Stats Show Yankees' Starting Pitching Has Been Better Than Astros' During Stretch Run

But...but I thought the Houston Astros' three-headed hydra of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke could not be matched? Despite the fact that only one has produced consistent postseason success, and they'll likely be butting heads with the not-scared-of-you Oakland A's in the first round?

Huh.

Though the prevailing narrative entering the postseason is, "The Yankees are injured, but great, but it won't matter because Houston is HOUSTON," allow me to direct you to some stats that might open your eyes. Over the past month, it turns out that the team that didn't add pitching at the deadline is the...best-pitching team in the game?

In case your jaw was on the floor, it should be noted that that's just the starters. Doesn't even factor in New York's strength, the dominant bullpen.

Of course, Yankee fans relying on the eye test alone can also tell you things have been better lately. James Paxton has won 10 consecutive starts. Luis Severino has returned with back-to-back high-octane scoreless starts. Masahiro Tanaka has congealed into October #TANAK before our very eyes. Even JA Happ's been nearly scoreless, while battling elbow tendinitis?

We're not entirely certain what happened, but we do know July 31 was too soon to count your chickens.