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

Yankees revive chances
New York Yankees: 50-48

The Yankees roared back to life this week winning two consecutive series’, including a win in a four-game set against the Orioles. The previous weeks seemed to indicate that the Yankees would be total sellers at the deadline, but after dispatching both the Orioles and Giants. The Yankees have proved they can make this a four-horse race.

With an easy road trip against Houston and Tampa Bay between them and the deadline, upper management will have to seriously think about their team’s chances over the next week.

The Yankees starting rotation was masterful over the past seven days, dispelling wonders on how well their rotation could reasonably perform. New York may be peaking late in a division too strong for them though, because despite their stellar week, the Yankees are still 7.5 games back in the division.

Deadline Needs:

The Deadline has become a tricky subject this week as the Yankees would likely need a boost to their rotation to make a serious run at the pennant. Despite their rotation’s magnificent week, the longevity of their starters remains their principal concern.

The Yankees are reportedly nearing a deal that will send Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs for a package centred around top shortstop prospect Gleybar Torres. With many teams seaking back end help, the Yankees could benefit from having the talented duo of Andrew Miller and Dellen Betences in-house and ready to fill Chapman’s shoes.

Chapman’s deal could be finalized as early as today, and as the Yankees have talented assets already in place for the final innings, and they could leverage some pieces that will help them out long term.

Final Takeaway:

New York’s resurgence has made  them the team to watch in the AL East as the deadline approaches. The Yankees are flexible enough to send off their biggest trade chip, and still make a reasonable run at competing. While it is improbable that the Yankees will add a major rotation piece, if they look as good as they did this week, they won’t need to.

Next: Rays finally getting some positive performances