As the 2023 MLB regular season enters its final month, several stars and teams that entered the year with high expectations have failed to meet them so far. With about 30 games left, there is still time for these underperforming players and contenders to turn things around before the playoffs begin.
Sitting 3.5 games back in the AL Wild Card standings, the Blue Jays need their offense to wake up quickly. With top sluggers like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Bo Bichette, Toronto was expected to have one of the most feared lineups in baseball. However, the Blue Jays rank just 8th in the AL in runs scored after finishing 2nd last season.
Guerrero has been one of the biggest disappointments, as his current .440 slugging percentage is far below the elite power numbers he posted in previous seasons. After hitting 48 and 32 home runs in 2021 and 2022, he has only gone deep 19 times this year. The Blue Jays will need him and others to catch fire down the stretch to secure a Wild Card spot and do damage in October.
Despite owning the NL Central lead for nearly the entire season, the Brewers have seen their advantage shrink over the last month. In a narrative that intrigues even those who wager their hopes on Fanduel MLB odds, the Cardinals, with a resolute 33-13 record since the All-Star break, have masterfully narrowed the gap to a mere 2.5 games, erasing a once-dominant 5.5-game deficit that loomed in early August.
For Milwaukee to successfully fend off this relentless pursuit, they find themselves at the crossroads of necessity and aspiration. Their hopes hinge upon the resurgence of their ace, Corbin Burnes, who once donned the illustrious Cy Young aura in 2021. Yet, this season, Burnes has garnered an ERA of 3.65, a far cry from the domination that marked his previous year’s feat, characterized by a minuscule 2.43 mark. Likewise, the shadows of inconsistency have cast themselves upon Brandon Woodruff, whose current ERA of 3.51 stands in stark contrast to the remarkable 2.56 number that graced last year’s records.
The Brewers’ formidable rotation, laden with potential, now stands tasked with the imperative of finding steadfast consistency and orchestrating virtuoso performances to silence opposing lineups in these imminent, pivotal encounters down the electrifying stretch of the season
The Phillies currently occupy the final NL Wild Card spot but have struggled to meet expectations. Projected for 95 wins before the season, Philadelphia is on pace for just 85 victories. A significant reason is the absence of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, who missed over two months with a broken thumb.
Harper finally returned in late August and has ignited the offense, batting .400 with 3 home runs in his first 5 games back. The Phillies’ playoff hopes and World Series aspirations depend heavily on Harper staying healthy and continuing to anchor the lineup. If he can get hot and carry the offense like his MVP season, Philadelphia can make another deep October run.
On pace to clinch their first playoff berth since 2001, the Mariners are pressured by the Orioles, White Sox, and other Wild Card contenders. After an offseason spending spree, much more was expected from Seattle this season. However, the dominance of the Houston Astros has forced the Mariners into a scramble for a Wild Card spot.
If Seattle aims to end its 21-year playoff drought, key acquisitions must step up down the stretch. Star left-hander Robbie Ray has a disappointing 4.16 ERA so far, while slugger Jesse Winker has underwhelmed with a .688 OPS. The Mariners need quality innings from the rotation and for big bats like Winker to start performing like stars.
The Dodgers seem destined for another 100-win season and have all but locked up the NL West crown. But after an embarrassing Division Series exit last October, Los Angeles wants to capture its second championship in three years this fall.
However, question marks remain about the back end of the Dodgers rotation behind veteran ace Clayton Kershaw. Can Julio Urias regain his Cy Young-contending form from 2021? Is Andrew Heaney fully recovered from early season shoulder issues? The pitching staff must prove itself ready for the playoff spotlight. With the league’s top offense supporting them, LA’s talented group of arms needs to step up over the final month.
The next few weeks represent the last chance for underperforming stars and contenders to meet expectations and build momentum before the real season begins. Their playoff fortunes and World Series dreams depend on finally finding success when it matters most.
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