Although the Yankees have struggled recently against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, New York’s third baseman Alex Rodriguez
did his part Tuesday night to ensure the Yankees would make the
postseason this year. Rodriguez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run
and a sacrifice fly to help the pinstripes beat the Angels 6-5 and
clinch a playoff berth.

Since the Rangers’ loss to the A’s mathematically assured the
Yankees a postseason spot, the outcome of the game against the Angels
was academic, but it was the Yankees’ first win in Los Angeles this
season, and that could be an important turning point for any eventual
playoff matchup.

With the Yankees’ playoff spot secure, manager Joe Girardi
has the luxury of resting his starters for the remaining 10 games of
the season. New York, which missed the postseason in 2008, leads Boston
by six games in the AL East. While it seems unlikely, the Red Sox could
make a late push for the division title. The two teams play a
three-game series in the Bronx starting Friday.