Final Week Drama Unfolds as MLB Regular Season Concludes
As the 2024 MLB regular season enters its final stretch, the stakes couldn't be higher. Postseason hopes and individual awards are on the line, with several players and teams looking to make their mark before Sunday’s decisive games. Among the notable storylines is the significant impact of Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, whose performances have added a compelling twist to the season’s end.
Tommy Edman’s Remarkable Comeback
Tommy Edman's late-season surge has been nothing short of spectacular. Having joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving the White Sox, Edman has revitalized both his career and his new team’s ambitions. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has shown resilience and skill in his recent performances.
Over his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing both power and speed. His overall line with the Dodgers stands at .265/.310/.470 across 31 games. Impressively, he has been even more formidable in recent play, boasting a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games.
“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,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Edman's versatility has been a boon for the Dodgers. He has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, contributing significantly across the diamond. Moreover, his 1.0 WAR over 31 games underscores his all-around effectiveness.
Cedric Mullins’ Mid-Season Transformation
Cedric Mullins' season has been a tale of two halves. On June 8, he struggled with a paltry .170/.221/.301 slash line, raising concerns about his form. However, since then, Mullins has managed to turn his season around impressively. He now sports a .228/.299/.404 overall slash line, including 18 home runs, a figure that reflects his capacity for power despite early struggles.
Over the last 85 games, Mullins has recorded a positive 2.4 WAR, a stark improvement from his minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games of the season. His resurgence has been crucial for his team’s playoff aspirations.
“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," explained Mullins, reflecting on his return to form.
Detroit Tigers: Youth Movement and Playoff Push
The Detroit Tigers find themselves on the precipice of securing a wild-card spot, positioning themselves for their first playoff berth since 2014. The team’s young core has been vital to this push, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 years old or younger. This youth movement has provided the team with both energy and optimism.
Key to their recent success has been the emergence of Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, acquired in a trade involving Jack Flaherty with the Dodgers, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney has quickly adapted to the major league level, contributing 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 bolstered their roster by calling up top prospect Jackson Jobe recently. Their strategic blend of youth and experience has been instrumental in their late-season surge, positioning them favorably for the postseason.
As the final week unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching these dramatic storylines. Edman's comeback, Mullins' transformation, and the Tigers' youthful resurgence promise to make the closing days of the 2024 MLB regular season intensely exciting and memorable.