The MLB common season, scheduled to finish Sept. 28, nonetheless options a number of impactful playoff-positioning battles.
The New York Mets, as soon as sitting at a commanding 55-42 earlier than the All-Star break, have stumbled to the end line and now cling to a slim two-game lead for the ultimate NL wild-card spot. Chasing them are the Cincinnati Reds (two video games behind), Arizona Diamondbacks (three video games behind) and San Francisco Giants (4 video games behind).
Within the American League, the 84-70 Crimson Sox are attempting to carry off the surging Cleveland Guardians, who sit simply 1.5 video games again of the ultimate wild-card place. In the meantime, the Seattle Mariners (85-69) and Houston Astros (84-70) are locked in a useless warmth for the AL West crown. The Yankees and Padres additionally stay three and 4 video games behind the division-leading Blue Jays and Dodgers, respectively.
As all the time, a lot can change within the ultimate week. These three gamers have the uncommon alternative to swing the postseason image for his or her golf equipment.
The Mets’ late-season collapse has been fueled largely by shaky beginning pitching. Earlier than the All-Star break, New York relied on a wholesome Kodai Senga, a recent Clay Holmes, a surprisingly efficient Griffin Canning, and regular contributions from David Peterson and Tylor Megill.
Since then, the rotation has unraveled. Canning and Megill are misplaced to season-ending accidents, whereas Senga is rehabbing in the minors. Former ace Sean Manaea by no means rediscovered his type, and each Peterson and Holmes are fading down the stretch.
That has positioned huge stress on the Mets’ rookie trio of McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. McLean, nonetheless, has risen above the remaining, rising because the de facto ace through the membership’s wild-card push. In his first six MLB begins, McLean turned the primary Met to open his profession 4-0 whereas posting a 1.19 ERA, the bottom by means of a pitcher’s first six outings in franchise historical past.
He’s slated to pitch twice extra: in opposition to the struggling Nationals on Sept. 20, after which in opposition to both the Cubs (Sept. 25) or Marlins (Sept. 26). Wins in these video games might each solidify the Mets’ postseason spot and set up McLean as a playoff weapon.
Raleigh has authored the most prolific offensive seasons ever by a catcher, and his Mariners are neck-and-neck with Houston for the AL West crown.
A robust ultimate week might push Seattle previous the Astros, ending Houston’s run of 4 straight division titles. It might additionally give Raleigh the enhance he must overtake Yankees star Aaron Choose within the AL MVP race.
Including to the stakes, the Mariners are at the moment enjoying a essential three-game showdown in Houston that might resolve each the division and Raleigh’s MVP probabilities. The Mariners gained the primary recreation of the collection, 4-0, on Friday.
The Astros have endured a turbulent season marked by accidents and roster turnover. Slugger Yordan Alvarez, who has already been sidelined for a lot of the 12 months, is as soon as once more out indefinitely.
However the membership recently welcomed back third baseman Paredes from the injured record. Out since July 19, the two-time All-Star has hit .260 with 19 homers and 50 RBIs throughout 95 video games.
With longtime cornerstones Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman gone, Houston has been compelled to reinvent itself. Paredes’ return provides the Astros a badly wanted bat. Maybe he would be the key difference-maker they’ll want for an additional October run.
Honorable Mentions:
- Hunter Greene (SP, Cincinnati Reds)
- Jose Ramirez (3B, Cleveland Guardians)
- Logan Webb & Robbie Ray (SP, San Francisco Giants)
- Ketel Marte (2B, Arizona Diamondbacks)
- Corbin Carroll (OF, Arizona Diamondbacks)
- Trey Yesavage (SP, Toronto Blue Jays)
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