What happened: The Yankees have allowed 29 unearned runs over their last 15 games, the most by any New York team across a 15-game span since 1935. The run of miscues has put the team's defense and fundamentals under a harsh spotlight as it heads into a road test at Tampa Bay.

Why it matters: The defensive lapses undercut what has otherwise been solid run prevention, and they raise pointed questions about focus and accountability under Aaron Boone. With the Rays sitting comfortably ahead of New York in the standings, giving away free runs is the kind of margin the Yankees cannot afford in a tight American League race.

What to watch: Watch whether the Yankees clean up the fundamentals in the series opener at Tampa Bay, and whether Boone addresses the focus issues publicly.