What’s on deck for Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays down the AL playoffs stretch

NEW YORK – One strike away from completing a three-game sweep Thursday at Camden Yards, the Yankees found another devastating way to lose.

“Baseball reminds you, you’ve got to finish the games sometimes,’’ Joey Gallo said after the Yanks’ failure to secure the 27th out led to  a 3-2 loss in 10 innings to the last-place Orioles.

Instead of moving a half-game ahead in the jammed-tight AL wild card standings, the Yankees slipped behind Toronto and Boston with 15 games left to play.

“It (stinks),’’ said Jordan Montgomery. “But we really don’t have time to dwell on it.’’

Here’s a look at what’s ahead for the Yankees and their rivals down the stretch:

Yankees (82-65)

Remaining home games (9): Cleveland (3), Texas (3), Rays (3).

Remaining road games (6): Boston (3), Toronto (3).

Outlook: Home for the next six games, the Yanks need to win a series against Cleveland and pound last-place Texas before embarking on that critical last road trip.

The Rays will have clinched the AL East by the time they arrive in the Bronx (Oct. 1-3), but they ought to be motivated to knock the Yanks out of the playoff picture.

Blue Jays (82-64)

Remaining home games (9): Minnesota (3), Yankees (3), Baltimore (3).

Remaining road games (7): Tampa Bay (3), Minnesota (4).

Outlook: What a beautiful sight for the Blue Jays to see 10 of their final 16 games against last-place clubs in the Twins (64-83) and Orioles (47-99). 

Toronto is 10-6 against the Yankees this year, having swept a four-game series earlier this month at Yankee Stadium. 

Red Sox (83-65)

Remaining home games (8): Baltimore (3), Mets (2), Yankees (3).

Remaining road games (6): Baltimore (3), Washington (3).

Outlook: Also an easier schedule than the Yankees down the stretch, with two more series against Baltimore and one against the last-place Nationals.

Boston is 10-6 against the Yankees this season, though in their last meeting the Yanks won three straight (Aug. 17-18) including a doubleheader in the Bronx. 

Also in the AL wild-card picture

Oakland (79-67) and Seattle (78-68) remain on the fringes.

Only two teams will qualify to play an elimination wild card game to advance to the Division Series, likely against the Tampa Bay Rays. 

There are seven head-to-head games remaining between the Athletics and Mariners, which could cancel them out as contenders. 

Yankees-Indians pitching matchups

Friday, 7:05 p.m.: RHP Zach Plesac (10-5, 4.45) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (4-3, 4.02).

In his first three starts back from a shoulder strain, Kluber has an 8.49 ERA and has not pitched past the fourth inning, though he's physically sound. 

Saturday, 1:05 p.m.: RHP Aaron Civale (10-4, 3.76) vs. RHP Luis Gil (1-0, 2.88).

The rookie Gil is coming off a three-homer game against Minnesota, though he steadied himself after a rocky start and provided six innings. 

Sunday, 1:05 p.m.: RHP Eli Morgan (2-7, 6.03) vs. RHP Gerrit Cole (15-7, 2.75).

By far, the most favorable matchup of the weekend against a Cleveland staff that has thrown more quality starts (52) than the Yanks (49). 

A quality start is defined as a starter going at least six innings and yielding three or fewer earned runs. 

On the bright side 

By Sunday, Domingo German could return to the Yankees as a bullpen weapon.

Since he’s not built up enough for the rotation, German could fill the multi-inning setup role in place of Jonathan Loaisiga (rotator cuff strain), a key figure whose absence has been felt in September.

Also recovering from a shoulder issue, Luis Severino might finally be ready to help out in relief by next week, at which time Jameson Taillon (right ankle tendon) should be back in the rotation.

Given the Yanks' two remaining off days, ace Gerrit Cole could have three remaining starts on regular rest and still be lined up for the Oct. 5 wild card game.

Reasons to worry 

Start with having to face both Boston and Toronto on enemy territory, for what are essentially playoff games.

This season, the Yankees have lost six of their seven games at Fenway Park.

Having played Toronto at both Dunedin, Fla., and Buffalo this year, the Yankees arrive at Rogers Centre for the first time since the 2019 season, where they have a 16-23 record since 2016.

In the bullpen, closer Aroldis Chapman’s fortunes have improved lately, but Chad Green’s September struggles speak to an added workload in the absence of Loaisiga and Zack Britton.

How sharp will German be after missing over a month, and can he bounce back well enough to pitch three times a week if needed?

Though the lineup is healthy and hitting homers again, situationally the Yankees have not been great – batting .154 (8-for-52) with runners in scoring position since Sept. 6.

Pete Caldera is the Yankees beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Yankees analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: caldera@northjersey.com Twitter: @pcaldera