Once again, the Yankees find themselves heading into a make-or-break series against the rival Red Sox.
This time, the stakes feel even higher, as New York will take its four-game winning streak into Fenway for a four-game set starting on Thursday night, less than a week removed from winning their first game and series against Boston in the Bronx.
The Yanks still sit seven games out of first behind the Red Sox, but a series win this weekend would thrust the team right back into contention for the division. With July nearing a close, series like this are pivotal for a team trying to make a run and make up for months of lackluster play.
“There’s no denying the importance of it,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s a tough road trip. We’re playing good baseball, but we understand the importance and the urgency every day, especially this time of year, but we look forward to the challenge of playing some really good teams on the road.”
The Yanks were painfully shorthanded the last time they faced Boston, as Gio Urshela and Aaron Judge landed on the COVID IL while Luke Voit was placed on the IL with a bone bruise, but the replacements have stepped up and provided a surprising spark for the Bombers, who carry a sense of optimism into Fenway before facing another divisional nemesis in the Rays immediately after.
“We’re playing really good baseball and we enjoy the game a lot right now,” Rougned Odor said. “We’re playing together, and it’s really fun. I think we’re playing together. After we came back from the All-Star Game, we had a lot of players out, but the young guys came up and brought some energy, and it’s good.
“I think we’re ready to go there and keep having fun. Keep playing the game we’ve been playing the last couple games, go there and win some games.”
The Yankees have played multiple series so far this season that have felt like crucial swings in the season, but starting Thursday at Fenway begins a crucial swing that could either push New York right back into the thick of the AL East race, or push them out of contention.
“I think the guys certainly feel good that they’re playing well and playing with confidence…we gotta continue that,” Boone said. “We know what Boston is and how good they are, and hopefully we can put our best foot forward stating [Thursday] with Monty.”
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