16. New York Yankees (47-47) (LW 17) – Can the Yankees really hang on without Masahiro Tanaka? They are now down to just one of the five starters who began the season in the rotation, and that’s a 39-year-old Hiroki Kuroda.
17. Kansas City Royals (48-46) (LW 18) – Can the Royals go on a run like they did in 2013? Heading into the All-Star Break last year, the Royals lost five in a row, then went 19-5 when they resumed play. Now just 2.5 games back in the Wild Card hunt, another stretch like that would put them in a great position for a return to October.
18. Tampa Bay Rays (44-53) (LW 19) – Will David Price‘s Tampa Bay career end? The Rays have started to win again, but are still eight games back in the Wild Card race. The decision about whether to keep the team’s ace will chart the team’s course for the final third of the season.
19. Boston Red Sox (43-52) (LW 21) – Was dumping A.J. Pierzynski really what the Red Sox needed to turn their season around? They are now 4-1 since losing their former catcher, and the rookies occupying several spots in their lineup are providing a spark.
20. New York Mets (45-50) (LW 24) – Can the Mets finally turn the corner? New York is only five games under .500 at the All-Star Break, and just capped off an 8-2 home stand. In July, the Mets’ offense and pitching are both among the top three in the N.L.
