Final Week of MLB Regular Season Sparks Excitement
As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season approaches, fans and teams alike are bracing for an electrifying clash. Postseason berths and prestigious awards hang in the balance, setting the scene for a dramatic culmination to a gripping season.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
One of the most compelling stories is the resurgence of Tommy Edman. Over the last 15 games, Edman has showcased his prowess, smashing six home runs and stealing three bases. His late-season heroics have been pivotal for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who acquired him from the Cardinals in a three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the White Sox.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Edman, stating, "Really surprised with the power. I know that he has an apt to put the barrel on the ball. Certainly versatile defensively. But in the batter's box, he just really takes good at-bats. He's hit six or seven homers for us already in a short period of time and they all seem like they were big. He's gotten a lot of big hits for us."
It hasn't been a smooth journey for Edman. He underwent offseason wrist surgery and suffered an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, delaying his return to action. Yet, since rejoining the team, Edman has made an immediate impact. In 31 games with the Dodgers, he boasts a .265/.310/.470 line, and over his last 23 games, he has improved to .284/.333/.523.
Edman's versatility on the field has been a significant asset, with 20 starts in center field, nine at shortstop, and several at second base, contributing to a 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Cedric Mullins Finds His Groove
Another notable storyline this season has been the resurgence of Cedric Mullins. Struggling early on, Mullins had a disappointing .170/.221/.301 slash line by June 8. However, he has since turned his season around, ending with a .228/.299/.404 slash, including 18 home runs. Over his last 85 games, Mullins has posted a positive 2.4 WAR, a sharp contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games.
Mullins attributes his success to a change in mentality. Reflecting on his earlier struggles, he said, "I think the biggest part was for me to stop chasing that season (30-30 in 2021). That season was awesome, but at the same time, I think the reason I'm putting up numbers that are similar to it is because I'm no longer chasing that guy. I'm just being who I am."
Tigers Eye Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are also making headlines as they stand on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. The Tigers have relied heavily on their young core, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. One of the key players has been Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22.
Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, was acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers. He has started 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury, demonstrating his potential with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers have also called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, adding further excitement to their postseason push. As the final week unfolds, the Tigers' combination of youthful talent and experienced veterans will be critical in their quest for a playoff spot.
With high stakes and tremendous talent on display, the final week of the MLB regular season promises to be unforgettable. Fans can expect thrilling performances, as players like Tommy Edman, Cedric Mullins, and the up-and-coming Tigers aim to leave their marks on the 2024 season.