Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays soar into All-Star break
By Samuel Bruce
![Jul 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole (22) hits a two run single during the second inning in a game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports Jul 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole (22) hits a two run single during the second inning in a game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjaysjournal-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F07-2Fjosh-thole-mlb-detroit-tigers-toronto-blue-jays-850x560-b175be96dcb07c38aa79aad0b166fedd.jpg)
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.