Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays soar into All-Star break

Rays crawl into All Star Break
Tampa Bay Rays: 34-54

The Rays enter the All Star Break with their heads hung low. Despite showing remarkable talent at early in the season, the Rays quickly lost their way in a tough division and are now looking to regroup during the All-Star break.

Tampa Bay heads into the break 20 games below .500. The Rays will have to hope their luck rebounds quickly, as they face division-leading Baltimore to start the second half.

The first half ended in disaster for the Rays, who looked to be a keen contender in the early goings of the season. They will start play Friday with return of Gold Glover Kevin Kiermaier, and hope to get off to a fast start. The coming weeks could see the team in discussions to trade appetizing arms like Jake Odorizzi and Drew Smyly.

Next: Blue Jays eyeing pitcher Rich Hill?

Final Takeaway:

The Rays have a narrow window of opportunity to save their season. If they can come out of the gate swinging for the fences, they could decide to remain a little more neutral at the trade deadline. If not, the Rays have players that many contending teams could come calling for as they set their sights on the future.