The Yankees have reclaimed the best record in MLB for the first time since June, surpassing the Orioles and Guardians. Despite enduring a rough stretch earlier in the season, the Yankees now lead the league standings. Their win over the Tigers on Friday night (3-0), combined with losses by the Orioles to the Red Sox (12-10) and the Guardians to the Brewers (5-3), secured New York’s top spot.
Here’s how the MLB standings looked heading into Saturday:
– Yankees: 73-50
– Phillies: 72-50 (0.5 games behind)
– Guardians: 72-50 (0.5 games behind)
– Dodgers: 72-51 (1 game behind)
– Orioles: 72-51 (1 game behind)
As of August 11, the Yankees and Orioles were tied for the best record in baseball at 70-49. However, because Baltimore held the season series lead, they were technically in first place. The last time the Yankees were alone at the top was June 21, with a 51-27 record, just a half-game ahead of the Orioles and Phillies.
The Yankees started strong with a 45-19 record but faltered between June 7 and July 26, losing 15 of 26 games, including a particularly rough 4-14 stretch. Only the White Sox had a worse record during that period. However, the Yankees have bounced back, going 13-5 in their last 18 games, the best in baseball over that span.
Although having the best record on August 17 doesn’t guarantee anything, as the Yankees could slip back to second place in the AL East if they lose and the Orioles win on Saturday (due to Baltimore holding the tiebreaker), they have managed to recover from their midseason slump. The Orioles, who went 22-20 during the Yankees’ rough patch, missed a chance to pull further ahead.
The Yankees have two more games against the Tigers this weekend before hosting the Guardians next week. They will face the Orioles in one final three-game series at Yankee Stadium from September 24-26.
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