Jays get day off after tough, successful run that put them back in the playoff hunt

Toronto Blue Jays players will enjoy a well-deserved day off on Monday after a grueling 17-game stretch that saw them finish 11-6. The successful run saw them defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on August 1, but they suffered a loss to the New York Yankees on August 15. Manager John Schneider stated, "It’s a tough part of the schedule.

They responded through some adverse times, saying goodbye to some teammates and that kind of stuff." The Blue Jays have only two series sweeps this season, and although they have won six series in a row, their offense has been inconsistent in the recent games. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease, who has struck out at least 10 in nine starts this year, threw a strong 6 1/3 innings against the Yankees on Sunday, yielding only two hits but walking three batters.

He revealed he is enjoying his best season, hitting his 200th strikeout of the season in his 23rd start. The team will face the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees in a challenging six-game trip beginning Monday.