Yankees can’t enjoy easy schedule stretch for much longer

There’s no time for the Yankees to resume playing with their food this weekend, especially with the start of a daunting 12-game stretch coming up next week — one that finally could determine where they will open the playoffs.

After trouncing the out-of-it Nationals by a combined count of 26-8 in a thorough three-game sweep — featuring six more home runs for the MLB long-ball leaders in Wednesday’s 11-2 rout — the Yankees can ill afford to ease off the gas pedal this weekend in the Windy City against the lowly White Sox.

Especially with a visit to Houston to follow beginning Monday night to open a stretch of a dozen games played against the Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox through Sept. 14.

Aaron Boone’s team has gone a combined 5-15 this season against East-leading Toronto (3-7) and Boston (2-8) with one three-game series remaining against each of those division rivals.