HOUSTON — And so it begins.

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After a week of feasting on some of the worst the majors have to offer, the Yankees will spend the next two weeks testing their mettle against the best that the American League has to offer.

The 12-game gauntlet starts Tuesday with three games against the AL West-leading Astros at Daikin Park, followed by home series against the AL East-leading Blue Jays and AL Central-leading Tigers before heading to Fenway Park for three games against the Red Sox, who have been the biggest thorn in their side all season.

This stretch might not make or break the Yankees, given the two softer weeks that follow to finish the season, but it may have a big hand in determining their playoff positioning and just how confident they can be heading into October.