MLB rumors: Red Sox add All-Star second baseman, Yankees add a bat; how will clubs respond?

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowksi oversee the two best ballclubs in the American League. Both will look to bolster their rosters before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline. The Red Sox get some help this weekend with the return of second baseman Dustin Pedroia while the Yankees get back first baseman Greg Bird.

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As we transition from spring to summer during Memorial Day weekend, one thing is abundantly clear: the road to the Fall Classic will go through the Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park.

The Boston Red Sox (34-16) and New York Yankees (31-15) have the best records in the American League.

The Red Sox own a one-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East, but with these foes scheduled to meet 13 more times this season, including the final series of the regular season, there is a good chance the division title will remain in play until the calendar turns to October.

Which means both teams will be looking to improve their rosters before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Yanks’ lineup with Greg Bird?

Both clubs are making big moves this weekend, and it won’t cost either of them a thing.

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, the 2008 AL MVP, is returning from the disabled list and will make his 2018 season debut either Friday or Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.

Pedroia had been sidelined while recovering from left knee surgery.

He completed a rehab stint this week at Triple-A Pawtucket and will slide into the starting lineup, bumping utility man Eduardo Nunez back to the bench.

When healthy, Pedroia is one of the best second basemen in all of baseball.

The 34-year-old has hit at least .290 in each of the last three seasons. He will join a Boston lineup that leads the majors with a .266 batting average.

Of course, the Yankees can hit, too. They lead the majors with 79 home runs, and are about to add Greg Bird to the lineup. Bird will be making his 2018 season debut as well (most likely Saturday), after recovering from surgery to remove a bone spur in his right ankle. Bird completed a minor league rehab stint, with stops at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Double-A Trenton and Single-A Tampa.

Since both teams have lineups which can rake, the Yankees and Red Sox are expected to chase pitching before the trade deadline. New York is in the market for a starter, while Boston is looking to bolster its bullpen.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.