Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays Stumble into the All Star Break

Boston Closes out the First Half on Top
50-39

The Red Sox hit a speed bump as they entered the ASG. After winning a series against the Rangers they were tripped up by the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite losing that four game set, the Red Sox are crowned the first half champions. They lead the New York Yankees by 3.5 games. Boston will have to contend with the same Yankees team after the break before hosting the Blue Jays. If they can take the series from the Yankees they will have gone a long way in consolidating their hold on the East. Red Sox fans have plenty to watch at the ASG as Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, and Craig Kimbrel are all in the starting lineup.

The Red Sox have powered their way to first the last few weeks with consistency. Their offense was one of the most dominant in June. Their rotation, bolstered by the return of David Price, has done a 180. Doug Fister has fit in well in the back half of the rotation, affording their bullpen some much needed rest. With Eduardo Rodriguez close to return from injury, the Red Sox will have some unique options. They could slide Fister into the bullpen and serve as long relief or a spot starter. They could also send someone else packing if it nets them an upgrade elsewhere. Third base would be a prime position.

Final Takeaway:
The Red Sox will enter the second half as the Easts team to beat. With the ability to upgrade their rotation and bullpen internally, the Red Sox can be flexible at deadline.

Yankees Looking to Regroup
45-41

The Yankees stumbled into the ASG and out of June. After reigning the East for the better part of the season, they were dethroned last month. The Yankees are now 3.5 games outside of first, but hold the top overall WC spot. They’ll get a perfect opportunity to chip away when they play Boston for four games after the break. After that, they’ll have to face off against some teams gunning for the WC.

The Yankees have plenty on display this week. Both Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez will compete in the Home Run Derby (*Judge was crowned the derby champ after this piece was submitted). Afterwards, they join Dellin Betances, Luis Severino, and Starlin Castro in the ASG.

New York has stumbled in recent weeks. Their rotation has been hit and miss, causing problems for their offense and bullpen. Their bullpen has some powerful arms in it, but is often weakened by the work load they inherit. As such another starter would slot in nicely with Masahiro Tanaka and Severino atop the order. With a stocked farm system, they have the depth to land themselves the best arms on the market. Their offense, however, is also to blame. Despite Aaron Judge’s unprecedented first half, their offense as a whole has slowed down. MLB pitching seems to have adjusted to the potency of the Yankees’ young hitters. If they can make the changes necessary, they can help New York take the lead back.

Final Takeaway:
The Yankees get a chance to breathe and catch their breath. Allowing them to focus, and get ready to contend for first place again.

Rays Poised to Strike
47-43

The Tampa Bay Rays soared into the ASG. After spitting a series with the Cubs, they took three of four from the Red Sox. The latest success puts them just 3.5 games behind the Red Sox, and tied with the Yankees. Few would have expected the Rays to occupy a WC slot half way through the season, yet here they are. They have a potent offense and a dominant staff of young hurlers. Two key members of the team are represented this week. Corey Dickerson will man the DH spot, while Chris Archer will spin his magic against the NL’s best. After the break the Rays will get a chance to get ahead in the race. While New York and Boston battle it out, Tampa will play Los Angeles, Oakland, and Texas. By this time next week, the Rays may very well leap frog their way into first.

The Rays have already made additions. They grabbed Trevor Plouffe form the Athletics to help out their offense against lefties. Wilson Ramos has been a boon in the weeks following his return from the DL. With Matt Andriese on the shelf until sometime in August, the Rays will have to roll with Blake Snell. This could cause the Rays to search for an upgrade in their already strong rotation. Despite all the rumors, I would be surprised if the Rays parted ways with either Alex Cobb or Archer.

Final Takeaway:
Tampa Bay is closer to the post season than they have been in years. With some more solid play, the Rays might just pull it off.

Orioles Face a Crossroads
42-46

The Orioles wander into the ASG daze and confused. Heading into the break they were swept by the Brewers, before splitting a series with the Twins. Baltimore now sits 7.5 games out of first, and 4 games out of a very crowded WC. They will have little time to rest however, as they will face off against the Cubs, Rangers and Astros after the break. Jonathan Schoop will serve as their lone ASG representative as a part of the reserve roster. The Orioles swung a hot bat to start the season, but cooled off later. However, it was their rotation that landed them so far behind in the standings.

Dylan Bundy wowed early on in the year, but has buckled after carrying the rotation for so long. Chris Tillman has looked completely lost in his abbreviated season. Ace closer Zach Britton returned to duty in a shaky outing, but helps ease their bullpen’s workload. Chris Davis should return after the break for the team, but probably too late to help. With one of the weakest farm systems in the game, and plenty of impending Free Agents, the O’s could look at starting a rebuild. That said, Tillman and JJ Hardy (DL) likely aren’t going anywhere. Britton, could still fetch a decent price if he can have a few solid outings after the break.

Final Takeaway:
The Orioles are in an awkward place. They have some hefty contracts preventing them from being full on sellers. Having little stock in the farm system, the future for the team is unclear.

Next: Blue Jays: Gibby's job is safe, and here's why