The regular MLB season, planned to end on 28 September, still has various impactful play-off positioning fights.
The New York Mets, once sitting on a commander 55-42 before the All-Star break, have stumbled at the finish line and are now clinging to a slim two-game lead for the last NL Wild-Card place. They are chasing the Cincinnati Reds (two games behind), Arizona Diamondbacks (three games behind) and San Francisco Giants (four games behind).
In the American League, the 84-70 Red SOX tries the rising Cleveland Guardians, who are only 1.5 games in the back of the last wildcard position. In the meantime, the Seattle Mariners (85-69) and Houston Astros (84-70) have been locked in a dead heat for the Al West Kroon. The Yankees and Padres also remain three and four games behind the Division-Creaming Blue Jays and Dodgers, respectively.
As always, a lot can change in the last week. These three players have the rare opportunity to swing the postseason image for their clubs.
The collapse of the Mets in the late season is largely fed by shaky starting pitching. Before the All-Star break, New York trusted a healthy Kodai Senga, a fresh clay Holmes, a surprisingly effective Griffin Canning and Standage Contributions from David Peterson and Tylor Megill.
Since then the rotation has been unraveled. Canning and Megill are lost to seasonal injuries, while Senga recovers in the minors. Former Ace Sean Manaaea has never rediscovered his shape, and both Peterson and Holmes fade over the piece.
That has put enormous pressure on the Rookie trio of Mets from McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. McLean, however, rose above the rest and pop up like the actual bait during the club’s wildcard push. In his first six MLB-Starts, McLean became the first meeting to open his career with 4-0 while placing a 1.19 ERA, the lowest through the first six outings of a pitcher in the franchisse history.
It is planned to pitch twice more: against the wrestling subjects on September 20, and then against the Cubs (25 September) or Marlins (26 September). Win in those games could solve both the postseason spot of the Mets if McLean will be established as a play -off weapon.
Raleigh has the most productive attacking seasons Once by a catcher, and his Marines are neck fence with Houston for the Al West-Kroon.
A strong last week could push Seattle past the Astros, ending Houston’s run of four straight division titles. It can also give Raleigh the boost he needs to catch up with Yankees star Aaron Judge in the Al MVP race.
As an addition to the effort, the Mariners are currently playing a critical three-game showdown in Houston that could determine both the division and the MVP opportunities of Raleigh. The Mariners won the first game of the series 4-0 on Friday.
The Astros have passed a turbulent season characterized by injuries and schedules. Slugger Yordan Alvarez, who has already been set aside for a large part of the year, is again outside for an indefinite period of time.
But the club recently welcomed the third Honkman Paredes of the injured list. Since July 19, the dual all-star .260 has hit 19 gays and 50 RBIs over 95 games.
With old cornerstones that Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman disappeared, Houston is forced to reinvent himself. The return of Paredes gives the Astros a much needed bat. Perhaps he is the most important difference maker they need for another Oktoberrun.
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 (van, Arizona Diamondbacks)
- Trey Yesavage (SP, Toronto Blue Jays)
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