Jul 11, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielders Gregor Blanco (7) and Angel Pagan (16) and Hunter Pence (8) celebrate their 8-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
15. Toronto Blue Jays (45-46)The Blue Jays lost a slugfest with the Royals on Sunday, which is basically a microcosm of their season. They can hit as well as anyone, but the pitching needs a lot of work. They are one or two pitchers away from being legitimate contenders in the AL, and if they are able to land Johnny Cueto or Cole Hamels they could be looked at as favorites. They have a huge series after the break against the Rays, which could really set the tone for both teams as being either contenders or pretenders for a postseason run.
14. Baltimore Orioles (44-44)The Orioles have fallen on tough times recently, as they have managed only three wins in the month of July. They won only once this past week, as the Twins swept them and the Nationals took two of three from them. They have to figure things out in their rotation, as that is what is really holding them back right now.Bud Norrishas already been removed from it, but his replacement,Kevin Gausman, hasn’t been much better since taking over. That is something they will have to address soon as the Yankees look poised to run away with the AL East and the Blue Jays, Rays and Red Sox are all right around the Orioles as well.
13. San Francisco Giants (46-43)The Giants were able to get back on track a bit after losing eight of nine games by sweeping the lowly Phillies over the weekend.Matt Cainlooked solid in his second start off the DL, shutting the Mets out over six innings to get the Giants their only win of that series. They will need more outings like that, as they are unsure of what they will get fromTim Hudson,Tim LincecumorJake Peavyfor the stretch run. The Giants could really afford to bring in another arm to add to the rotation to help outMadison Bumgarneras rookieChris Hestoncould begin wearing down in his first full MLB season.
Next: Mets on the rise
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