Blue Jays face pivotal stretch in playoff pursuit

TORONTO — The Blue Jays find themselves two games back in the American League East with 19 games remaining. The final stretch of the season is here and while Toronto does have the ability to control its own fate, the Blue Jays also could use some help along the way.

Here’s a closer look at the schedule for the five teams at the top of the races for the division title and the two Wild Card spots — the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Tigers. Plus, in a tight AL playoff race, the Astros, Mariners and Royals are right on their heels.

Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have two games remaining vs. the Rays (8-9) following Monday’s 3-2 win over Tampa Bay, as well as four vs. the Angels (1-2), three vs. the Mariners (1-2), four vs. the Yankees (9-6), three vs. the Orioles (9-7) and three vs. the Red Sox (8-8). That equates to a 36-34 record and .514 winning percentage against the remaining opponents.

What it all means: The Blue Jays are in the midst of a pivotal stretch. Toronto’s next nine games are against teams that — at least on paper — should be there for the taking. The problem is that while Toronto has fared well against the top teams, it is a combined 10-13 vs. the Rays, Angels and Mariners. That will need to change because with the Red Sox currently facing Baltimore and more tough matchups on the way, the Blue Jays should have the ability to make a move.

Red Sox

The Red Sox have six games remaining vs. the Orioles (7-6), seven vs. the Yankees (7-5), three vs. the Rays (9-7) and three vs. the Blue Jays. Boston is a combined 31-26 against those teams …

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