Blue Jays hanging around, hoping to replicate last year’s breakout
Despite the bulk of their roster remaining intact, the Toronto Blue Jays haven’t looked like the team that caught fire over the final two months of last season and went all the way to the ALCS.
And while the first two months of this season have been more mediocre than magical, the memories of that unforgettable run makes it easier for this year’s Blue Jays to embrace the grind. They believe that if they continue to battle, it’s just a matter of time before they break out.
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Through 62 games last season Toronto was 32-30. This year they’re also 32-20 through 62 games following a 4-3 win Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, courtesy of an Edwin Encarnacion walk-off home run in the 10th inning.
That series continues Saturday at Rogers Centre, with first pitch set for 1:07 p.m. ET. You can stream the game for free on Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home. Local blackouts apply, per MLB rules.
With five of their next nine games against Baltimore, and the first-place Orioles holding a 4 1/2 game lead over them in the division, here’s a prime opportunity for the Blue† Jays to make up some ground.
They’ve reached the same record with 100 games to play, but how they’ve gotten there couldn’t have been any more different. Last season a potent lineup led by American League MVP Josh Donaldson was the most feared in the majors. This year the offense has yet to truly come around, ranking 18th in MLB in runs per game, and it’s the rotation that’s stood out.
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Toronto is second in the big leagues in quality starts with 40, one back of the Rangers and Cubs. Left-hander J.A. Happ, who has proven to be a shrewd free-agent signing, accounts for 10 of those quality starts and he takes the mound Saturday. Happ will try to keep the Blue Jays’ starting pitching strong and make the game tough for a powerful Orioles lineup.
It hasn’t always been pretty so far, especially compared to last season’s dizzying heights, but Toronto can take solace in knowing they were in the exact same place exactly a year ago. They’ve still go their sights set on winning the AL East and the best way to make progress toward that goal is by beating a division rival.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
