Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays Fall to the Bottom

Blue Jays struggle before key division series

Each week, Jays Journal will take a look at the bigger picture of the AL East to help frame not only where the Blue Jays are in the standings, but why they are there.

Baltimore Orioles: 26-16
Boston Red Sox: 27-17
New York Yankees: 21-22
Tampa Bay Rays: 20-21
Toronto Blue Jays: 22-24

The Blue Jays struggled in a big this past week. An inconsistent offence, a down week for the rotation, and an awful ‘pen paved the way for the Blue Jays’ being swept by the Rays. Despite winning 3 of 4 from Twins in Minnesota, the Jays fell to the bottom of the pile, as the AL East competition surged ahead of them.

Normally two of the Blue Jays’ strongest options, J.A Happ and Marcus Stroman both had rough outings early in the week as the Rays offence mounted a mighty challenge. Their offensive bursts only highlighted the inconsistency and problems the Jays have faced with their own offense this season thus far.

Bullpen woes continued as Happ looked much stronger was unable to get his win as the ‘pen blew the lead on Saturday. Thankfully for Toronto, Stroman looked much stronger on Sunday allowing only one run on three hits over 7.2 innings.

Things are not all doom and gloom however. A recovering Devon Travis has been excellent in his rehab starts, and is poised to join the team in the very near future. Creative lineup adjustments, too, have helped the Jays to manufacture some runs. Batting leadoff, Jose Bautista has three home runs and six RBI’s to show for it.

Final Takeaway:

The Blue Jays are not the worst, but while the rest of the division is finding consistency, the Jays own adjustment period seems to be coming a little late. Time is drawing close for the Jays to make or break.

Next: Orioles Keep on Keeping on