The New York Yankees clinched a playoff spot after their win on September 23, becoming the third American League team to do so this season. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays began their final series of the regular season.
Boston claimed the win in the series opener, and helped push New York closer to potentially winning the American League East. Obviously, the No. 1 seed is an ideal place to be for any team, but winning the division would also push the Yankees away from playing the Red Sox in the Wild Card round.