Although the Yankees have struggled recently against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, New York's third baseman Alex Rodriguez did his part Tuesday night to ensure the Yankees would make the postseason this year. Rodriguez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a sacrifice fly to help the pinstripes beat the Angels 6-5 and clinch a playoff berth.
Since the Rangers’ loss to the A’s mathematically assured the Yankees a postseason spot, the outcome of the game against the Angels was academic, but it was the Yankees’ first win in Los Angeles this season, and that could be an important turning point for any eventual playoff matchup.
With the Yankees’ playoff spot secure, manager Joe Girardi has the luxury of resting his starters for the remaining 10 games of the season. New York, which missed the postseason in 2008, leads Boston by six games in the AL East. While it seems unlikely, the Red Sox could make a late push for the division title. The two teams play a three-game series in the Bronx starting Friday.