By Levi Brown
Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros Game 1: Monday 2:32 p.m.
The Tigers only had a 0.2% chance to make the playoffs in early August, but a monumental stretch of fantastic baseball gave them the boost they needed to return to the postseason.
Tarik Skubal will take the mound this afternoon against the Astros as the Tigers reach their first postseason berth in 10 years. Skubal just put up an elite season winning the pitcher’s triple crown (league leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts) and is the frontrunner to win the AL Cy Young award.
The Tigers’ opponents, however, are no stranger to October Baseball. The Houston Astros have made the playoffs eight consecutive seasons now, and are looking to make it to the American League Championship Series for the eighth straight time as well. The Astros will be walking out the formidable Framber Valdez, who is a two-time all-star and put up an impressive 2.91 ERA this year. Valdez dominates with his curveball, throwing it over 30% of the time with exponentially more break than the league-average curveball.
Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Game 1: Monday 4:08 p.m.
The Royals 2015 World Series win looked to be the beginning of a dynasty, but that was the last time they made the postseason before today. Kansas City looked gloomy after a 56-106 record in 2023, but Kansas City broke out this year to win an impressive 30 more games and jump to 86-76. The Royals were led by MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. who, in his third year, put up a .977 OPS even after a slow September. The Royals will be sending out lefty Cole Ragans who had his own merits this year making his first All-Star game.
The Orioles are looking to do better after a disappointing postseason last year, after getting swept in their only series by the Texas Rangers. Baltimore has a very young core of players who have developed into a dangerous lineup. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson put up a monster year with a 159 OPS + (59 points above league average, 100 is always average) and All-Star nod. Henderson also produced a staggering 9.1 WAR. The Orioles will be pitching former Cy Young winner and 4 time all-star Corbin Burnes.
New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers Game 1: Monday 5:32 p.m.
The Mets have had a roller coaster season. Beginning June with a 24-35 record, they proceeded to go 16-4 including a 7-game win streak to improve their record to 40-39. They managed to keep their heads above water for the rest of the season and drag themselves to the playoffs. The Mets have had a stellar rotation this year. Only one of the team’s starters has an ERA over 4. Veteran Luis Severino will start game one.
The Brewers have won the NL Central three of the last four seasons, and they are looking to win the World Series for the first time ever. Milwaukee is run by new manager Pat Murphy who brought the team from being playoff longshots in Spring Training to heavyweight contenders with a final record of 93-69. The Brewers have young super prospect Jackson Chourio, a top pick for rookie of the year. The Brew Crew also have catcher William Contreras who has been a monster this year and put up an impressive .831 OPS.
Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres Game 1: Monday 8:38 p.m.
Going into the second game of their doubleheader vs the Mets yesterday, the Braves knew it was a must win game to make the postseason. Not only did they win, but their pitching dominated, not allowing a single run. The Braves put up a rather disappointing season after multiple years of records and championships, but designated hitter Marcell Ozuna put the team on his back. An average hitter throughout his career, Ozuna put up a .925 OPS and earned his second All-Star bid. The Braves have not yet named their starter.
The Padres are back. After an amazing run in 2022 that took the Padres to the National League Championship Series, the Padres did not even make the playoffs during a disappointing 2023. Looking for a spark early this season, San Diego found one in Jurickson Profar. Profar was once the top prospect in baseball a decade back, but after lots of injuries and mediocre play, going into the 2024 season he was signed for a cheap backup deal. Little did anyone know, he would become one of the best players in baseball, put up a .839 OPS, and make his first All-Star appearance this season. The Padres are rolling out Michael King whose 2.95 ERA was fourth-best in the National League.
