The Blue Jays and Yankees play each other seven more times before the end of the season. That will likely determine which team will win the American League East division. The loser may be out of the playoffs or will have to commit to a one game wild card to get into the postseason.
The Yankees are trying to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. It’s been 22 years since Toronto has experienced postseason baseball.
New York has led the division for most of the year. Toronto has moved up the standings since making a series of moves late in July. The highlights were getting ace starting pitcher David Price to shore up their starting rotation and short stop Troy Tulowitzki to add to an already impressive offense. The Yankees uncharacteristically stood pat at the deadline. A potentially season ending injury to starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia may hurt the Yankees chances further.
Looking at statistics, both teams match up well in various categories. The Blue Jays and Yankees are ranked second and third respectively in the Major Leagues in home runs. Toronto has the most runs batted in by far at 642, but trailing in second is New York with 562. Both teams drop down when it comes to pitching. The Yankees are ranked at number 15 in earned run average and Toronto is at 19. The Yankees have more home games scheduled than the Blue Jays in September.
The American League East can be a ruthless division. So many things can happen in a pennant race. This one could be undecided until the last few games of the season.
