The Toronto Blue Jays are the strong favourite to win the American League East Division title for the first time in a decade.

Canada’s lone Major League Baseball team beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5 on Tuesday to improve their record to 89-62. The Blue Jays are five games ahead of the New York Yankees with 12 games to play.

Here’s a look at five storylines as the stretch drive continues:

NUMBERS GAME

The Blue Jays have a chance to secure the East title well before their regular-season finale on Sept. 28 against the visiting Rays.

Clinching early would let manager John Schneider give his regulars some rest and allow him to set an ideal starting rotation for the opening playoff round.

Toronto is also aiming to hold on to the top seed in the American League and secure home-field advantage t

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