Blue Jays: How things look for the other Wild Card contenders

Boston Red Sox

One of the reasons that the Blue Jays have made up some ground in the standings is because the Red Sox have been scuffling. They were swept by the Rays last week and then dropped three of four against the Blue Jays. They’ve back playing the Rays again now, and Wednesday night their offence finally woke up in a big way, winning the second game of that series by a score of 20-8 after dropping the opener.

For those that have been reading my stuff for a while, you might remember that I predicted the Red Sox would finish fourth in the division. I’ve been shaking my head all year about how well they’ve performed, and it’s been a bit of personal satisfaction for me seeing them come back to earth over the last few weeks. Still, I’ll admit that they’re a much better team than I thought they’d be, and they’re a real threat to keep the Blue Jays from the postseason.

Red Sox fans have been understandably frustrated lately, but the good news to lean on is that some reinforcements are on the way. Chris Sale will re-join the team after nearly two years on the sidelines while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and if he’s right he’s one of the best pitchers in the world. It remains to be seen what he’ll bring to the table as he makes his way back, but I’m sure the Sox are thrilled to know he’ll pitch again this weekend. They’ll also be able to add Kyle Schwarber to the active roster sooner than later, a player they acquired from the Chicago Cubs ahead of the trade deadline. Schwarber was injured when the trade went down, so he’s yet to play for Boston.

One of the biggest challenges for the Red Sox will be the strength of their schedule over the rest of the regular season. They’re done with the Blue Jays for 2021 unless they meet in the playoffs, but they still have seven games left with the Rays, six against the Yankees, and they’ll play other tough teams like the White Sox over their final 46 games. They may be in a playoff spot right now, but they’re going to have to play well to keep it.