Breaking down the race for the AL East title

14. Based on season-long performance, the Red Sox do not come out on top in this category, but that’s not what matters over the final month of the season. Right now, all five members of Boston’s pitching staff are firing on all cylinders. The entire rotation has an ERA below 3.00 in August. David Price has looked like a $200 million man and Drew Pomeranz has been untouchable. The big key for the Red Sox will be the health of Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez.. . . Boston Red Sox. 1. team

39. The Jays have had the best rotation all year long, but are beginning to run into a road block. Marco Estrada has struggled, and his back injury could have lingering effects. Counting on knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is dicey. It’s hard to predict how Aaron Sanchez will handle pitching this deep into a season for the first time in his career, and stashing him in the minor leagues to skip a start may have adverse effects. Marcus Stroman seems to have righted the ship over the past two months. Toronto’s hopes could hinge on Francisco Liriano continuing to be consistent. Overall, this is still a rotation to feel good about.. . . Toronto Blue Jays. 2. team

Aaaaannnddd…moving on. Kidding. The Orioles have one of the worst rotations in all of baseball, and things are only made worse by Chris Tillman hitting the DL at the worst possible time. Dylan Bundy has looked unhittable at times, but he is in the midst of his first full season since 2012. Kevin Gausman has flashed ace potential at times, but is still dealing with a serious case of gopherballitis. Yovani Gallardo just got shelled against an average Yankees team. Then, there’s Wade Miley. Staked to a 5-1 lead last week, he promptly got the ball rolling for a blowout loss. If Baltimore is going to make the playoffs, these pitchers have to be competent. That could be a big ask.. . . Baltimore Orioles. 3. team. 11