Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays fail to gain ground, trade deadline outlooks

Red Sox ready to strike
Boston Red Sox: 55-41

The Boston Red Sox saw their early advantage over the rest of the AL East slip away as they split a four game set with the Minnesota Twins to end the weekend. The Red Sox looked poised to strike as they entered the series with a thin hold of first after the Orioles took three losses to start the week. Instead, Boston only managed a split with the lowly Twins as Baltimore swept the Central-leading Indians.

Despite the set back, the Red Sox have been playing very good baseball since the end of the All Star break, and have not suffered from the offensive shortage the Orioles are now finding themselves in.

With the Orioles spending the next weekend in division play, the Red Sox will look to take the lead away from them once again. This time for good.

Deadline Needs:

The Red Sox have already addressed their team’s needs. Striking before the iron was hot, the Red Sox acquired All-Star starter Drew Pomeranz to help shore up the weak spot in their rotation.

Boston also acquired veteran closer Brad Ziegler from the Diamondbacks to help fill out a taxed bullpen that is currently without ace closer Craig Kimbrel.

Final Takeaway:

The Red Sox will let the cards fall as they will, already making a big splash on the trade market. The retooled Red Sox have been a tremendous force as of late, and look poised to fight for the top spot in the division until season’s end.

Next: Yankees reborn amid talks of deadline selling