Roberts, who earned fame for his stolen base for the Red Sox during their 2004 title run, has led the Dodgers to the World Series in his first managing job.
With James Paxton injured, the Yankees employed a so-called opener to start the game. The strategy paid off thanks to a seven-run explosion in the sixth inning.
Despite 17 players spending time on the injured list this year, the Yankees have kept pace in the A. L. East with smart moves rather than splashy ones.
In an era of baseball’s richest teams dominating smaller-market clubs, Tampa Bay has managed a third way: spending less and winning more through ceaseless innovation.