CHICAGO — For years, the Blue Jays watched other teams rattle off lengthy win streaks. The Tampa Bay Rays started the 2013 season with 13 victories. The Cleveland Guardians won 22 in a row in 2017, a modern MLB record. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Twins dropped a 13-game streak.

Here’s a by-the-numbers look at how the Blue Jays clawed their way to first place from under .500 and trailing the New York Yankees by eight games. Toronto topped the division with a three-game lead over the Yankees heading into Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

There’s a difference between knowing your role and embracing it. This isn’t the heartless, “do your job” mantra made popular by Bill Belichick and scowling football coaches. There’s no joy in that. Instead,