As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation. Postseason spots and prestigious awards hang in the balance, creating a high-stakes environment where every performance matters. Players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins find themselves at the epicenter of this drama, each with a unique journey through ups and downs this season.
Tommy Edman's Impactful Resurgence
Tommy Edman's recent streak with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been nothing short of electrifying. Despite an offseason marked by wrist surgery and a subsequent ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has exploded onto the scene late in the season. Over the last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has blasted six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing his remarkable versatility and resilience. What’s more impressive is that Edman hadn’t seen any game action until this late-season burst.
Acquired from the Cardinals in a three-team trade, Edman has delivered a commendable performance with the Dodgers, boasting a .265/.310/.470 line over 31 games. Over his last 23 games, his numbers have surged to an even more impressive .284/.333/.523, emphasizing his vital role in the Dodgers' lineup. His defensive versatility has been evident too, with Edman making starts at center field, shortstop, and second base. His contribution has been significant, as reflected in his 1.0 WAR over the 31 games he's played.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lauded Edman's contributions, saying, "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."
Cedric Mullins' Season of Renewal
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins has had a season marked by significant transformation. Back on June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. Fast forward, and his overall numbers have rebounded to a respectable .228/.299/.404, including 18 home runs. This turnaround has been instrumental in his 2.4 WAR over the last 85 games, a stark contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins credits his resurgence to a change 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," he explained.
Tigers on the Brink of a Breakthrough
The Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. The young squad, featuring six of Tuesday's starting nine position players at 24 years old or younger, has shown tremendous potential and resilience throughout the season.
One of the key stories for the Tigers has been Trey Sweeney, who stepped into the role of starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since then, Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has proven his mettle, previously showcasing a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. His ability to adapt and deliver under pressure has been a key factor in the Tigers’ late-season push.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers' farm system recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, indicating their commitment to nurturing young talent and reinforcing their lineup as they strive to clinch their playoff spot.
As Sunday approaches, the tension and excitement around MLB continue to escalate. Each game, every at-bat, and every defensive play holds immense significance, with players like Edman, Mullins, and Sweeney stepping up when it matters most. The final week of the season promises to be a thrilling culmination of months of hard-fought baseball, with fans eagerly watching to see how these stories unfold.