The New York Yankees (77-48) are returning home to the Bronx on Thursday, for a three-game set with the Oakland Athletics (57-70).

After completing a three-game sweep against the Twins in Minnesota this weekend, the Bombers are looking to separate themselves from their AL East arch-rivals the Boston Red Sox….and will do it against a team they have had success with.

New York leads the majors with 675 runs and 168 home runs have been led by the dynamic duo Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira. Granderson has had a MVP caliber season, with his 114 runs-going deep 35 times thus far this season. As for Tex-he he has recorded 34 homers thus far for the Yankees.

Looking to rebound after a controversial loss is starter Bartolo Colon (8-7, 3.54 ERA), who was the victim of a botched call by the umpiring crew in his last start against the Royals. The botched call came on homer by Royals’ Billy Butler, which was the difference in a 5-4 loss to Kansas City.

Colon has had success against the A’s though, making one of his best starts on May 30, recording a four-hitter in a 5-0 victory. Bartolo was able to record a complete game on that day, his first since July 5, 2006.

Also looking to make an impact is newly activated Alex Rodriguez. The All-Star third baseman returning from the Disabled List on Sunday went 0-for-5 against the Twins.

Rodriguez has had success against Oakland though, batting .455 with four RBI’s in three games against Oakland this year, is set to return to the Stadium for the first time since July 7.

Colon is scheduled to start against A’s starter Brandon McCarthy (6-6, 3.74 ERA), who has gone 5-1 in seven starts since the All-Star break.

The first pitch for Game One on Thursday at Yankee Stadium is slated for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be televised on WWOR.