Why Yankees will upset Rays in AL East standings

All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger recently made his way back into New York’s lineup after suffering a left hamstring strain in July. The slugger has already hit a home run since his return and figures to add length and production to a lineup that needed a boost.

Prior to his injury, the 31-year-old had slashed .259/.350/.420 with 21 doubles, 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games. Further, his defense has consistently been a key part of his game and will certainly be an asset down the stretch. According to Baseball Savant, he presently ranks in the 90th percentile in terms of Fielding Run Value and the 92nd percentile in terms of Outs Above Average.

“He’s a guy that helps us tremendously on both sides of the ball,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “To get one of our core guys back is big.”

Beyond Bellinger’s return, the Yankees could also still receive a monumental reinforcement before the end of September. Reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge has progressed towards both hitting and throwing after being sidelined with a right rib stress fracture.

“He’s got a calendar of what they’re doing, but you make adjustments to that as you go,” Boone said. “They’re definitely mapping things out, but as you go, you check some boxes and move on. Sometimes that progress speeds up a little bit. Sometimes you take a step back.”

Featuring Judge in the lineup once again would be a critical help, especially since Giancarlo Stanton may be out for the remainder of the season. The eight-time All-Star can carry an offensive attack, and while he won’t necessarily have to be the only source of electricity, his presence alone has the ability to grant others more freedom to be aggressive.

The Yankees’ rotation may also become stronger as the final weeks approach. Max Fried could be back sooner than some speculated he would be, and Ryan Weathers. These additions would join a contingent that already includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Cam Schlittler.

The Yankees’ remaining schedule can help them overtake the Rays

According to some metrics, New York’s remaining schedule is kinder than Tampa Bay’s. The Rays will have to play the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox among others, and could easily find themselves facing squads that are fighting for their postseason lives.

The Yankees will face the Red Sox and San Diego Padres in the near future, but will also have series against the Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets.

Additionally, the Bombers will host a four-game set against their division foe during the second-to-last week of September. If New York could pull within two or three games before that important matchup, they could place themselves in a perfect position to take advantage.

It remains to be seen how the AL East standings will shake out, but it’s not time to count out the Yankees just yet.