But when they take the field in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon against the San Diego Padres for the regular-season finale, they will be on the outside looking in.
The New York Yankees received an unwanted reminder Saturday afternoon of how seemingly meaningless late-season games can suddenly become important for all the wrong reasons.
The Atlanta Braves activated All-Star right-hander Reynaldo Lopez from the 15-day injured list and slated him to start Saturday night against the visiting Kansas City Royals.