The Final Stretch: Key Players Shine as MLB Regular Season Comes to a Close
As the curtains close on the 2024 MLB regular season, fans are treated to a flurry of high-stakes games, with postseason hopes and individual awards hanging in the balance. Among those grabbing the spotlight is Tommy Edman, whose late-season heroics have bolstered the Dodgers' run for October glory.
Tommy Edman Lights Up the Dodgers
Tommy Edman's journey to the Dodgers has been nothing short of tumultuous. Acquired from the Cardinals as part of the three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the White Sox, Edman has fought through adversity, including offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury sustained during his rehab assignment. Despite these setbacks, Edman has emerged as a key contributor in the final stretch of the season.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing a blend of power and speed that has revitalized the Dodgers' lineup. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Edman’s sudden surge in offensive production. “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.”
Edman's statistics reflect his impact, with a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games and a more impressive .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games. His versatility has been instrumental, with Edman making starts in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, contributing to a 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Another standout performer in recent weeks is Cedric Mullins. After a sluggish start to the season, where he posted a .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8 and recorded a minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games, Mullins has turned his season around, boasting a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games. His overall slash line now stands at .228/.299/.404, including 18 home runs.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a shift in mindset. “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,” said Mullins.
The Tigers' Playoff Push
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. A testament to their youth movement, six of Tuesday’s starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 or younger.
The Tigers have had to make significant adjustments along the way, including the promotion of Trey Sweeney to starting shortstop after Javier Báez suffered a season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney has been a steady presence, starting 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney was a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021. He has delivered solid performances with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Adding to the Tigers' burst of young talent, top prospect Jackson Jobe was recently called up from their farm system, hinting at a bright future ahead for the franchise.
As the regular season inches towards its climax, players like Edman and Mullins are making significant impacts, while teams like the Tigers are finding their stride just in time for the playoffs. The high-stakes drama continues to unfold, promising an exciting finish to a memorable season.