Yankees Can Clinch Postseason Birth Against Red Sox

The New York Yankees were the odds on favorite to represent the American League in the World Series this year and even after a hot start a 5 - 15 stretch put that dream in serious jeopardy. The Bronx Bombers have righted the ship and now are focused on locking up a postseason birth and still have an outside chance of keeping the Tampa Bay Rays from clinching their first American League East title since 2010.

So far the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have clinched playoff births for the AL. The Rays haven't locked up the AL East just yet but it won't be easy for the Yankees to catch them.

The Yankees Magic Number to clinch a postseason birth is currently 4 with 10 games remaining 3 @ The Red Sox, 4 games @ The Blue Jays and, 3 games hosting the Marlins.

The Rays have 9 games remaining 3 games @ The Orioles, 3 games at The Mets and, 3 games hosting the Phillies.

If the Yankees were to win out their final record would be 39 - 21. Meaning that the Rays would need to go no better than 5 - 4 in their final nine games leaving them with a 38 - 22 record and the second place in the AL East playoff spot.

First things first, if the Yankees were able to win out or even take two in this three-game weekend series in Boston they would most likely lock up a playoff birth.

The full MLB Playoff Magic Number breakdown can be found HERE.

Don't forget to listen to every inning of Yankees' baseball on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.