NEW YORK– It hasn’t been easy for the Yankees since the All-Star break. They split the first six games, and left Toronto on Wednesday with a bad taste in their mouths because they didn’t gain any ground on the first-place Blue Jays in the American League East race.

The Philadelphia Phillies are getting closer to the MLB trade deadline, and so far, they have yet to make a splash. They have some clear needs despite being on

NEW YORK — As the Yankees changed back into their street clothes in a quiet clubhouse following Friday night’s ugly loss to the Phillies, many walked over to Scott Effross’ locker. Some of Effross’ teammates patted the reliever on the back, muttering words of encouragement.

Paul Goldschmidt wishes he had played it differently during the Yankees' game against the Phillies. Instead of attempting an off-balance throw to home plate, he believes he should have gone for the out at first base.

Wagner’s career ERA was 2.31 in 853 appearances. Only Mariano Rivera (2.21) had a lower ERA in the modern era.

Still, other options for the rotation’s fifth spot could arise before Nola’s return. Top prospect Andrew Painter looked like his old self in his Thursday start, allowing one hit — a two-run homer — in six innings. He threw 76 pitches as he also walked three and struck out four.

The Philadelphia Phillies are wearing maroon caps that pay homage to the uniforms they wore from 1970-91 (including their 1980 World Series championship) by Hall of Famers such as Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton. The hats, which are made by New Era, also feature the National Baseball Hall of Fame logo on the side.

The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be one of the more aggressive teams at next week's trade deadline, and there are some very specific areas they could u