Add The New York Post on Google The Yankees chased the Rays for most of the season.
On Tuesday, that chase finally came to an end, as Tampa Bay clinched the AL East with a 6-1 win over the Yankees in Tuesday’s nightcap in The Bronx.
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.
“Everybody asks the same question,” Junior Caminero said just outside the celebratory visiting clubhouse at the Stadium. “Nobody cared if it was at Yankee Stadium or not. What matters is just winning. We won today and we’ve got to continue.”
With the victory, the Rays clinched a spot in the ALDS, where they could face the Yankees, who are officially headed to the wild-card series after their longshot chances of overcoming the Rays fell short.
But both sides know they could meet again if the Yankees advance past the first round of the playoffs.
A jersey-less Junior Caminero (left) celebrates with teammates after the Rays’ 6-1 AL East-clinching win over the Yankees in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on Sept. 22, 2026 at the Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post “This four-game series was circled on both schedules for quite some time,’’ Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “That’s because of the respect you have [for them]. It’s a very talented team that we know we could be seeing in 10-12 days.’’
It’s another astonishing finish for the small-market Rays, who are trying to build a new home in Tampa and in the meantime, continue to put up among the smallest payrolls in the sport.
Though the Rays missed the postseason the last two years, they reached the playoffs each of the previous five seasons.
Heading into this season, expectations outside of Tampa Bay were not great for the Rays in a loaded division.
“I don’t know if we took it personally,’’ Cash said of the preseason predictions that had his team in last place. “We do a good job of keeping our head down and doing what we believe.”
Ben Williamson (right) is greeted by right fielder Ryan Vilade (26) after scoring on a two-run single by DH Yandy Díaz during the seventh inning of the Rays’ AL East-clinching win over the Yankees in Game 2 of a split doubleheader. Robert Sabo for NY Post Aaron Boone was not among those who underestimated the Rays.
“I always respect the Rays and what they’re capable of doing,’’ Boone said before Tuesday’s doubleheader split.
“It’s a different makeup than they’ve had in years past,’’ Boone said. “They’ve taken advantage of their athleticism. … They’ve had a great year and are always a challenge to play.”
Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+.
And one the Yankees hope to meet again in October.
Cash, freshly soaked in champagne, knows his team has gone 7-4 against the Yankees with two games to go in this series and may go up against them soon in the postseason.
He noted the key to beating the Yankees was “keeping them in the ballpark.”
Celebrate the Yankees’ playoff run with the official New Era 2026 Postseason fitted hat. Features a classic navy design and side patch.
Rep Aaron Judge in this premium Nike jersey. Breathable mesh and Dri-Fit technology keep you cool while cheering on the Yankees.
Show your Yankees pride every day with this classic ’47 Brand Branson adjustable cap. Available in multiple colors for a comfortable, custom fit.
Gear up for October baseball with this midweight Yankees Postseason hoodie. The perfect layer for staying warm during every nail-biting inning.
Back the captain in comfort with this standard-fit Nike Aaron Judge tee. Features a high-density name and number design on the back.
That’s an easier task if Aaron Judge isn’t around and there’s no guarantee he will be back for the ALDS, even if the Yankees get that far.
But for now, the Rays are set as the top team in the American League with everyone — including the Yankees — looking up at them.
