Playoff Goes Wild

Samantha Diener, staff writer

Many teams all over Major League Baseball (MLB) are losing their best players to injuries that may impact their chances of making it to the playoffs. From Arizona to California and Georgia to New York, these teams are making plays to adjust to the loss of prominent players. The New York Yankees’ three-time MVP Aaron Judge is still on the 60-day injured list but recently cleared for light activities. He might make it back in time to help with his team’s playoff push. While these athletes have been absent from the roster, their teams took that as an opportunity to bring in inexperienced players. Injured players make their comebacks only to find new recruits to the roster. Out in Los Angeles, the Dodgers made a move for the pitcher that every MLB team wanted, reigning Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal. Many teams made offers, but the Dodgers made the best offer, upsetting fans of other teams. 

While the New York Yankees are missing favorable players, teams all over baseball are also trying to make do with injured athletes. Some of which include Georgia’s very own Atlanta Braves. Spencer Strider was just recently put on the 60-day injured list similar to Judge. As more pro athletes leave mid-season due to injury, it’ll likely affect chances of making playoffs, not just win in October.  

“The Braves over the last couple years have had tons of injuries, and it really hurt them in the playoffs,” said sophomore Nathaniel Gentin. His nervousness about the Braves' chances goes to show the effect an injured player can have on the team and a community as a whole. As a result of absent players, front offices took action and moved players around to deal with those absences. A new team member brought on during the trade deadline or called up from the minors may impact how often a returning injured player sees the field. 

The Dodgers added Skubal to their already stacked pitching rotation, just in time for some of their injured stars to return. Starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski returns shortly from the 15-day disabled list DL and Shohei Ohtani is back in the batter's box but not on the mound after dealing with shoulder soreness. The Dodgers are hopeful he’ll be fresh for the postseason and can join the now most feared rotation in baseball. Because of the new addition, The Dodgers will have advantages most teams don’t have. This will give the team dominance when it comes time for another World Series to win.  

“I don’t really think they needed Skubal because they have other Cy Young award winners,” said student athlete at JCHS Jacob Fetz.  

Teams across baseball are experiencing absences of players and taking that into accountability when trading for more athletes. The Yankees adjust to dealing with a vacant spot in right field, similarly the Braves make do with Strider’s absence. While The Dodgers make room for a new member, Skubal and his highly regarded pitching skills. Either way a missing player has an impact on a team’s performance during a stressful time in the season.