The Blue Jays need a strong May showing against their AL East rivals

The Blue Jays need a strong May showing against their AL East rivals

Briefly

"The Blue Jays are 16-21 after getting swept by the Tampa Bay Rays, which is only one game worse than their record through 37 games in 2025. The difference, however, is that the Blue Jays were four games back of the New York Yankees for first in the AL East. The Yankees have had a much stronger start to 2026 and sit 9.5 games ahead of the Blue Jays in the division standings with a 25-11 record."

"The Blue Jays couldn't have gotten off to a worse start against the Rays. Not only did they get swept, but they also only managed four runs throughout the series. They led most of the way on Tuesday, but blew it in the eighth inning. If there's any positive to take from this series, the Blue Jays also got swept by the Rays in 2025."

"The other good news for the Blue Jays is that reinforcements are coming in time for the Rays' arrival in Toronto on Monday. Addison Barger is to be activated for the Blue Jays' series against the Angels later today. Barger had been struggling before his stint on the IL, though he's had two home runs in his rehab assignments with the Dunedin Blue Jays. If he can regain his 2025 form, he'll add some much-needed power to the Blue Jays lineup."

"The Blue Jays will have to face the Rays again following a series with the Los Angeles Angels. Luckily for the Blue Jays, their next series against the Rays will be at the Rogers Centre, rather than Tropicana Field, where the Blue Jays have a 29-52 record since 2016."