Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays soaring out of August

Each week, Jays Journal will take a look at the bigger picture of the American League East to help frame not only where the Blue Jays are in the standings, but why they are there.

Toronto Blue Jays: 74-56
Boston Red Sox: 72-58
Baltimore Orioles: 71-59
New York Yankees: 67-62
Tampa Bay Rays: 55-74

The Blue Jays countered a rough outing against the Angels of Anaheim with a weekend sweep of the Twins. Toronto came alive this weekend scoring 32 runs, hiding yet another week of weak pitching.

However, the Blue Jays gave up 21 runs to the Twins, which set the franchise record for runs allowed in a three game sweep. The Blue Jays will enter a pivotal three game set against the Orioles with a decent lead. They remain ahead of the Red Sox by 2.0 games and the Orioles by 3.0.

Toronto struggled to get much going against the Angels, but came alive against the struggling Twins. After the blowout on Friday night, it looked as if the Twins were going to strike back on Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to late-inning surges from Melvin Upton Jr. and Josh Donaldson, the Blue Jays converted two deficits of three runs into wins.

The offensive barrage was much needed with the August rotation struggles continuing. Only R.A. Dickey and Francisco Liriano recorded wins for the rotation, which has struggled mightily in August. After squaring off with Baltimore to begin the week, the Jays will match up against the Rays.

Final Takeaway:

The Blue Jays late inning heroics earned them some wiggle room going into Baltimore series. The Jays appear poised for success with the front end of their rotation playing a struggling Orioles.

Next: Red Sox remain the closest contender