It all comes down to these four games for the Yankees. From the miserable low ebb of an estimated 24 percent chance to make the playoffs back on July 16 to a season-high 98 percent chance on Aug. 27 to where it stands through 156 games: The Yankees begin Thursday in the first wild-card spot, a game up on the Red Sox in the second wild card and 1.5 games up on the Mariners (meaning that’s the margin of error for sliding out of the postseason entirely) going into a crucial rubber game in Toronto. They close the regular season with three home games against the dreaded Rays.
What will make or break the Yankees during this decisive stretch? Who will be the difference makers, for better or worse? Share your predictions, hopes and fears below.