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

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: 50-39
New York Yankees: 45-41
Tampa Bay Rays: 47-43
Baltimore Orioles: 42-46
Toronto Blue Jays: 41-47

The Blue Jays wrapped up the first half of the season with a terrible showing on Sunday. The blowout overshadowed what was actually one of the best weeks the Jays have had recently. Toronto took a series win from the New York Yankees and managed a series split with the Houston Astros, one of the best teams in the game.

Despite the hot start, the Blue Jays are playoff long shots. They remain last in the division at 8.5 games behind the Red Sox for first. Additionally, they are five games and seven teams out of WC contention. The Blue Jays will face off against the Tigers after the All Star Break. Before that, fans can enjoy seeing Justin Smoak and Roberto Osuna celebrate their first ASG appearances. Osuna was added late this week after being named AL’s top reliever for June.

Marcus Stroman has been speculated by multiple sources as available at the deadline. After his weekend start against the Astros, it is easy to see why. That said, he is likely not going anywhere, as the Blue Jays should only need to retool to make them contenders next season. Some argue they can still be this year. If the Jays do end up selling, the impending Free Agents are likely the first to go. With more than three weeks to go, the likes of Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano could recoup much of their lost value.

Final Takeaway:
The Winds of change are blowing in Toronto. With the break, Jays fans can catch their breathe and steel themselves for the future.

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.