The Yankees have been the hottest team in the Majors of late, and while virtually the entire team has been taking turns in terms of heroics, there has been one constant during New York’s impressive run: the rotation.

Yankees starters own a 2.93 ERA and 233 strikeouts in their last 41 starts, and have allowed three runs or fewer in 36 of their last 41 starts and two earned runs or fewer in 30 of those starts. 

“I think we've continued to just get better every time we take the ball,” said Gerrit Cole, who starts on Saturday against the Twins. “Whether the results match up with that or not, we take things from each game and learn, then try to apply them in the next game. Right now some of the results have matched up with some of the process, whereas sometimes earlier in the year, it wasn't quite the case.”

The rotation’s 2.94 ERA during this 40-game stretch is the lowest in the American League and third lowest in the Majors, behind only the Brewers (2.46) and Dodgers (2.52).

Are the starters feeding off one another from one game to the next, or are they taking the mound each day not wanting to be the one to kill the momentum?

“Whichever one it is, I think it's motivational,” Cole said. “Guys are executing at a high level now, enough so that maybe some conversations in terms of nuance throughout a series, guys can apply some different things instead of always just trying to focus on bringing out the best pitch. You can maybe try to stay one step ahead of the hitters.”

Next step for Gleyber

Gleyber Torres (sprained left thumb) fielded ground balls and took dry swings on Friday, moving him one step closer to a return from the injured list. Manager Aaron Boone said “most of the swelling is out of there,” and he gave Torres the green light to ramp up his baseball activity.

“He said he thought it went really well, so probably tomorrow will be the same thing -- dry swings and some balls off the tee,” Boone said. “I would say an encouraging day today.”

Critical thinking

As well as the Yankees have played in August -- they went 15-4 in their first 19 games this month -- some players are having subpar months: Anthony Rizzo (.495 OPS), Rougned Odor (.579 OPS), Zack Britton (4.50 ERA, 1.500 WHIP) and Andrew Heaney (6.55 ERA in four starts).

Boone is well known for finding a silver lining during the team’s tough times, but does he do the opposite when the Yankees are seemingly hitting their stride?

“We're certainly always looking at that,” Boone said. “I'd like to think that not much changes from my end whether we're going through a great stretch, scuffling a little bit or treading water, whatever it may be. I try and look at things honestly and make honest evaluations about things. Certainly, I think the way we're playing and the results we're getting are matching up. I feel encouraged about where we're at as a club and slowly but surely getting a little healthier, more people that are coming into play potentially. That's exciting.”