Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays fall further in shrinking playoff race

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

Boston Red Sox: 85-64
Baltimore Orioles: 82-67
Toronto Blue Jays: 81-68 (4.0 GB)
New York Yankees: 77-72
Tampa Bay Rays: 64-85

The Toronto Blue Jays followed up their worst week of the season with another lackluster performance over the past seven days. Toronto managed to go 3-4 on the week and now trail the Red Sox by four games in the division.

With 13 games left to play, the Blue Jays hold a narrow lead over the second Wild Card Slot. They lead the Tigers and Mariners by two games. The Blue Jays faced their normal woes, a weekend rotation that got minimal offensive support saw them split the series against the Angels, rather than walk a way with a win.

The Tampa Bay Rays won yet another series from the Blue Jays, seemingly knowing where the Blue Jays Achilles’ heel is.

In just 14 days the Blue Jays went from playoff shoe-ins, to playoff hopefuls. Now their opening set against the Mariners is more crucial then ever before. The Blue Jays have just 13 games to prove that they have still got what it takes. A tall order with the remaining schedule the Blue Jays have.

Marco Estrada has been dealing with a herniated disk in his back, which accounts for his difficult second half. His ability to pitch for the Blue Jays down the crucial stretch should be in question.

Final Takeaway:

The Blue Jays need one last spark of brilliance to fuel their stretch run, if they can find it they can repeat the playoffs. With only 13 games to go, the time for a miracle is now.