On a scorching hot run, the Yankees have cemented their place in the Wild Card standings as the leader in that department for the American League. They currently sit 2.5 games above their closest competition, the Boston Red Sox.

They've won nine games in a row. They're clicking on all cylinders. Unlikely sources of production like Andrew Velazquez have been raining from the skies. It's all good in the Bronx at the moment.

But a road trip starts Monday. And frankly, this could be the most pivotal week on the Yankees' schedule so far. Let's break it down...

First, the two hottest teams in baseball are meeting each other in Atlanta. The Braves have been on a tear, winning nine straight just like the Yanks. It's the first time since 1901 that teams on a nine-game streak or better are meeting each other.

It's just a quick two-game set to make up rain postponements earlier this season, but the Braves are a much different team now than when these two faced off last. They may still be missing Ronald Acuna Jr., but their lineup -- anchored by Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies -- has been producing along with their pitching staff finally stepping up.

And if that wasn't enough to start the week, the Yankees then head to the West Coast to face another team hungry for a Wild Card berth that they have seen slip out of their fingers at the moment.

The Oakland A's, unlike the Braves, have faltered of late, losing seven of their last 10 games. And because of that, they find themselves tied with the Sox for the second Wild Card spot.

But a series win over the four games in California could result in a quick swap of the standings.

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