MLB Playoffs: Examining the three team AL Wild Card race

New York Yankees:

The Yankees are one of three AL East teams tied for the two AL wild card spots. Needless to say, divisional games are going to be huge for all three.

All of the Yankees’ final three games are against the division. Before that, the Yankees have to deal with the Indians, who are ten games back in the Wild Card and 3-7 over their last ten. They then host the already eliminated Ranges for a three game set.

The Yankees are winners of three straight, but it’s so hard to predict where this team will go. They’ve been so hot and cold that a surge is just as realistic as a complete collapse. It seems like the story of this team in 2021 has been three steps forward, four steps back. Starting 27-19, the Yankees quickly fell to 33-32 and it’s been much of the same the rest of the way.

The Yankees will need Aaron Judge to play a big role down the stretch. Judge has only four hits over his last 22 at bats, but all four have been home runs. It simply can’t be all or nothing with the Yankees slugger.

Don’t sleep on the postseason experience of Anthony Rizzo, who was a key contributor to one World Series team in 2016. He’s been solid for the Yankees and as a clutch late season performer might be the MVP of the final stretch.