The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays began a pivotal three-game series on Tuesday that will go a long way in determining the American League wild-card race. The Yankees entered the contest a game up on the Boston Red Sox for the top spot and two games up on the Blue Jays overall. The Seattle Mariners, meanwhile, are 1 1/2 games back. Here are five things to know about the series.
In the series opener, the Yankees led 3-2 after five innings thanks in part to an Aaron Judge homer. On the downside, starter Jameson Taillon was forced to depart because of an apparent injury, possibly to his balky ankle. Hyun-Jin Ryu for Toronto allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his return from the IL.
Below you’ll find the AL wild-card standings entering Tuesday, as well as key scores from the night’s action.
AL wild-card standings
1. Yankees — 89-67 (+1 G)
2. Red Sox — 88-68
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3. Blue Jays — 87-69 (1 GB)
4. Mariners — 87-70 (1.5 GB)
5. Athletics — 85-72 (3.5 GB)
Key AL wild-card games, scores
Red Sox at Orioles, 7:05 p.m. ET
Yankees at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. ET
A’s at Mariners, 10:10 p.m. ET
Follow along below for updates, highlights, analysis and more from key moments in the AL wild-card race from Tuesday night.