Blue Jays AL East Recap: Blue Jays Regress

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.

New York Yankees: 25-16
Baltimore Orioles: 25-17
Boston Red Sox: 22-21
Tampa Bay Rays: 23-23
Toronto Blue Jays: 19-26

The Blue Jays lost all momentum they carried into the week, and barely salvaged the it with two wins. The rough week comes as a mighty set back after the Blue Jays clawed their way to .400. Toronto now sits four and a half games back from .500, and eight games behind the East leading Yankees. Their set backs on the field were maximized by the set backs off the field. Kevin Pillar was suspended two games for a homophobic slur. Both Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson faced set backs in making it back off the Disabled List. Aaron Sanchez was also placed on the Disabled List for the third time this season. His lingering blister issue still not recovered.

The Blue Jays did see some positives. Marco Estrada rebounded after a dismal start against the Braves and struck out 12 Orioles in route to a win. Marcus Stroman helped avoid a sweep in Atlanta by pitching, and hitting the team to victory. Russell Martin is back from the Disabled list, giving the Jays his excellent defense and a much needed boost to the batting order. With Aaron Sanchez down, a timely return from Francisco Liriano would be a boon for the rotation.

Final Takeaway:

The Blue Jays are quickly approaching the end of the rope. Breathing room will become few and far between heading into July, and the Blue Jays will need to find immediate success, with or without the regular stars. If they hope to even contend for the final Wild Card spot.