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Baltimore Orioles and the beast that is the AL East

ByNate Wardle|
Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brad Brach (35) celebrates with teammate Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) after the Orioles defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brad Brach (35) celebrates with teammate Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) after the Orioles defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
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May 19, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays: Fifth place in AL East, 28-29

Everyone deals with injuries, but the Jays are probably thrilled to only be five and a half games out at this point. The Jays are a team that has missedTroy Tulowitzki,Josh Donaldson,Aaron Sanchez,J.A. HappandRussell Martinfor periods of time.Justin Smoakhas been fantastic, leading in average, home runs and RBIs in what is looking like a career year.Devon Travishas emerged from a slow start as a doubles machine.

Causes for concern:Can Smoak keep it going? Will several Jays’ hitters get it going, such asJose Bautista, who has struggled off and on all year? The setup guys inJason GrilliandJ.P. Howellhave been atrocious, leaving the bullpen a bit up in the air.

Joe Smithhas been good, and they can shuffle things around, but this bullpen always has some issues. The rotation has been a game of musical chairs, as Happ was injured, Sanchez has finger issues, etc. Last year’s Rule 5 revelationJoe Biaginiwas thrust into a starter’s role and has performed well.

Overall, the AL East is up to its usual tricks. Competitive, intense and not for the faint of heart. While each team likely sees reasons as to why they should win the division, there is also ample evidence as to why each team could be set to struggle.

Next: Orioles acquire Ruben Tejada from Yankees

It will be fascinating to continue to watch the division and see how it plays out.

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