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American League East trade deadline recap and standings update

The Blue Jays were notably active. The Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees were not.

By Scott Gelman
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The American League East continues to be one of the more competitive divisions in baseball. Following the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, that is not expected to change much.

New York Yankees

Record: 61-47

Games back in Division: --

Games back of Wild Card: --

Key Moves:

  • Acquired Dustin Ackley from the Mariners in exchange for Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez.
  • Shortly after the trade deadline, announced the promotion of Luis Severino.
Injuries:
  • Dustin Ackley, right lumbar strain
  • Diego Moreno, right elbow inflammation
  • Michael Pineda, right flexor forearm muscle strain
Recap: New York was not notably active before the trade deadline but the club probably did not have to be. The Yankees' starting pitchers have been productive and their offense has been consistent. Bullpen depth has been tested at times in 2015, but the Yankees will likely continue to be the favorites to win the division.

Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 59-52

Games back in Division: 3.5

Games back of Wild Card: --

Key Moves:

  • Acquired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the Rockies in exchange for Jose Reyes, Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco.
  • Acquired lefty starter David Price from the Tigers in exchange for Daniel Norris, Jairo Labourt, and Matt Boyd.
  • Acquired outfielder Ben Revere from the Phillies for Jimmy Cordero and Alberto Tirado.
  • Acquired reliever Mark Lowe from  the Mariners for Rob Rasmussen, Jake Brentz, and Nick Wells.
  • Traded lefty Felix Doubront to Oakland in exchange for cash considerations.
Injuries:
  • Maicer Izturis, right shoulder tear
  • Michael Saunders, bone bruise in knee
  • Marcus Stroman, recovering from left knee surgery
  • Devon Travis, left shoulder strain
Recap: The Blue Jays were among the more active teams in baseball leading up to the trade deadline. They added a notable amount of depth and acquired a top bat in Tulowitzki. Toronto has playoff aspirations and an extensive winning streak could push the Yankees out of first place.

Baltimore Orioles

Record: 55-33

Games back in Division: 6.0

Games back of Wild Card: 2.5

Key Moves:

  • Acquired outfielder Gerardo Parra from the Brewers in exchange for Zach Davies.
  • Acquired Junior Lake from the Cubs in exchange for Tommy Hunter.
Injuries:
  • Mike Wright, grade two left calf strain
  • Steve Pearce, grade one left oblique strain
Recap: Baltimore added outfield depth and remains in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. Parra is just a rental but Lake might prove to be valuable over the next few seasons.

Tampa Bay Rays

Record: 54-56

Games back in Division: 8.0

Games back in Wild Card: 4.5

Key Moves:

  • Traded reliever Kevin Jepsen to the Twins in exchange for Alexis Tapia and Chih-Wei Hu.
  • Traded outfielder David DeJesus to Los Angeles in exchange for Eduar Lopez.

Injuries:

  • Steven Souza, left hand fracture
  • Drew Smyly, left labrum tear
  • Desmond Jennings, recovering from knee surgery
  • Alex Cobb, recovering from Tommy John surgery

Recap: Although they lost their manager last offseason, the Rays appeared to have the depth necessary to win consistently. However, injuries and individual inconsistencies have plagued the Rays, who still have a chance to make a run for a Wild Card spot.

Boston Red Sox

Record: 49-61

Games back in Division: 13.0

Games back in Wild Card: 9.5

Key Moves:

  • Traded Shane Victorino to Los Angeles in exchange for Josh Rutledge.
  • Acquired reliever Ryan Cook from the Athletics.
Injuries:
  • Anthony Varvaro, recovering from right elbow surgery
  • Rick Porcello, right triceps strain
  • Dustin Pedroia, right hamstring soreness
  • Clay Buchholz, right flexor strain
Recap: Boston has struggled throughout the course of 2015. Its pitching staff has lost a pair of veteran arms and the club at times has had difficulty scoring late in games. The Red Sox might be in a good position heading into 2016. But they will likely have to make a handful of moves first.




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