“If the Red Sox keep slipping out of contention, there's no reason not to trade a 37-year-old Aroldis Chapman midway through a one-year contract,” wrote Kline. “Chapman and Hoffman give Toronto power-throwing relievers — one southpaw, one righty — to anchor the back of the bullpen and preserve leads in late-inning situations.”

By sweeping the New York Yankees in four games this week, the Jays are in first place in the American League East for the first time since 2016.

George Springer hit two two-run home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 8-5 on Thursday night to complete a four-game sweep and take sole possession of the AL East lead. Addison Barger had a solo homer among his three hits for New York.

The New York Yankees’ rotation has taken a hit. The team placed Clarke Schmidt on the 15-day injured list Friday with right forearm tightness. Schmidt left his start against the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday night after three innings and 55 pitches;