Toronto Blue Jays are in the thick of MLB playoff race

The Toronto Blue Jays have bought themselves some life over the past few weeks. 

Despite a disappointing extra-innings loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday afternoon, the Blue Jays are right in the thick of the AL wildcard race. The loss brought Toronto's record to 61-64 on the season, which leaves them just a half-game back of the Texas Rangers for the final wildcard spot. 

Considering the Jays were seen as a long shot to make the playoffs just a few weeks ago, this has been quite a comeback. 

The Toronto Blue Jays are in the thick of the AL wildcard race (MLB.com) 

Toronto has amassed a record of 16-9 over their last 25 games to claw themselves back into the race, but they are not the only team in the hunt for that final playoff spot. Outside the Jays, all of the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers are a game or less back of that final spot as well. 

The Blue Jays will need to outplay all those teams and the Rangers if they want to be playing postseason baseball this October. 

The Blue Jays are among several teams vying for the last wildcard spot (MLB.com) 

Toronto does have a unique advantage with its upcoming schedule. After a pair of series against the Tampa Bay Rays and Yankees next week, the Blue Jays don't have a single game against a team with a winning record (at this moment) for the remainder of the season. 

Fangraphs is currently giving the Jays a 18.8 per cent chance to make the playoffs with just over a month left to go in the regular season. Those aren't the best odds in the world, but the team was sitting at a measly 5.8 per cent at the trade deadline back on August 3. 

Many fans considered this season to be a write-off, but the Blue Jays seem determined to keep things interesting down the stretch.