Blue Jays American League East Recap: Jays Taking Flight

Apr 23, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) is congratulated by teammates right fielder Jose Bautista (right) and catcher Russell Martin (left) after throwing a complete game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) is congratulated by teammates right fielder Jose Bautista (right) and catcher Russell Martin (left) after throwing a complete game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter throws out the ceremonial first pitch after a pre-game ceremony retiring his number 2 in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium before taking on the Houston Astros. Mandatory Credit: Kathy Willens/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter throws out the ceremonial first pitch after a pre-game ceremony retiring his number 2 in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium before taking on the Houston Astros. Mandatory Credit: Kathy Willens/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

Yankees Struggle During Monumental Week
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The Yankees celebrated the legacy of Derek Jeter by retiring his Number 2 on Sunday Night. Unfortunately for the Yankees, the Astros Number 2, Alex Bregman, was instrumental in their downfall with a first inning Grand Slam. The rest of the week didn’t play out much better for the Yankees. New York split a two game set with the Reds before losing three of four to the AL West leading Astros. A down week keeps the Yankees in first, but only by a thin margin. They will get the chance to gain more ground when they face the Kansas City Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays later this week.

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The Yankees biggest problem this week was their pitching. Both the rotation and bullpen had their share of mishaps, resulting in losses. It didn’t help that the Astros boast former Yanks Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann, who both did some damage. Star closer Aroldis Chapman also landed on the DL and will likely lose close to a month. Offensively the Yankees were as strong as ever though. Aaron Judge continues his AL Rookie of the Year Campaign and Starlin Castro is tied as the AL Hit leader. Didi Gregorius also saw his first home run of the season.

Final Takeaway:

The Yankees suffered behind a poor week from their rotation and relief staff. With an offense as potent as theirs, they’ll hope their arms can rebound against some weaker teams.