Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Austin Slater (29) walks off the field with manager Aaron Boone (17) during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Yankees Earn Disheartening Playoff Tier

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Michael Rosenstein | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 7:00 AM ET

It's getting late early for the New York Yankees. The well-documented summer slump in the Bronx has dropped the Yankees to third place in the American League East. New York is trying to hang on to the third AL wild card.

So what needs to change for the Yankees to reach the postseason? ESPN's David Schoenfield answered that question Monday with his MLB playoff contender tiers.

The Yankees landed in "Tier III: Have work to do." He pinned the Yankees' playoff hopes on improving in the fundamentals: "Hit better. Field better. Pitch better. Run the bases better. ... It has been a comedy of errors at times, but, at the minimum, they need the bullpen to figure things out."

As for the Yankees' injury to watch, that also was a no-brainer for Schoenfield: Aaron Judge's strained throwing elbow.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

"It shouldn't affect his offense, but the Yankees would love to get him back on the field defensively so they can use Giancarlo Stanton, who had been hot, as the DH," Schoenfield wrote. "Stanton is unplayable on defense, so he's limited to pinch-hitting duties with Judge occupying the DH spot."

In terms of his player to watch, Schoenfield focused on the pitching staff.

"Suddenly, the rotation has some concerns as well. Carlos Rodon has walked 15 over his past 20 innings across four starts," Schoenfield noted. "Even going back to June 8, his ERA is just 4.50 after a great first two months. Is he a reliable No. 2 starter behind Max Fried?"

Joining the Yankees in Tier III are the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners. According to FanGraphs, New York has an 80.2% chance of making the playoffs, which is almost five points better than Boston.

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