While Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies are in striking distance of first place in the National League East, Judge and the New York Yankees have some work to do in their quest at returning to the top of the American League East. The teams clash Friday night when the Phillies visit the Yankees for the opener of a three-game series. Since June 18, the Phillies have lost their grip only briefly, with the most recent happening Wednesday when they fell a half-game back of the New York Mets. After the Mets beat the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon, the Phillies were unable to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Boston Red Sox and fell 9-8 in 11 innings.