MLB postseason: Key Questions to Define the Season
The Major League Baseball regular season in 2022 was marked by unexpected events, such as the New York Mets' and Detroit Tigers' collapses, the Houston Astros' decline, and the Cincinnati Reds' 83 wins, the fewest among the 12 playoff teams. The Cleveland Guardians also made history with a remarkable comeback from a 15 1/2-game deficit to win the AL Central.
As the postseason begins, the unpredictability and chaos are expected to continue. Many top teams had inconsistent performances during the regular season, making it hard to predict their outcomes in October.
One player under scrutiny is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who has struggled in past postseasons despite his strong regular-season performances. Judge's playoff statistics have not matched his regular-season numbers, and his performance in the upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox will be closely watched.
Another player to watch is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will be a key figure in the team's pitching rotation. The Dodgers are aiming to repeat as World Series champions, with Ohtani's pitching being a crucial factor in their success.
The Milwaukee Brewers, despite setting a franchise record with 97 wins, face challenges with their pitching staff due to injuries. The return of key players like Trevor Megill and DL Hall will be important for the team's bullpen strength in the postseason.
The Seattle Mariners, who have not reached the World Series since 2001, have a strong team this year and are looking to advance in the playoffs. Their pitching and offense will play a significant role in their postseason performance.
Several teams will be missing key players due to injuries in the upcoming wild-card series. The performances of players like Trea Turner, Kyle Tucker, Will Smith, Bo Bichette, and Bryan Woo will be crucial for their teams' success in the playoffs.
The postseason matchups promise exciting games, with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds facing challenges against strong opponents. The unpredictability of baseball makes it hard to predict the outcomes, but fans can expect thrilling games and unexpected results in the upcoming playoff games.