The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant strides in the AL East, now trailing just one game behind the New York Yankees after victory in back-to-back games. A 5-4 win followed by a 12-5 triumph showcased their potential as they look to surpass the Yankees in upcoming matchups.

Notably, Max Scherzer, returning from a thumb injury, pitched effectively with two runs allowed in five innings during Monday's contest. Meanwhile, George Springer made headlines with a stunning performance, contributing two home runs and seven RBIs on Canada Day, enhancing the Blue Jays' offensive reputation. The team also made a strategic roster move, recalling Yimi Garcia from the IL and optioning Mason Fluharty, aiming to bolster their bullpen as they prepare for the final games of the series against New York.

Clayton Kershaw is on the brink of a monumental achievement, requiring just three more strikeouts to reach 3,000 career strikeouts, a milestone only 19 pitchers have attained in MLB history. This significant event is set to occur at Dodger Stadium, where Kershaw has dazzled fans throughout his illustrious career.

At 37, Kershaw has proven he still possesses the competitive spirit and pitching finesse that earned him three Cy Young awards. Despite his fastball losing some velocity, he has shown resilience and adaptability, boasting a 3.03 ERA over his last eight starts. As Kershaw's career nears its twilight, the conversation shifts to the future of pitching excellence in MLB.

What a transformation for the Toronto Blue Jays! After a disappointing season last year where they hovered below .500, they now find themselves well positioned for the playoffs. Currently holding a wild-card spot, they are just a few games behind the New York Yankees for the top position. With the upcoming trade deadline approaching, GM Ross Atkins has indicated a desire to bolster the team's roster rather than to offload players. This year’s strategy appears to focus on improving run prevention, particularly through pitching enhancements, as the team's ERA is currently in the bottom 10 of the league.

Despite recent injuries to key players like Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho, the offense has been robust. The Jays are seeking to add depth, particularly in pitching, to ensure they can maintain their competitive edge as they head towards October. With Max Scherzer's recent return and the emergence of Eric Lauer, hope is high for improved performance on the mound.

This week's analysis dives into American League free agents, examining their potential contributions as the MLB season progresses. Notable candidates include Sean Burke of the White Sox, who is showing promising form, allowing two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. Dietrich Enns made a surprising return, throwing five shutout innings for the Tigers. The Red Sox's Richard Fitts is back from injury, while Adrian Houser has impressively turned around his career with the White Sox.

Dean Kremer is gradually improving for the Orioles, while Max Scherzer manages to stay relevant despite age concerns. Marcus Stroman is set to return for the Yankees after a knee injury. Other intriguing names for fantasy owners include potential two-start pitchers such as Tyler Anderson and Patrick Corbin, as well as promising relief options like Matt Brash.

This week’s focus on American League free agents emphasizes the need for strategic FAAB budgeting as the season progresses. Each player has been graded based on talent rather than role. Notable mentions include Kyle Harrison of the Red Sox, who remains a stash for now as he transitions from Triple-A, and Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays, who has improved with a recent solid ERA. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics continues to impress while the Rangers' Kumar Rocker shows promise with his recent performances.

Max Scherzer’s impending return may spark interest in the Blue Jays bullpen dynamics, while Allan Winans from the Yankees garners attention due to his extraordinary Triple-A performance. The digest also includes insights into lesser-known players who could be worth bidding on for deeper leagues, emphasizing the importance of monitoring injury and performance trends as the trade deadline approaches.