NEW YORK -- A week ago, the Tampa Bay Rays began play with a 1 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees for the top wild-card spot in the American League.
As the teams get set to begin a four-game series Thursday night at Yankee Stadium, it is the Yankees who are holding the lead and the Rays are no longer occupying the second wild-card spot.
Tampa Bay (53-49) held its lead by owning a 51-45 record after winning four of its first five games after the break and seven of 10. A five-game skid that featured three one-run losses combined with Kansas City's hot streak pushed the Rays out of the second spot.