Right now the Yankees are going into a series against one of the toughest teams in the AL, currently 2.5 games behind the Red Sox for the division title. The Yanks just won a series against the Mariners. The Sox just blew all three games of a series against the Baltimore Orioles. The tide is beginning to turn, just when I thought there was no hope for the Yanks that didn't involve a 1-game playoff.
The problem with the Red Sox is that they're beginning to lose momentum, thanks to injuries to Eduardo Nunez, Dustin Pedroia and David Price, three substantial pieces that were really helping them out back there. The Yankees, meanwhile, are just getting THEIR injured guys back, with Starlin Castro, Greg Bird and CC Sabathia returning to the team. The Yanks are building things up, and are stronger than they were in the peak of their May come-up.
The difference is that now they've accumulated even more roster depth, even more flexibility, with guys like Todd Frazier or Tyler Austin that can jump in whenever, and FOUR valid, hot outfielders. Sonny Gray has improved greatly since his trade, and the rotation is looking pretty sharp right now (even Tanaka, who's evened his record). The return of Aaron Hicks has brought some power back, and while Aaron Judge is still technically slumping, his ability to hit is still semi-present.
They have a shot to chase the Sox and nab a playoff spot, but first they're going to have to do well against the Indians...in order to, well, qualify to do well against them in October.
Coming Tomorrow- In Philadelphia, the few who haven't shifted their gaze to Carson Wentz are talking about this phenomenal rookie who's been taking the last-place team by storm.
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