By winning their series against the Baltimore Orioles this week, the Toronto Blue Jays gave themselves the breathing room they needed in the hunt for the American playoffs.
Posted at 2:21 p.m.
With four weeks left to play, the Jays are in full control of their destiny.
To secure one of the three places giving access to the Fourth As seems acquired for the Blue Jays. Home advantage in this first series is still possible. They still have a slim chance of finishing first in the East.
The Jays begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Friday before returning to Rogers Center for a key eight-game stint against section opponents.
With a record of 76-60 and the wind in their sails thanks to a good stay abroad, the Blue Jays seem in good position going into the stretch.
Eastern Division
Six of the Jays’ last eight series will be played against clubs in the American East. Next week, an important five-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays will be followed by another three-game series against the Orioles.
Heading into Thursday’s games, the inactive Jays were half a game behind the Seattle Mariners for first place in the first playoff round, as well as a game and a half behind the Rays. The New York Yankees, the division leaders, are five games ahead of the Rays and six and a half games ahead of the Jays.
In the race for the Fourth Ace, the Toronto team holds a lead of four and a half games ahead of the Orioles and seven and a half ahead of the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox.
Under the new playoff format, two sets for the Fourth Ace will be played. The two leaders of sections holding the best records will benefit from a pass. The one with the third record will face the team ranked third in the Fourth Ace standings. The teams ranked No. 4 and 5 will face each other in the best-of-three series.
Pair of Aces
Starters Alek Manoah (14-7, 2.42 ERA) and Kevin Gausman (11-9, 3.12) kept the Blue Jays in the thick of the playoff race.
Ross Stripling (7-4, 3.03) has also been very reliable since replacing Hyun-Jin Ryu in the rotation, but has only reached the seventh inning in two of his 19 starts.
Jose Berrios (10-5, 5.23) has been inconsistent this season, however, and fifth in this rotation — previously held by reliever Yusei Kikuchi and recently traded AAA-level Mitch White — could be filled with openers or relievers, depending on the opponent.
Effective succession
The return of left-hander Tim Mayza after two weeks out with injury last month has helped stabilize the relief, led by star late-game specialist Jordan Romano.
Yimi Garcia and Anthony Bass, acquired at the trade deadline, proved to be strong options, while Adam Cimber gave the Jays plenty of innings with 63 outs.
Julian Merryweather, who relies on an explosive rapid, could be used more often in the coming weeks. Nate Pearson remains an intriguing asset as he recovers from minor league injuries.
The Schneider seal
John Schneider hasn’t been afraid to show his colors since being appointed interim manager following the dismissal of Charlie Montoyo.
The Jays have been more aggressive on the trail under Schneider, who has steadily changed his offensive role. Schneider also demanded longer outings from Romano than his predecessor.
Romano, who shares the American lead with 31 saves, has worked more than one set only once under Montoyo this season. Under Schneider, the No. 1 reliever had four four-out saves and twice was called to throw two full innings.
Schneider is 30-18 (.625) in his new role. Montoyo left with a 46-42 (.523) record in 2022.
good posture
Expectations were high before the start of the season, when the team was one of the favorites to win the World Series.
An April of 14-8, however, was followed by four months of mixed results. Victories in eight of their last 10 outings have revived hopes, however.
The Jays have 26 games to play, including nine against the Rays, six against the Orioles and three against the Yankees and Boston Red Sox.