The Yankees have set a franchise record for strikeouts, with their hitters being struck out 17 times in back-to-back games, an american league record. The team's struggles at the plate have contributed to an ugly slump. The Rays' pitching has played a role in the Yankees' recent struggles, although it is unclear how the situation will unfold with other teams, such as the Blue Jays, also being mentioned in the context of the american league east standings.