Playoff Push: Yankees 2.5 back of Rangers

(Courtesy of Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Last night, the Yankees did not play, yet they gained a half-game on the Rangers who lost to the Rays. The loss was the Rangers' 12th in their last 14 games. An unbelievable cold stretch at the most inopportune of times. Here's to hoping they don't start playing any better. And here are how the teams in contention fared yesterday:

Rays: 6-2 win vs Rangers. Alex Cobb strikes out 10 over 8 innings.

Rangers: 6-2 loss vs Rays. Matt Garza continues to be an underwhelming Ranger.

Indians: 7-1 loss vs Royals. Scott Kazmir gets loss for Tribe.

Orioles: OFF

Yankees: OFF

Royals: 7-1 win vs Indians. James Shields strikes out 10 Indians in only 6 innings.

Wild Card Standings

WC 1 Rays 82-67 +1

WC 2 Rangers 81-68 ---

3 Indians 81-69 .5 GB

4 Orioles 79-70 2 GB

5 Yankees 79-71 2.5 GB

5 Royals 79-71 2.5 GB