berti will be optioned, but both are trending in the right direction.
Boone said Rizzo, who is recovering from a broken right forearm, has started swinging.
Berti, who is out with a tight left calf, is running at about 80 percent strength. Both players grounded out in Friday’s game.
