Yankees Clinch AL East

Hard to believe, but the Yankees division clincher last night was just their second since 2012!  While Aaron Judge has dominated this season, how about shout outs for Tuesday night's standouts: Jamison Taillon kept the Toronto bats in check, holding the Blue Jays to two runs in 7-1/3 innings -- and only one after George Springer's homer leading off the bottom of the 1st.

Gleyber Torres continued his September resurgence with three hits and three RBIs.  With Toronto walking Aaron Judge four times, the Yankee 2nd baseman took advantage of the opportunities, twice driving in Judge.  After going M-I-A in August, it's been Gleyber day all month; in 22 September games, he's driven in 23 runs, hitting .333 with and OPS of 1.002.

Roster turnover isn't surprising in any sport.  Looking carefully, there isn't a single Yankee from the 2012 division champs still on the roster.  There aren't very many still in the majors.  Ironically, one faced them last night: reliever David Phelps is now a Blue Jay.  Seen below while in pinstripes back in 2013, he worked in the 7th and 8th innings -- and is likely headed for the post-season as well.  Toronto is close to clinching a Wild Card slot and could win up seeing the Yankees again in October.



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