What happened: Joel Sherman writes that the Yankees' inability to score runs has left no cushion for a pitching staff that has otherwise kept New York competitive, warning there is a price still to be paid for it. The column lands as the Yankees trail Toronto 2-1 Sunday, with the Blue Jays already up 2-0 in the series.
Why it matters: The numbers back Sherman's point: New York scores 4.4 runs a game while allowing 3.8, a thin margin that disappears during cold stretches like the club's current three-game losing streak. A team built on run prevention has little room left to absorb an offensive slump in a tight playoff race.
By the numbers: The Yankees are 64-53 this season, averaging 4.4 runs scored against 3.8 allowed, and have gone 2-3 over their last five games entering Sunday's series finale in Toronto.
What to watch: New York looks to close the run gap Sunday, trailing 2-1 with Toronto already ahead 2-0 in the series.