The start of their series finale against Minnesota was delayed for 1:52 by rain and by the fifth inning the out-of-town scoreboard showed that AL East leader Toronto and second-place Boston had lost as had the team chasing them for the final AL wild card, Cleveland.

Aaron Boone’s team wasted an opportunity to gain ground on several contenders in the American League playoff chase, getting shut down by All-Star righty Joe Ryan and two relievers in a 4-1 loss Wednesday to deadline-gutted Minnesota at the Stadium after taking the first two games of the series.

Aside from a home run by Cody Bellinger and some hard contact early, the Yanks were flummoxed by a sharp outing by Joe Ryan, who tossed 6.2 innings with heightened velocity and a season-high in pitches.