Blue Jays AL East Recap: Blue Jays fighting for first

Sep 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rays continue to be pesky
Tampa Bay Rays: 58-77

The Rays once again continued to be the thorn in the AL East’s side. They prevented the Red Sox from sweeping and gaining a lead to start the week. Tampa then almost swept the Blue Jays, limiting their lead.

Despite not being in the playoff mix, Tampa Bay has managed to factor into the race quite heavily. While not ending up with the record they wanted at the beginning of the year, the Rays have owned the job of spoiler. Tampa Bay continued to have the Blue Jays’ number, narrowly losing out on handing them a serious blow in the recent series.

Alex Cobb was strong in his first start of the year and picked up his first win since 2014. Rays starters have looked very dominant the last month, an apparent return to last years form. Tampa Bay additionally added reinforcements to the bullpen and their Catching depth. The Rays figure to mix things up during the stretch run.

Next: Could Blue Jays pass on Michael Saunders?

They have a strong farm system and will be able to play around with rolls that could become vital for the Rays next year. This should help the Rays better determine their post season needs.