5 postseason keys for the Toronto Blue Jays

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates scoring a run with catcher Russell Martin (55) during the eighth inning in a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates scoring a run with catcher Russell Martin (55) during the eighth inning in a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ben Revere (3) hits an RBI double in the fifth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ben Revere (3) hits an RBI double in the fifth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Get production from the lesser-known members of the lineup 

The Blue Jays clearly have the best lineup in the Majors entering the postseason, even without Tulowitzki at his best. The core of Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion will present problems to even the best opposing pitchers Toronto will face in the playoffs.

However, other members of the Blue Jays lineup have also been critical to the team’s surge to the top of the AL East in the second half. When Tulowitzki returns, Toronto will only have a couple of true weak spots in the lineup if everyone else continues to produce at their current pace.

Ben Revere, another less heralded trade deadline acquisition, has been huge at the top of the lineup. Revere is hitting .314/.354/.372 in 52 games with Toronto and has been very effective against right-handed pitching to balance out the Blue Jays’ lefty-mashing lineup.

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the recent production of Ryan Goins. Initially thought of as a glove-only player, Goins has posted an above-average 102 wRC+ in the second half of the season.

Toronto’s lineup is carried by its four stars, but they can’t do everything on their own. Revere and Goins could be the type of role players that help the Blue Jays win a title.

Next: Ranking The Best Hitter All-Time From Every MLB Franchise

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