How the Blue Jays became AL East champions

Watch as the Toronto Blue Jays rush the field and celebrate after winning their division for the first time in 22 years.

The Toronto Blue Jays have clinched their first American League East title since 1993, securing a spot in the best-of-five divisional series. They accomplished the feat Sept. 30 in Baltimore, but their journey to this point started a year ago.

How the Blue Jays got here:

Sept. 30, 2014 — After making no moves at the trade deadline despite being 60-50 and holding a wild-card spot, the Blue Jays go into a tailspin and finish 23-29 to miss the playoffs. General manager Alex Anthopoulos laments the cost of acquiring players and says the team would be competitive in 2015.

Nov. 1, 2014 — In an effort to get roster flexibility, the Blue Jays trade longtime first baseman/designated hitter Adam Lind to the Milwaukee Brewers for right-handed pitcher Marco Estrada.

Nov. 18, 2014 — The Blue Jays sign three-time all-star catcher Russell Martin, born in Toronto and raised near Montreal, to a US$82-million, five-year contract.

Nov. 28, 2014 — Following another injury-plagued season, the Blue Jays trade Canadian third baseman Brett Lawrie and prospects to the Oakland Athletics for third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Dec. 3, 2014 — Seeking depth, the Blue Jays sign former blue-chip prospect Justin Smoak to a $1-million, one-year deal.

Dec. 4, 2014 — In another depth move, the Blue Jays sign unheralded outfielder Ezequiel Carrera to a minor-league contract.

Dec. 8, 2014 — The Blue Jays claim journeyman outfielder/first baseman Chris Colabello off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.

Dec. 14, 2014 — Outfielder Melky Cabrera leaves the Blue Jays, agreeing to a $42-million, three-year deal with the White Sox.

Feb. 23, 2015 — Blue Jays pitchers and catchers report for their first spring training workouts in Dunedin, Fla.; catcher Dioner Navarro says he’d like to be traded so he can play every day.

Feb. 25, 2015 — Newly acquired outfielder Michael Saunders tears cartilage in his left knee from stepping on a sprinkler while shagging fly balls in spring training.

March 10, 2015 — Marcus Stroman, who was supposed to be Toronto’s 24-year-old ace, tears the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during fielding practice and is expected to be out for the season.

April 6, 2015 — Opening Day starter Drew Hutchison tosses a gem as the Blue Jays open the 2015 season with a 6-1 victory at the rival New York Yankees.

May 17, 2015 — The Blue Jays get swept in a four-game series by the Houston Astros to fall to 17-22 on the season.

June 14, 2015 — The Blue Jays win their 11th straight game, tying a franchise record and moving to within one game of the second American League wild-card spot.

June 22, 2015 — After trying Brett Cecil and other relievers in Casey Janssen’s old role, manager John Gibbons turns to 20-year-old Roberto Osuna to be the Blue Jays’ closer.

July 12, 2015 — Toronto goes into the all-star break 45-46 after an 11-10 loss to the defending AL-champion Kansas City Royals.

July 25, 2015 — The Blue Jays win five of eight games out of the break to get above .500 and back into playoff contention.

July 28, 2015 — In a blockbuster deal with the Colorado Rockies, the Blue Jays get shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins in exchange for shortstop Jose Reyes, right-hander Miguel Castro and pitching prospects Jeff Hoffman and Jesus Tinoco.

July 29, 2015 — With the Blue Jays at 50-51, Tulowitzki goes 3-for-5 in his debut to lead them to a blowout of the Phillies to cut the New York Yankees’ AL East lead to seven games with 60 to play.

July 30, 2015 — The trade bonanza hits its apex as the Blue Jays acquire pending free-agent ace David Price from the Detroit Tigers for top prospect Daniel Norris and fellow pitching prospects Matt Boyd and Jairo Labourt.

July 31, 2015 — Anthopoulos finishes his shopping, trading for outfielder Ben Revere from the Phillies and reliever Mark Lowe from the Mariners on deadline day.

Aug. 3, 2015 — Price strikes out 11 and allows one run on three hits against the Twins in his debut at a sold-out Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays move into a tie for a wild-card spot.

Aug. 9, 2015 — Estrada tosses 6 1/3 shutout innings and Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista each hit home runs as the Blue Jays finish off a sweep of New York at Yankee Stadium.

Aug. 12, 2015 — The 10th victory of another 11-game winning streak, coupled with a Yankees loss, puts the Blue Jays in first place in the AL East by a half-game.

Aug. 14, 2015 — Price cracks and Aaron Sanchez gives up a three-run home run to Carlos Beltran as the Yankees reclaim first place in the division

Aug. 23, 2015 — A rout of the Angels wraps up a three-game sweep in Anaheim as the Blue Jays get back into first place.

Sept. 12, 2015 — Stroman makes his triumphant season debut and is impressive as the Blue Jays sweep a Yankee Stadium doubleheader to move 4 1/2 games up.

Sept. 23, 2015 — Another series victory against the Yankees makes the Blue Jays 13-6 against New York and gives them a 3 1/2-game lead.

Sept. 26, 2015 — The Blue Jays unknowingly clinch a wild-card spot, their first playoff berth since 1993, with a win over Tampa Bay and a Detroit Tigers win over Minnesota. They celebrate a day later.

Sept. 30, 2105 — The Blue Jays clinch the American League East division in Baltimore.

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