Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays Struggle Out of Town

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: 45-30
Boston Red Sox: 41-34
Toronto Blue Jays: 41-36
New York Yankees: 37-37
Tampa Bay Rays: 31-43

The Blue Jays faced a down week, being out-pitched and out-powered by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox.

After pacing their American League East foes well over a three week period, the Blue Jays fell flat against out of division rivals. The Blue Jays rotation struggled, and the offence the Jays had seen so much of lately was out of sight for most of the week.

Despite the struggles of the week, the Blue Jays did get two days of rest to help accommodate for the grind they have been on for most of June. Additionally, though the Orioles consolidate their power, the Red Sox similarly declined, leaving the Jays just a game out of the second place position.

If the Jays can find their power stroke and get a good few weeks from their rotation they could uproot the Sox from second (and from the first Wild Card Slot they currently hold).

Final Takeaway: 

Though they struggled this week, the Blue Jays received key rest opportunities that should allow them to stay healthy, and compete long into the season. If they can find the strength they showed for most of June, they could be set to excel in July.

Now let’s take a look at the division rivals…

Next: Orioles Remain Kings of the East