MLB: 5 Things to Watch for in the Second Half of the Season

The New York Yankees could miss the playoffs

Jul 22, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) watches from the dugout against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at the Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sportsf

Usually, when a team doesn’t make the playoffs, it isn’t news. In fact, sometimes it’s routine. Not for the Yankees however. The New York Yankees have the most succesful franchise in baseball; they have won the World Series 27 times. St. Louis comes in second with 11.

Also, when you think of some of the all-time greats, names such as DiMaggio, Mantle, Gehrig, and Berra come to mind—Yankees players.

Since 1995, the Yankees have made the playoffs every year except 2008. During this stretch they won the World Series five times (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009). Them not making the playoffs would be significant whether you love them or hate them.

That’s not to say the Yankees are doing poorly this season or that they won’t make the playoffs. It’s just unlikely. Their record of 52-45 would be good enough to be in first place in the NL West (The Diamondbacks are in first place with a record of 51-47). The AL East, however, is the toughest division in baseball, and their record puts them in fourth place and six games out of first.

It’s more than just a tough division, though. Injuries have also plagued the team. Alex Rodriguez’s latest injury is a big blow to the organization; his injury may have him sidelined for a good part of the remainder of the season. The good news, as ESPN reports, is that his latest injury is what’s known as a Grade 1 strain to his right quad. This level is considered the mildest level.