The biggest concerns for every MLB division leader
September 25th, 2019
New York Yankees: Starting pitching
Few teams have endured more adversity this season than the Yankees, who have sent a record 30 players to the IL. New York was dealt another crushing blow late last week, when right-hander Domingo Germán was placed on administrative leave under the joint MLB-MLBPA domestic violence policy. The 18-game winner will now miss the remainder of the season and the postseason.Prior to tonight’s game, Domingo Germán was placed on administrative leave by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and placed on the Restricted List
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 19, 2019
The Yankees signed RHP Michael King (#73) to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster.
Germán's absence leaves the club without its most dependable starter and puts considerably more onus on Luis Severino, who has logged just nine innings all season after he was sidelined with rotator cuff inflammation and a grade 2 lat strain.
Minnesota Twins: Relief pitching
The Twins are on pace to win 100 games this season, but imagine how many more victories Minnesota would have if it had a halfway-decent bullpen. The American League Central leaders have a dismal 4.22 bullpen ERA and are allowing opposing batters to hit .257, the eighth-worst mark in the MLB.Sam Dyson (shoulder) went to the doctor yesterday, but Twins don’t have update yet.
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) September 24, 2019
“We’re still waiting for some clarification on some things before we make any sort of announcements at all,” Rocco Baldelli said.
Houston Astros: Bench production
If the Astros have any weakness—and that’s a big if—it’s their bench. Aledmys Diaz leads all reserves with just eight home runs, and seven of Houston’s bench players are hitting .230 or worse. It’s not exactly a murderers' row, and it could come back to haunt the Astros if they manage to advance to the World Series.Atlanta Braves: Freddie Freeman’s health
Braves fans left out a collective gasp Sunday, when first baseman Freddie Freeman exited Atlanta’s game against the Giants with elbow soreness.Freddie Freeman left today’s game with his bone spur biting at him. Brian Snitker just told us Freddie will not travel with the team to Kansas City. He will stay in Atlanta and get treatment and join the team on Friday in New York. #Braves
— Kelsey Wingert-Linch (@KelsWingert) September 22, 2019
The four-time All-Star has been dealing with bone spurs all season and is hitting just .182 over the last two weeks as the discomfort has intensified. Atlanta needs him at his best to have any chance of advancing deep into October.
St. Louis Cardinals: Center field production
Few players embody the sophomore slump more than Harrison Bader, who is batting .207 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs a year after he finished sixth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. The Cardinals center fielder has been especially atrocious against lefties this season, as he’s “hitting” .174 in 101 plate appearances versus southpaws.Harrison Bader: "It is a long year. We all experience it differently. To remain even-keeled is the most important part." #TimeToFly pic.twitter.com/JUtlAiBsZo
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) September 25, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers: Bullpen
Much like the Twins, the Dodgers have also had to deal with an unreliable bullpen all season. Joe Kelly (5-4, 4.62 ERA) has been a disaster since he came over from Boston, and closer Kenley Jansen has blown eight saves and has a career-high 3.90 ERA.*Dodgers fans praying for a 9th inning without drama*
— David Rosenthal (@_therealdrose) September 19, 2019
Kenley Jansen: https://t.co/KRbS5In1WE
Things will likely get better now, with Kenta Maeda's return to the pen, but the 31-year-hurler can only be counted on to do so much.
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