*Photo from MLB.com*
In September, every series counts for playoff hopefuls. I'll be looking at some series this weekend that have playoff implications.
*Photo from the Chicago Sun Times*
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Chicago Cubs, Sep 13-15
The Cubs are currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the second wild card spot, so this weekend series against Pittsburgh has lots of meaning for the Cubs, as they look to not only maintain the lead in the wild card standings, but try and chase the St.Louis Cardinals for the division lead. Yu Darvish has been Chicago's most reliable starter recently, so they will need a lot of people to step up if they want to make a run. Perhaps calling up top prospect Nico Hoerner is the jolt they need.
*Photo from Newsday*
New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays, Sep 13-15
The season has been over for Toronto for a while, so they are just looking to maybe help a few teams in the playoff race with this series. The Yankees have all but clinched the AL east, so they have turned their focus to home field advantage for the playoffs. This series could help determine that, as a sweep is a strong possibility.
*Photo from the Redwood Times*
Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers, Sep 13-15
Oakland, fresh off a stunning series win against the Houston Astros, will look to continue their push towards October baseball with this weekend series against the Texas Rangers. They certainly have the hitting to compete, but the pitching has been unstable this season. They are heading in the right direction however, as they have a very easy schedule this month.
*Photo from Brew Crew Ball*
Milwaukee Brewers @ St.Louis Cardinals, Sep 13-15
This NL central series has massive playoff implications for both teams. The Brewers are trying to overcome Christian Yelich's season ending injury to make the playoffs, and they are tied for the second wild card spot right now, so they are in a good position. The Cardinals are currently leading the NL central, so they look to keep a respectable distance ahead of Milwaukee and Chicago in the standings so they don't have to play the wild card game. With the way the NL central looks right now, a bad stretch by Milwaukee or St.Louis could see the Cubs ruin the party, and vice versa.
*Photo from Arizona Sports*
Cincinnati Reds @ Arizona Diamondbacks, Sep 13-15
The D-Backs lost precious position in the wild card race when they got swept by the Mets, but this weekend against Cincinnati gives them a good chance to regain some of the ground. The way they have been playing since August has been great, and they should make quick work of Cincinnati, led by Ketel Marte.
*Photo from Bleacher Report*
Atlanta Braves @ Washington Nationals, Sep 13-15
This NL east matchup has some hype surrounding it. Ronald Acuna Jr is looking for a 40-40 season, and the Braves are trying to clinch the NL east and homefield for at least the NLDS in October. The Nats are 9 1/2 games behind Atlanta, so it is unlikely that they can catch them, but Washington will look to further strengthen their hold on the first wild card spot in the NL, so whoever gets the second spot will have to travel to DC. Friday's series opening matchup has Mike Soroka against Max Scherzer, so it will be a battle between Cy Young candidates. Expect each game to be a tight-knit dogfight.
*Photo from the Athletic*
Minnesota Twins @ Cleveland Indians, Sep 13-15
This series could very well end up deciding the AL central. The Twins have a comfortable lead of 3 1/2 games, and a road sweep of Cleveland could put them ahead for good. They certainly have the hitting and pitching firepower to do it. If the Indians sweep the Twins, they will be just 1/2 games behind, and will make things very interesting down the stretch. Cleveland is not only playing to catch Minnesota, but they also are playing to secure a wild card spot at the very least, as they are currently out of one. Watch this series if you get the chance.
*Photo from Newsday*
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets, Sep 13-15
The Dodgers already have the NL west locked up, so they will be looking to play for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The Mets are just two games out of a wild card spot, so they are playing for a chance to play in October at all. This certainly has much more meaning for the Mets than the Dodgers, so expect the Mets to steal a game or two away from Los Angeles. Another big series in the NL.
*Photo from Last Word on Baseball*
Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Angels, Sep 13-15
The Angels are looking to play spoiler and potentially give Tampa Bay's playoff hopes a hit. The Rays are looking to secure a wild card spot, and with the way the AL wild card positions have flip-flopped recently, every series is important. The stretch run starts now for Tampa Bay.
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