Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays Fall Behind

Rays Reaching for First
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After posting the best record in the Division this week, the Tampa is now less than 3 games outside of first place. The Rays secured a series win against the Reds before being upended by the Orioles. Now they sit just 2.5 games down from first and just a game outside of Wild Card contention.

They will get a rematch against Baltimore after a series with the Pirates to start the week. Tampa Bay has received contributions from across the team. Their rotation, bullpen, and batting roster have all been in sync the last few weeks, allowing the Rays to chase the division title.

Like the Red Sox, the Rays bolstered their lineup with the addition of Trevor Plouffe. He joined the team as 2016 break out Wilson Ramos returned to the order. Both Ramos and Plouffe have been known to swing a hot bat. These additions come as former Jay Colby Rasmus lands on the DL.

The Rays have not only weathered a string of injuries but have managed to succeed despite them. To help with the workload and to balance the pen, the Rays are transitioning swingman Erasmo Ramirez to the pen. A move which should be beneficial for both the rotation and the bullpen.