MLB Standings: New York Yankees Continue Win Streak, Extend First Place Lead in AL East

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Jul 24, 2015 03:06 PM EDT

The New York Yankees stand atop in the American League East nearly 100 games into the 2015 Major League Baseball season. The Bronx Bombers have won this division a record 18 times, but have failed to make the playoffs the last two consecutive seasons.

Currently 53-41, the Yankees not only lead the AL East, but they are the only club in the division with 50 wins. We haven't seen the Yankees win this division since 2012, but they are in the driver's seat going forward. It's been an amazing bounce-back season for Alex Rodriguez, who has 20 home runs this year. Mark Teixeira has emerged as the leader for the Yankees with a team-leading 24 home runs.

The Yankees recently swept the Baltimore Orioles in a three game series to increase their division lead. Next up for the Yankees is the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees offense has been outstanding this season ranking 2nd in run scored, but pitching is becoming a concern for Joe Girardi's squad. The Yankees now rank 19th in team ERA, and Cincinnati Reds Dominican ace pitcher Johnny Cueto will most likely get traded before the July 31 deadline. However, it doesn't appear as if general manager Brian Cashman will make a huge splash this year on the trade market.

It's going to be up to Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and C.C. Sabathia to help balance the Yankees roster. Fortunately for the Yankees, Nathan Eovaldi is having the best season of his career with nine wins and counting.

The Yankees are a dominant 30-17 at home, but just 23-24 on the road this season.

In second place in the AL East is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays haven't qualified for the postseason since wining back to back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. The Blue Jays have scored the most runs in all baseball this year, but have had huge pitching issues.

Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Chris Colabello and Edwin Encarnacion create a powerful lineup, but again, the Blue Jays need pitching help. Jeff Samardzija and Cole Hamels are two notable pitchers who have been in trade rumors. The Blue Jays are still very much in this as they will face the Yankees 13 more times this season. The Blue Jays will take on the Seattle Mariners next in a three-game series.

The Baltimore Orioles have been the most inconsistent team in the AL East this season. They won this division last year with 96 victories, but are presently two games under .500. The Orioles are a very balanced team ranking 10th in runs scored and 14th in runs allowed, but they continually lose close games in disappointment. Manny Machado has been the most consistent player on the Orioles this year with 107 hits.

The Tampa Bay Rays have also been inconsistent this season. The Rays are five wins behind the Yankees in the AL East. Their next series is a big one against the Orioles at home. Chris Archer has been impressive on the mound this season with the lowest ERA (2.73) of his career. The Rays may have a losing record at the moment, but there's still plenty of games remaining.

As for the Boston Red Sox, they've lost their last eight consecutive games. Now 42-54, the Red Sox have the worst record in the division. The Red Sox's pitching has been abysmal this season, and they have a lot of work to take care of going forward.