The relocation comes with the Rays (57-39) one video game behind the AL East-leading Red Sox entering Thursday. The Yankees, who start a four-game set in Boston on Thursday night, were 7 games behind the Sox entering the series.

The Rays are trading for Twins All-Star Nelson Cruz.Getty Images

Among the Yankees competitors has intensified their lineup.

The Rays have actually traded for Minnesota slugger Nelson Cruz, the Twins revealed on Thursday. Cruz, 41, made his seventh profession All-Star nod this season.

In 85 games for Minnesota this season, Cruz has 19 home runs with 50 RBIs and a slash line of.294/.370/.537. He has been mashing lefties to the tune of a 1.010 OPS in 119 plate appearances.

Minnesota received minor league pitchers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman, while Tampa Bay also is getting minors pitcher Calvin Faucher.