Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays fall further in shrinking playoff race

Baltimore continues to battle
Baltimore Orioles: 82-67

The Baltimore Orioles continued to prove they aren’t out of the race this week. The Orioles won a big three game set against the Red Sox, positioning them just a game behind their rival.

After the Red Sox four-game sweep, and Baltimore’s split in the weekend, the O’s ultimately fell a bit short in the standings. The Orioles are now 3.0 games out of first, and hold a one game lead over the first Wild Card spot (3.0 games in total).

With just two weeks left to play, Baltimore will have another chance to catch the Red Sox this week. Baltimore has normally struggled against the Sox all year, but had no problems this week. The Orioles held the Boston offence to just six runs in five games while producing 18 of their own. If the Orioles can handle the Red Sox as expertly again this week, the playoff picture will get very interesting.

Veteran reliever Darren O’Day came off the disabled list this week, adding a dominant arm to an already deep bullpen. With most of their key players back, the Orioles just need to get hot at the right time. While they looked like the mashing Orioles we saw early in the year against Boston, they lost that against the Rays. The Orioles will need one last bit of offensive and pitching synergy to make a push for the division crown.

Final Takeaway:

The Orioles are in a solid playoff spot, having the ability to both reclaim the division lead and consolidate their Wild Card lead, it appears the Orioles are playoff bound one way or another.