Four keys to the Blue Jays reaching another level in May

A more favourable schedule

The Blue Jays weren’t dealt a very nice hand as far as the schedule was drawn up to start the year, but fortunately things will ease off a bit for them in May, and into early June.

The most important part might be the chance for rest on some badly needed off days. The Jays had a rest day on Monday, another coming on Thursday, and three more on the 19th, 25th, and 30th, never having to play more than six straight days throughout the month. That’s a stark contract from the gauntlet they’ve been through so far, and fresh legs will do wonders for any team, even one as youthful as the Blue Jays.

It will also give Charlie Montoyo a chance to play his regulars without worrying about scheduled rest as much, and that could make a pretty big difference, especially as the lineup gets healthier. More at-bats for guys like Teoscar Hernandez and eventually Danny Jansen means less for Brad Zimmer and Tyler Heineman, and that’s a significant difference.

On top of the rest, the Blue Jays do have a slightly easier schedule, even if it’s no Sunday picnic either. Beginning on the 10th they’ll have two games with the Yankees, three with the Rays, and then a six-game home stand when they’ll host the Mariners, and the 6-23 Reds. They’ll round things out on the road against the Cardinals and the Angels, before heading back to Toronto host the White Sox and start a fresh month.

Ideally the Blue Jays will be able to pull themselves out of the funk in short order, especially because their next five games come against division rivals in the Yankees and Rays. Either way though, May should be a bit easier on them, at least compared to the jam-packed opening month.