I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, but the odds that the Yankees win the American League East are very slim, they’re basically zero. Currently, they are nine games behind Boston with only 15 more to play. It’s not looking good.
But it’s ok. With a .621 winning percentage and a 90-55 record, the odds are extremely high they will be a Wild Card team. So, you know what that means? They will participate in a one-game winner take all to play a divisional winner in the next round. Sounds scary? Yes, it’s terrifying. Any team can win one game. So, who are the potential teams the Yankees could play? Oh, and how have the Yankees fared against them so far this season? Let’s check it out.
Oakland Athletics: 88-57 (.607 winning percentage)
Oakland is currently just two games behind the Yanks for the first Wild Card, who are 3-3 against them this season. Oakland is the safe bet right now to face the Yankees in the Wild Card game. They are 8-2 over their last ten games and took two out of three against the Yankees at home Sept. 3-5.
Houston Astros: 92-54 (.630 winning percentage)
The Astros are currently 3.5 games ahead of the A’s in their division, but considering how wild the West has been this season the defending World Series champs could very well end up in the Wild Card. The Yankees locked up the season series against the ‘Stros back in May, taking five of seven games. However, Houston has been red hot, going 9-1 in their last 10 games.
Tampa Bay Rays: 80-65 (.552 winning percentage)
The Yanks AL East rivals are eight games back in the Wild Card and 8-7 against the Bombers this season. The Yankees started the year off strong against the Rays winning their first five games against them. The Rays retaliated with winning the next five. Just like Oakland, the Rays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball winning eight out of their last ten games as manager Kevin Cash is making a case of AL Manager of the Year. Sadly, the Yankees also play the Rays four more times this year.
Seattle Mariners: 79-65 (.549 winning percentage)
The Mariners are right behind the Rays sitting 8.5 games out. They’ve managed just one win in six games against Yankees this season. The Yanks have owned the Mariners all season long, but the Mariners did pull out a 3-2 victory in their last matchup of the season. This is the only potential matchup where the Yankees have a winning record against, and the Mariners have a 4-6 record over their last ten games proving they haven’t been playing their best ball as of late.
