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Blue Jays stand pat at trade deadline, Jose Bautista disappointed by lack of activity

(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

On a busy non-waiver trade deadline Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays were not involved in any deals. It appears they're going to fight for the postseason more or less with what they have.

Count Jose Bautista as one of the people not exactly pleased with the lack of activity.

Toronto's direct competition in the AL East, Baltimore and New York, both made moves to solidify their rosters for the stretch run. The Yankees improved their infield depth, adding Stephen Drew in a trade with Boston and getting Martin Prado from Arizona. The Orioles beefed up their bullpen with left-handed reliever Andrew Miller.

Bautista will have to wait for Edwin Encarnacion, Adam Lind, and Brett Lawrie to return to the lineup later this season. General manager Alex Anthopoulos said he felt the asking price for impact players was too high, likely referring to the front office's unwillingness to part with prized pitching prospects Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez.

Trades can still be completed through August but a player must clear waivers before he is eligible to be dealt. These trades tend to be minor moves but there are exceptions, like the 2012 mega-deal between the Red Sox and Dodgers.

The Athletics pulled off the day's first blockbuster, acquiring left-hander Jon Lester from the Red Sox for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. The Tigers answered by swinging a trade for Rays ace David Price.

With two months of baseball left to play the Blue Jays are certainly in the chase and they're banking on the return of their injured stars to give them the boost they need.

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