BOSTON — Culprits abound from the Yankees’ poorest stretch of the season, June 13-Aug. 10, when they went 20-31, a period in which they went from controlling the AL East to barely holding on to the league’s third and final wild-card spot.

There was an offense overly reliant on the home run — a years-long issue that continually has bitten the Yankees in the postseason and one that remains an issue until proved otherwise — and a bullpen that took a nosedive after starting the season well.

But also front and center was a starting rotation that collectively went into the tank for much of that stretch. One starter after another produced a five-inning outing but little else. That put additional stress on an already-on-fumes bullpen. Requiring any group of relievers, no matter how deep, to rec

See Full Page