As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, the anticipation is palpable. Postseason berths and individual accolades hang in the balance, turning each game into a high-stakes affair. The Dodgers' recent acquisition, Tommy Edman, has been an electrifying presence as the team pushes toward the playoffs.
Tommy Edman's Impact
The Dodger Blue faithful have quickly embraced Edman, who joined the team from the Cardinals in a complex three-team trade alongside the White Sox. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman's late-season surge has been nothing short of remarkable. Without any game action before this burst, his impact has been profound.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration, 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.”
Edman's statistics speak volumes. Over his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, he has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, reflecting his all-around contribution to the team. Through 31 games with the Dodgers, Edman boasts a .265/.310/.470 slash line, but this ascends to .284/.333/.523 over the last 23 games. His versatility on the field is also noteworthy, with starts at center field (20), shortstop (9), and second base, and he has contributed to a 1.0 WAR during this short tenure.
Edman represents a blend of resilience and adaptability, vital traits as the Dodgers aim for postseason glory. His late-season burst is a testament to his recovery and tenacity.
Cedric Mullins' Rebound
Cedric Mullins is another player making headlines, albeit for different reasons. After a dismal start to the season, with a slash line of .170/.221/.301 as of June 8, Mullins has turned his season around spectacularly. He now sports a .228/.299/.404 slash line, including 18 home runs. His turnaround is even more impressive when considering his positive 2.4 WAR in the last 85 games, compared to a dire minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games.
Reflecting on his resurgence, Mullins noted, “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.” Mullins’ change in approach has clearly paid dividends, providing a personal narrative of redemption and focus.
Detroit Tigers on the Verge
The Detroit Tigers are also capturing the imagination of baseball fans, teetering on the brink of securing a wild-card spot. This potential playoff berth would mark their first since 2014 and is a significant milestone for an organization that has seen its share of rebuilding years.
Indicative of their youth movement, six of the Tigers' starting nine position players in Tuesday's lineup were 24 or younger. Notably, Trey Sweeney has stepped up following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has started 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury, showcasing his potential and readiness. Sweeney's performance in Triple-A this year, with a .267/.345/.450 slash line, 15 home runs, and 20 steals in 107 games, underscores his value to the team.
Further bolstering the Tigers' future, the farm system recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, signaling the organization's commitment to nurturing young talent. The Tigers' youth-led resurgence stands as a compelling narrative as they inch closer to playoff contention.
As the regular season reaches its climax, these individual stories and team dynamics will be crucial in shaping the postseason landscape. Whether it’s the Dodgers relying on Edman's late-season heroics, Mullins finding his form, or the young Tigers striving to break their playoff drought, the final week promises to deliver unforgettable moments and decisive games.