Of course neither the Yankees nor the Red Sox are in first place as they begin a four-game series on Thursday night at the Stadium. Somehow this still feels like the beginning of an abbreviated

For MLB insider Joel Sherman, he believes the four-game set is a “ real measuring stick ” for the Yankees for five reasons. The Red Sox are 41-24 at Fenway Park. So should the two teams meet in the Wild Card series, the Yankees would benefit by having the games in the Bronx and not in Boston.

The Red Sox are in the midst of a playoff race and cannot afford to blow games to inferior foes like Baltimore. Thursday’s decision loomed especially large since Cowser fired a poor throw to the plate that likely would have allowed Eaton to score to tie the game.

New York finished with five home runs Wednesday night and 14 in the series sweep of the Rays, tying a major league record (Reds, 1999) for most homers in a two-game series.

Recently, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred noted that the league could realign geographically. FOX Sports outlined a plan that would group four major teams.

Schlitt happens. History did not, but neither did an awful loss, which the Yankees flirted with as much as Cam Schlittler did a perfect game.

Armed with high-90s heat and a hammering curveball, as well as efficiency, the Yankees’ rookie retired the first 18 batters he faced.

So long, Isaiah Campbell. The Red Sox demoted the struggling reliever back down to Worcester ahead of the pivotal series with the Yankees this weekend. Richard Fitts, who has been a starter all season will make his way back up to the big leagues and pitch out of the bullpen.