For MLB insider Joel Sherman, he believes the four-game set is a “ real measuring stick ” for the Yankees for five reasons. The Red Sox are 41-24 at Fenway Park. So should the two teams meet in the Wild Card series, the Yankees would benefit by having the games in the Bronx and not in Boston.

Adding two new teams would allow MLB to even the two leagues out at 16 teams apiece, making daily interleague play no longer necessary. It also creates the opportunity for realignment. Manfred hinted at the possibility of wholesale realignment based on geography during an appearance in ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball booth this past weekend.

The Boston Red Sox are adding veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe after the Washington Nationals designated him for assignment, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Boston Red Sox are taking a low-risk gamble on first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. First base has been a problem position for the Red Sox all year, so when Lowe became available to sign for the veteran minimum,