The Yankees have been mediocre for much of the second half of the season, and as the AL wild-card game approaches, general manager Brian Cashman knows what’s at stake for the team he built with high expectations.

“I thought I saw a lot of good signs here in that last series [against Boston],” Cashman said before the Yankees beat Baltimore, 10-8, on Friday. “We’ve gotten everybody back from the DL and we’re hoping that we hit our stride and find our stride. I’m seeing certain characteristics that can get you excited because I think this team is capable and obviously we’ve got to finish things off in the regular season.”

If the Yankees are going to find their stride and make a second straight deep run into the playoffs, they will have to do it quickly, since only nine games remain.

Cashman made it clear the Yankees will do everything they can to secure home-field advantage for the wild-card game — and then win it — as opposed to preparing for a potential ALDS matchup with the Red Sox.

“I think we’re gonna pick the best person to help us win that game and then roll with it past that,’’ Cashman said of who might start the game, as well as who would be in the lineup. “We’re going to pick the best person to win that game. We’ll pick whoever is best qualified at that time, regardless of the other series.”

Manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees would “pour everything into that wild-card game” and that a pitcher’s success against a potential matchup with Boston in the ALDS will be “more on the minor side.”

“If we’re fortunate enough to get past that game, we feel like we’re in a good position going into the next series based on the decisions we’re having over the wild card game,’’ Boone said. “It’s about winning that game.”

The Yankees entered Friday with a 1½ game lead over the Athletics for the top wild-card spot.

“Our guys know what time it is,’’ Cashman said. “Not that they’ve ever slacked off or cut back. We know all eyes are on us — always — and at the end of the day, it’s postseason baseball in front of us and we’ve got to secure that first and foremost and we want to host the wild-card game if at all possible. But if not, the effort is gonna be the same.”

Cashman also indicated the rest of the roster “in most cases should be obvious” and noted Brett Gardner has made significant contributions despite his recent struggles, while Greg Bird has been supplanted at first base by Luke Voit.

If Aaron Judge and Aroldis Chapman return to form after returning from injuries, the GM is confident it will be “perfect timing.”

“Then we are capable of a lot and we’ll be a more formidable opponent than we’ve been the last two months,’’ Cashman said.