Yankees-Rangers series presents plenty of intrigue

The Yankees start an important three-game series in Texas tonight against the Rangers.

The Rangers have a comfortable 7.5-game lead in the AL West. Meanwhile, the Yankees are just 2.5 games up on Tampa Bay. The Yankees go to Tampa Bay next.

And, of course, there's the possibility the Yankees will play the Rangers in the Division Series round. The Rangers could send a strong message by taking the series from the Yankees.

For the Yankees, this series is huge in the division race, especially with the Rays series coming Monday. But it's also intriguing in terms of players.

-- Will Jorge Posada play? Remember, Posada felt "foggy" after taking a foul tip to his face mask in Tuesday's game against Baltimore. Neurological tests were negative for a concussion. Posada was cleared to play later on Wednesday and traveled with the team to Texas.

"He [Joe Girardi] has an available player if he wants him," Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Erik Boland yesterday. "He'll probably talk to Jorgie when he gets to the ballpark, ask him how he feels and go from there."

Obviously, the Yankees need Posada for the stretch run. It will be very interesting to see if and how Posada is used this weekend.

-- Phil Hughes gets skipped. Cashman says Hughes will be skipped for the third and final time this weekend. Hughes expressed some displeasure earlier this week about getting skipped. But this could be a great opportunity for the struggling A.J. Burnett to step up. Burnett will take Hughes' spot and Dustin Moseley will pitch Sunday. The Burnett start is big for him and the team. If the Yankees win Friday, Saturday's game would be to clinch a series win -- and send a message to the Rangers for the playoffs. But if the Yankees lose on Friday night, Burnett is pitching to get the team back in the series. But how big would it be for Burnett to come up with a big start against a potential playoff opponent and help keep the lead in the AL East? It would certainly help Burnett's chances of making the playoff rotation if he started to pitch better.

-- Is Andy Pettitte close to returning? Mixed in with the anticipation of this weekend's key series is news of Pettitte's rehab start in Trenton on Thursday evening. Pettitte, who had not pitched in game action since the July 18 groin strain, allowed two hits and no walks in four innings on Thursday. An encouraging start for Pettitte and the Yankees. But is Pettitte ready to re-join the team? Pettitte says yes. Cashman and Girardi seem to want Pettitte to make one more rehab start.