For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoffs. On Sept. 30th, the Jays mathematically clinched their first American League East Division Title in over 20 years following their 15-2 drubbing of the Baltimore Orioles.
Second-year starting pitcher Marcus Stroman put together a masterful performance at Camden Yards allowing one earned run and five hits over eight strong innings of work. This outing occurred just three weeks after Stroman’s remarkable return from ACL surgery following his spring training injury.
Stroman’s return marks one of the keys to success that the Blue Jays will carry into their playoff journey, along with a few others:
Expectations for the unexpected
The Jays finished the 2015 season with a record of 93–69, and some unfamiliar faces played a large role in the team’s post all-star game success. This will need to continue if the Jays want to play deep into the month of October.
Infielder Ryan Goins has been tremendous since he took over the starting job for an injured Devon Travis. Goins has been terrific defensively and at bat. He played shortstop during the Sept. 30th clinching game and had five hits. In doing so, Goins became the first Blue Jays shortstop in team history to accomplish that feat.
Centre fielder Kevin Pillar has dazzled fans with his Gold Glove calibre arsenal of catches in the outfield this season. Pillar has also quietly put together a nice season at the plate, finishing the regular season hitting for a career high .278 batting average while driving in 56 runs. He has provided the Blue Jays with reliable offence at the bottom of the batting order.
The return of Tulowitzki
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki returned to the lineup Friday against Tampa Bay, and is now healthy for the ball club’s potential playoff run. Tulowitzki’s presence will be felt in the Blue Jays lineup with an impressive five all-star appearances and two gold awards under his belt. Tulowitzki was acquired by the Jays at the trade deadline this season, and the team has enjoyed consistent success since he arrived.
The big boys
The middle of the batting order reveals the true identity of the Blue Jays. Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson have caused nightmares for opposing pitchers all season. The trio have been knocking in runs in clutch situations all year and have the statistical evidence to prove it. Encarnacion, Donaldson and Bautista have collectively driven in over 300 runs. If these three can continue producing at this pace this season, the Blue Jays have a chance to win against any opponent in the playoffs come October.
The Jays open up their postseason journey on Oct. 8th against the Texas Rangers with a home field advantage. If the Jays can continue firing on all cylinders, they will have a good chance of making their first World Series since 1993, when they brought the championship back to Canadian baseball fans.