Deep Dive: MLB Playoff Races
The MLB trade deadline’s closure has left an intriguing landscape. The month of August, with its challenges for pitching staffs, promises an exciting final stretch. Teams like the Boston Red Sox are on a roll, while the New York Yankees stumble and the New York Mets could be falling apart. The competition for the playoffs intensifies, and here we break down the contenders’ possibilities, dividing them by probability levels.Level I: The Safe Candidates
Milwaukee Brewers: The biggest surprise has been the performance of Andrew Vaughn, who has stood out since his arrival after a trade. Rhys Hoskins could return from the injured list, but Vaughn has performed so well that Hoskins could take on a limited role as a designated hitter.Injury to watch: Jacob Misiorowski, a rookie pitcher with great potential, is out with a shin contusion, but his return is expected soon. Jackson Chourio, who performed well in July, is also on the injured list.Player to watch: Brandon Woodruff. The Brewers’ ace has returned after a shoulder injury and has had six excellent starts with an ERA of 2.29, 45 strikeouts, and only six walks. His pitch velocity isn’t the same as before, but he has managed to locate his pitches effectively.Los Angeles Dodgers: The biggest surprise is the situation of the Dodgers, who despite the injuries, remain at the top of the division. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the only starter who has been in the rotation all season.Injury to watch: Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, key relievers, are on the injured list.Player to watch: Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers need Freddie Freeman to regain his form to keep their offense at its peak.Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have performed well since May. Eric Lauer has been key in this rebound.Injury to watch: Anthony Santander, who signed a million-dollar contract but has been out due to a shoulder injury.Player to watch: Shane Bieber. The Blue Jays hope that Shane Bieber, recently recovered from Tommy John surgery, will be a key piece in the playoff rotation.Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong has surprised with his power and is emerging as a possible MVP candidate.Injury to watch: Justin Steele, who will miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery. Also, Jameson Taillon is out with a calf strain, and newcomer Michael Soroka suffered a shoulder injury.Player to watch: Cade Horton. The rookie is establishing himself as a force in the rotation.Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle Schwarber, with his MVP potential, has been a great surprise.Injury to watch: Aaron Nola, who is returning from the injured list and could displace Taijuan Walker from the rotation.Player to watch: Trea Turner. The Phillies need the best version of Trea Turner to secure first place in the division.Level II: With Possibilities to Classify
Detroit Tigers: The bullpen is key for the Tigers. They added reinforcements at the trade deadline, but they are not definitive solutions.Injury to watch: Alex Cobb, who has yet to debut this season due to hip inflammation.Player to watch: Riley Greene. Will he be able to maintain consistency and lead Detroit’s offense?San Diego Padres: They reinforced their bullpen and their lineup. They need their offense to improve.Injury to watch: Michael King, who returned from a shoulder injury.Player to watch: Jackson Merrill. The Padres need Merrill to be a force on offense.New York Mets: They reinforced their bullpen, but the offense is going through a difficult time. They need their key players to wake up.Injury to watch: Tylor Megill, who could return and help, either in the rotation or in the bullpen.Player to watch: Soto. It’s time for Soto to take the team’s leadership.Level III: With a Lot of Work Ahead
Seattle Mariners: They need to improve their hitting with runners in scoring position.Injury to watch: Bryce Miller, who could replace Logan Evans in the rotation.Player to watch: Josh Naylor. He has performed great since joining the Mariners.Boston Red Sox: They need to maintain good pitching performance. Garrett Crochet, Tarik Skubal, and Brayan Bello have been key.Injury to watch: Aroldis Chapman, who needs to stay healthy.Player to watch: Roman Anthony, who signed an extension and is expected to have his power manifest.Houston Astros: They need Carlos Correa to regain his best form.Injury to watch: Yordan Alvarez, who is recovering from a hand fracture. Also Isaac Paredes and Jake Meyers are injured.Player to watch: Spencer Arrighetti. The Astros hope he becomes a solid starter.New York Yankees: They need to improve their batting, fielding, pitching, and base running. They also need to improve the bullpen.Injury to watch: Aaron Judge, who has returned from an injury, but is not yet playing in the field.Player to watch: Carlos Rodon. Is he a reliable starter?Level IV: The Unfortunates
Texas Rangers: They must continue to trust Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom, resolve the closer situation, and maintain good offensive performance.Cleveland Guardians: They need to maintain their offensive momentum and win key games.Level V: The Fight for the Miracle
Cincinnati Reds: They need the rotation to improve and get help from other teams.San Francisco Giants: They need a lot of help and for their pitchers to perform at their best.Kansas City Royals: In the American League, anything is possible.
