On July 4, the Yankees were a mess. Their record (42-41) and playoff prospects (five and a half games out of the second American League wild card spot) reflected it. On Wednesday morning, the Yankees woke up tied with the Oakland Athletics for the American League’s top wild card spot. It was the first time since May 15 that the Yankees had a share of second place in their division. “It’s obviously a great feeling looking at the standings now,” Yankees first baseman Luke Voit said late Tuesday night.

Source: New York Times August 18, 2021 14:26 UTC