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

Orioles Face a Crossroads
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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.

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