With the Yankees having beat up on inferior opponents throughout the last few weeks of August, the start of September features their toughest remaining stretch of schedule.

It begins with a three-game series against the Astros in Houston on Tuesday. The Yankees already lost 2-of-3 to their nemesis in the Bronx from Aug. 8-10, but the Bombers were in the midst of a months-long skid at that point.

The Yankees have played much better since then, going 14-5 dating back to Aug. 11. No team has a better record over that period.

While the Yankees lost to the lowly White Sox on Sunday, they won seven straight before that and entered Monday’s off day just three games back of the Blue Jays in the American League East and in possession of the top Wild Card spot.

Of course, a lot of the Yankees’

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