Do The Jays Still Have Life?

The 2017 campaign for the Toronto Blue Jays has been, for the most part, a season to forget. Unlike last year, injuries have plagued the Blue Jays’ top players, notably Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, Devon Travis, and Aaron Sanchez. The offence, once heralded for its firepower and dangerous ability to strike at any moment is now riddled with inconsistency, with the exception of Justin Smoak. Troy Tulowitzki has yet to return to his consistent hitting ways that gave him success in Colorado, Donaldson has had a down year, and Kevin Pillar has fallen into a downward spiral since the start of June. The pitching staff of the Blue Jays could be one of the most dominant in the majors, if they were healthy. Instead, the Blue Jays have had to rely on starters from Triple-A Buffalo, and the quality of the bullpen has decreased, leaving Roberto Osuna as one of few consistent relievers on the Jays’ active roster. The inconsistency of the first 3 months of the season has fans and media alike questioning the ability of the Jays’ players and coaching staff. However, despite all the turbulence, the Jays are only four and a half games out of a wildcard spot, with the All-Star Break dead ahead. Despite the fact that this team has been playing average to mediocre, the Jays are not completely out of the playoff picture. Once the All-Star Break ends, fans and members of the Blue Jays will get a chance to see what this team is really made of. Can the flashes of brilliance, like the 18-2 win over Cincinnati, or a convincing win last night over the Houston Astros, who are the A.L’s best, become consistent? Can the Jays reach back and find the consistency of a well-rounded team that has, quite frankly, scared the rest of the league for the past 3 years? Or, will they continue their inconsistency, bad habits, and constant injury history? Only time will tell if the Blue Jays can return to form, but as of now, the team controls their own destiny, their future, and their playoff hopes for this year.