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The Yankees dropped this weekend’s Subway Series and entered Monday’s off-day three games out of first place in the AL East, having lost 16 of their past 23.

Cody Bellinger’s game-saving play on Sunday aside, their defense has been spotty, which has not helped a pitching staff with substantial questions in the rotation and bullpen. A lineup that is strong but has holes has not been able to compensate.

The silver lining concerning the club’s flaws being exposed is the timing: about three and a half weeks before the trade deadline.

“As trite as it sounds or as corny [as it sounds], these are the moments that build character within a team and also help you find out and define what the heck you need moving forward,” manager Aaron Boone said this weekend, “and where do you need to change? Or where do you need to go out and explore for things?”