New York Yankees Eliminated From Playoff Race

It’s official, the New York Yankees have been eliminated from the playoff race, and will miss the 2013 MLB postseason.

The New York Yankees were beaten 8-3 by the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night, officially ending the teams playoff hopes. It will be the first time since 2008 New York has failed to make the postseason. That season they won 89 games, and with five games remaining this season, the most they can hope to win is 87.

It’s safe to say the 2013 season did not go as intended in New York. Over the course of the season, the Yankees have had to deal with an inordinate amount of injuries to key players; Derek Jeter barely played, Alex Rodriguez missed most of the season, Mark Teixeira missed most of the season, and Curtis Granderson missed most of the season.

Considering all the injuries, it’s incredible the New York Yankees will finish the season above.500, but they will. Maybe Joe Girardi will win manager of the year for holding it all together. It would be a nice consolation prize.

Yankees fans are used to winning though, and they are sure to be angry. After all, their team has won 40 AL Pennants and 27 World Series, how can they possibly not make the playoffs?

Now the New York Yankees have to look towards next year. They must find a way to improve and compete in baseball’s toughest division. The Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles aren’t going anywhere.

Are you surprised the New York Yankees missed the playoffs? Will they return next season?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]