Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays fall out of contention

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.

Boston Red Sox: 47-35
New York Yankees: 43-37
Tampa Bay Rays: 43-41
Baltimore Orioles: 40-41
Toronto Blue Jays: 37-44

The Blue Jays enter play this week much worse for the wear. After spending June chasing 500 after an excellent May, the Blue Jays appear to have breathed their last breath competitively. Entering play on Monday night they sit almost 10 games out of first and well out of the Wild Card picture. With the trade deadline just weeks away, it looks like the Jays will likely be sellers at the deadline. The question is just how hard they will sell. The Blue Jays had the chance to stay in the fight against the Orioles and Red Sox, but could barely hold on against the competition.

Toronto’s inconsistent and poor play from every part of the team is the main problem. Aside from newly anointed All-Star Justin Smoak, the Blue Jays couldn’t get anything going offensively. Marcus Stroman has been the lone bright spot in a rotation that has struggled to stay afloat against the competition. The bullpen, ravaged by injuries has been incapable of the handling the workload that the rotation has put on them. Don’t expect the Blue Jays to go crazy with the sales, unloading the contracts of Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin will take great effort. Smoak, very well, might be the most valuable chip the Jays have.

Final Takeaway:

It might be a hard pill for Jays fans to swallow, but the Blue Jays are out of the competition for the year. However, with some smart planning and luck, the Blue Jays may be in a better spot this time next year.