NEW YORK—When the Blue Jays last made the playoffs in 2023, it was preplanned pitching decisions that led to their demise. This year, it’s the reason they advanced to the American League championship series.

The Jays made a somewhat controversial decision late last week to prepare in advance for a bullpen day instead of using a traditional starter for Game 4 of their ALDS against the New York Yankees. It worked out as good as they could have hoped, if not better.

Redemption was in the air for the Jays on Wednesday night as they made up for previous post-season mistakes — and an epic collapse in Game 3 of this series — and punched their ticket to the ALCS with a 5-2 victory in the Bronx. Eight relievers combined to allow six hits against Major League Baseball’s top lineup.

Manager John

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