Blue Jays and the AL East Recap: Week 1

Apr 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates his home run with Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) during the eight inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates his home run with Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) during the eight inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Retooled Rays

Tampa Bay Rays:  2-4

The Blue Jays got an immediate look at the offensive additions the Rays made during the off season, as the two split their opening series.

Corey Dickerson proved to be an immediate thorn in the Jays side, as Steven Souza Jr got off to the best start of his career as well. Since leaving Tropicana Field, the Rays have been less fortunate against the Orioles (I’ll get to them in a bit).

This week there was no middle ground for the Rays: they either raked, or they didn’t. That said, both foes are well known for possessing more powerful offenses, once the Rays leave the AL East it will be interesting to see what their offense can do.

The biggest issue for them so far has been their pitching, the opposite of the 2015 Rays. Both Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi have struggled in their initial appearances. So far the Rays starting rotation has yet to get a win.

Keeping in mind the Rays are working with a four man rotation currently does not make for the best recipe of success.

Final Takeaway: The Rays have retooled their offense, but their rotation has yet to be what it was last year.

Next: The Restocked Red Sox