Blue Jays AL East Recap: Signs of Life

Apr 23, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the 8th inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the 8th inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) looks on during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) looks on during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Rays Succeed On, Struggle Off Field
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The Rays put themselves atop the leaderboard this weekend, though not the one they wanted. Tampa Bay currently leads baseball with injured players (it could be worse Jays fans). Even worse for the Rays, these have decimated the Rays bullpen. Alex Colome has been excellent as a closer but has little help right now. With Erasmo Ramirez filling in for injured Jake Odorizzi, Tampa has a pen problem. They are currently without Brad Boxberger, Xavier Cedeno, Shawn Tolleson, and now Tommy Hunter. Adding in the injuries to Matt Duffy and Mallex Smith, the Rays have their share of holes to fill in the field too.

The good news for the Rays? They are staying afloat despite this. The Rays managed a 4-3 record this week, and remain at .500. Matt Andriese had a stellar outing for them this week, and their offense has continued to surprise. If the Rays can hang in there a little while longer, they could be transformed into a force to be feared.

Final Takeaway:

If the Rays can continue to succeed despite the injury losses, they could become a dark horse candidate in a tough AL East. If they are still in the mix when the laundry list of players return, they’ll be a team to watch.

Next: Blue Jays’ Stroman angers halos with his swagger