August
The month of August may not be nearly as taxing as the middle of July, but it will certainly have its challenges. Take that and couple it with the fact that players tend to wear down right in the ‘dog days’ of the summer.
To start the month, the Yankees will kick off their four-game, home-and-home Subway Series with their crosstown rivals and now relevant New York Mets. The first two will be played at Citi Field before a quick train ride back to the Bronx for the final two of the set.
Meetings with Cleveland, Boston at Fenway, Tampa Bay, and Toronto will follow. No one can tell you whether the Indians will be as prominent as they are now, but the Yanks were able to handle them in their final series before the break regardless.
The following sets with the Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays will be important in making up divisional ground if the lead ever comes into sight. At the very least, it can help them leapfrog the AL East teams that they need to jump in order to contend for a playoff spot.
Following the divisional showdowns, one final west coast swing will highlight the tail end of the month. The Yanks will pay the Angels and Mariners a visit before heading back home for yet another big Baltimore series.
The always dreaded month will finish against the defending World Champion Kansas City Royals.
