Blue Jays AL East Recap: Toronto holds their ground

Tampa Bay shining as spoiler
Tampa Bay Rays: 52-70

The Rays were brilliant this week, sweeping the San Diego Padres, and taking two-of-three from the AL leading Rangers. Tampa Bay’s rotation lead the way, holding the opposition to an average of 2.5 runs all week, an impressive feat against the hard hitting Rangers.

Tampa Bay matched pitching with offence, raking an impressive 43 runs with a run differential of 43-15. The Rays have shown the ability to produce at this rate multiple times, but have failed to do so consistently.

Tampa’s season might be over, but the solid start from their young rotation and dominance of their offence painted a picture of what the Rays might look like in the future. Logan Forsythe returned from the disabled list, and provided immediate impact for Tampa Bay. Progress on all ends is a welcome sight for the Rays, and they will look for more as they build for the future.

The Rays have now played spoiler for two weeks in a row, they will have the biggest opportunity to ruin a rival’s hopes this week. Tampa Bay plays the Red Sox seven times in the next 10 days.

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Final Takeaway:

If the Rays look anything like they did against the Rangers this weekend, the Red Sox are in for a closer series than they think. With former Ray David Price taking the mound Monday, you can bet the Rays won’t make it easy.