Yankees Absolutely Cannot Have the Offense Go Cold Right Before Postseason

Should the New York Yankees just tip their cap to the Tampa Bay Rays for how dominant they were over the last two games, or should they fear that their offense is going into a cold stretch at the wrong time?

Yes, on both counts.

Over the last 21 innings against the Rays, including Wednesday night where they were shut out, the Yankees' post-clinch offense looked feckless, gaining only one run on eight hits and a whopping 29 strikeouts.

Yes, Charlie Morton took the mound Wednesday night, and yes, the Rays certainly want it more (their Wild Card race is tight), so you can understand why the Yankee offense struggled to put hits together. But New York possesses one of the best offenses in the game, to the point where no pitcher should shut them down.

That's why you have to be a little concerned about what just took place.

"This is what they’re (the Rays) capable of," said manager Aaron Boone after Wednesday's game. "This is a big reason they’re in this position and fighting for a playoff spot. They can really pitch. Their run prevention is really good. If you’re not really on top of your game up and down the lineup, they can have nights like this, especially Charlie who’s been their ace and he’s been on top of his game. But no question, in these two games, they very much kept us quiet."

Boone didn't seem too worried and gave Tampa Bay all the credit, but they can't allow this to be a trend heading into October.

Luckily, the Yankees have an off day before heading on the road to face the Texas Rangers this weekend. This is the moment where that offense needs to get jump-started once again. They better, because they don't have the pitching to consistently win one-run games all October long.