Blue Jays AL East Recap: Orioles and Red Sox keep hitting

Chaotic finale caps quiet week of productivity

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: 23-13
Boston Red Sox: 24-14
Toronto Blue Jays: 19-20
Tampa Bay Rays: 16-19
New York Yankees: 16-20

The Blue Jays put together a productive week despite going 3-3. Toronto received a stellar start from a classic-looking R.A. Dickey, and J.A. Happ continued to prove that he was a worthwhile investment. The offence looked to take form again this week, scoring less than 4 runs only once. With the strength of our starters, offensive production can help leverage the Jays into the win column more often.

The bullpen was rocked with not only multiple losses, but the loss of Brett Cecil to the disabled list.

Though he hasn’t looked like himself this season, losing him for any length of time makes the situation in the ‘pen that much worse. The Blue Jays would benefit tremendously from Drew Storen returning to form.

Despite the loss, Blue Jays starters are staying in the game late, most of them making it through the 6th. With Osuna rocking the 9th, the Jays only need productivity from a few members of the bullpen on a normal day.

Final Takeaway:

While Sunday’s rubber match was dramatic and chaotic, the overall week showcased some positives from the rotation and the lineup. If the ‘pen can shape up and manage the loss of Cecil, the Jays could make up lost ground.

Next: The Baltimore Bombers