Taylor Bicht
2 min read • October 04, 2023
Posted in
The team with the most SP woes has managed to make the playoffs and with this Rays squad you would have no idea as they steamrolled through the season winning 99 games. Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, and Drew Rasmussen are all OFS but players like Zach Eflin (16-8 3.50) have softened the blow. Brandon Lowe and Luke Raley are key holes in the lineup going into the Wild Card round.
The issue going into the playoffs is the starting pitching with three of their top pitchers out - Jacob DeGrom, Max Scherzer and Jon Gray will miss the wildcard round and likely more due to injury. Offensively the teams top players are healthy and starting which is stark contrast to the pitching rotation, Rangers will need to outscore their opponent like they have all season (3rd in MLB in runs per game) to advance but their pitching woes will get to them if the progress deeper into the playoffs
The Twins have many offensive stars that are either hampered or missing the wildcard round including 5-tool player Bryan Buxton (knee), power hitter Joey Gallo (foot) and Carlos Correa who was recently activated off IL (plantar fasciitis) to make playoff roster. A healthy pitching staff will be the Twins strength coming in but will be an uphill climb on the offensive end all playoffs.
The NL batting champion Luis Arraez is an injury concern for the Marlins but manager Skip Schumaker expects him to play through ankle issue. Pitching is a major concern with Sandy Alcantara out for the season (forearm) and Eury Perez not on wild card roster (SI joint inflammation). Good news is Arraez will play but the Marlins will
Need solid performances from Jesus Luzardo and Braxton Garrett to get out of the WC round.
Star SS Trea Turner was held out of the final game due to a elbow ailment but will have no trouble finding his way into the lineup to start the playoffs. The big issue all year has been the absence of Rhys Hoskins who tore his ACL in spring training and the Phillies will have to continue without him for the rest if the playoffs. The rotation and bullpen are healthy which is good news for a long run but will need to be consistent out the gate and not look past a pesky Miami Marlins team.
The Brewers are the second part of the healthiest matchup in the playoffs and the only reason the do not hold the top SIC score is the recent injury to SP Brandon Woodruff. The pitcher was limited all year to just 11 starts and will not miss the Wild Card series and likely more as he deals with right shoulder injury. Offensively with Garrett Mitchell back (shoulder) the team has all the available pieces to stage a playoff run but will miss one of their best pitchers.
The Blue Jays come into the playoffs as one of the healthier squads with the only issue being C Danny Jensen. Jensen has begun exercises to return from a fractured finger to his throwing hand but will likely not return for playoffs barring a deep run. Depth is not a concern with Alejandro Kirk as the backup. Blue Jays have scuttled a bit winning just 4 of there last 10 games.
Arguably playing in the healthiest matchup the Diamondbacks have one small concern in SP Tommy Henry who likely miss the playoffs as he recovers from an elbow injury that cost him majority of the year. Recently threw a 25 pitch bullpen session but still a ways a way to get back in the lineup. A healthy lineup and strong ace in Zac Gallen have Arizona excited for their first series since 2017.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
