Yankee Stadium Fan Photo by: Stacy Podelski

The New York Yankees (74-47) are going to open a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins (54-68) after what was a heartbreaking, and what some say a controversial 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.Yankee Stadium Fan Photo by: Stacy Podelski

The controversy came  from the Billy Butler homer in the third inning, it seemed after video replay that the ball did not clear the left-center field fence at Kauffman Stadium. Umpires ruled otherwise, as the Royals escaped from a three-game sweep.

The Royals escaped, in spite of a rough bottom of the ninth, thanks to a rocky frame from relief pitcher Joakim Soria… who made the game interesting in that frame. Soria was greeted by back-to-back singles by Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson to start the Yankees offense.

Second baseman Robinson Cano lifted a sacrifice fly, which cut the Royals lead at the time to one-run. Nick Swisher worked out a walk to load the bases for Jorge Posada, who was celebrating his 40 birthday.

Looking to celebrate in style, instead Posada was left looking at a 91 mph fastball to end a rough night for the Yankees.

Now the Yankees look to move on with this four-game set against the Twins. Ace-lefty C.C. Sabathia (17-7, 2.93 ERA) takes on Brian Duensing (8-11, 4.53 ERA).

The biggest news for Yankees fans in this series is that Alex Rodriguez will work out with the Bombers at Target Field. This workout will determine if the All Star third baseman will be activated from the disabled list.

Rodriguez had surgery on July 11 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, made two appearances with Minor League affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.