The first round of the 2020 MLB postseason came just as quickly as it went. The experimental wild card series forced every team to play a best of three series in order to make it to the normally scheduled division series. Out of the 8 wildcard matchups, only two series went to the winner-take-all third game, with the other 6 being two game sweeps. The division series matchups will be set in locations in accordance with the predetermined bubble, which was designed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike previous years, the division series this year will feature zero off-days, meaning teams could play 5 games straight with no rest. The rotation and bullpen over every team will be tested in what should be an exciting division series. The division series matchups serve interesting coincidences, as 2 teams from the NL East and NL West will match up against each other and 2 teams from the AL East and AL West will match up as well. The AL division series games are set to take place in California (either San Diego or Los Angeles) while the NL games will take place in Texas (either Arlington or Houston).
Precursor: I am making the assumption that teams will have the supposed ace of their staff pitch in a decisive Game 5 game on short rest.
American League
Houston Astros(#6) vs Oakland Athletics(#3)
After losing the Nationals in the World Series last year, the Houston Astros had their eyes set on a return to the postseason. Despite losing the likes of Roberto Osuna, Yordan Alvarez, and Justin Verlander to injuries, the Astros were able to snag the #6 seed in the expanded playoff bracket, while still finishing under .500. The Astros had an impressive wildcard series as they were able to sweep the Minnesota Twins, only allowing 2 runs in the span of both games, and continuing the Twins postseason woes. As for the Oakland Athletics, things did not come quite as easy, as they dropped game 1, but were able to win the next two in order to move on. These two teams are not on the greatest terms, as there seems to be some ongoing tension regarding the Astros cheating scandal in past years. Additionally, the Athletics were able to win the AL West for the first time since 2013, and that is something I am sure the club takes great pride in. In fact, when asked about the upcoming division series Athletic reliever Liam Hendricks said: “we’re going to prove we’re the best team in the AL West.” Although the Athletics were able to take the division crown from the Astros in this shortened season, it may be seen as a moot point if they cannot defeat them in this AL Division Series.
Potential Pitching Matchups:
Game 1:Zack Greinke vs Jesus Luzardo
Game 2:Framber Valdez vs Chris Bassitt
Game 3:Jose Urquidy vs Mike Fiers
Game 4:Lance McCullers Jr vs Frankie Montas*(If necessary)
Game 5: Zack Greinke vs Chris Bassitt*(If necessary)
New York Yankees(#5) vs Tampa Bay Rays(#1)
Similar to the Athletics and Astros, the Yankees and Rays are two teams who really do not like each other. Both teams were able to sweep their respective opponents in the wild card round, to set up a potent division series. Following a bit of a disappointing end to the regular season, the New York Yankees were able to score 22 runs in 2 games off of a formidable Indians pitching staff. The Tampa Bay Rays on the other hand, held the Blue Jays offense to 3 runs in 2 games, behind solid pitching performances by Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. The Rays had the Yankees number in the regular season, as they won 8 out of 10 games against them. The teams clashed in the beginning of September, after the Rays accused Aroldis Chapman and Masahiro Tanaka of throwing at their batters in response to their team doing the same in the past. When asked about the upcoming series, Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier said: “they don’t like us, we don’t like them and it’s going to stay that way.” Will the Yankees continue their offensive onslaught or will the Rays shut them down? Will the lack of depth in the starting rotation hurt the Yankees? I doubt there will be any additional conflict considering it is a postseason series after all, but this is a matchup to keep your eye on.
Potential Pitching Matchups:
Game 1: Gerrit Cole vs Blake Snell
Game 2: Masahiro Tanaka vs Tyler Glasnow
Game 3: J.A. Happ vs Charlie Morton
Game 4: Deivi Garcia vs Ryan Yarbrough*(If necessary)
Game 5: Gerrit Cole vs Blake Snell*(If necessary)
National League
San Diego Padres (#4) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (#1)
The San Diego Padres have exceeded all expectations this season and are now set to face their division rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres were able to defeat the St Louis Cardinals in 3 games, despite not having both Mike Clevinger and Dinelson Lamet. There seems to be a possibility that one or both return for this NLCS matchup, and I am sure the Padres would welcome them back with open arms after their other starters had poor outings in the wildcard series. As for the Dodgers, there really isn’t a ton that needs to be said. They finished with the best record in baseball and are looking to win their third pennant in the past four years. The Dodgers will be faced with more of an interesting matchup, after beating up on the 8th seed Milwaukee Brewers, who barely snuck into the postseason. The Dodgers were able to win 6 out of the 10 games against the Padres this year, and are set to meet for the first time in the playoffs, in Texas. The Padres are looking to mimic the 2019 Washington Nationals, who upset the Dodgers in 5 games. It will be fun to see what happens in this NL West showdown.
Note: These pitching matchups are assuming that both Mike Clevinger and Dinelson Lamet are unable to return. There is a possibility they do return, and if they do, they will presumably pitch as early as possible.
Potential Pitching Matchups:
Game 1: Chris Paddack vs Walker Buehler
Game 2: Zach Davies vs Clayton Kershaw
Game 3: Adrian Morejon vs Julio Urias
Game 4: Craig Stammen vs Dustin May*(If necessary)
Game 5: Chris Paddack vs Walker Buehler*(If necessary)
Miami Marlins (#6) vs Atlanta Braves (#2)
The series between the Marlins and Braves has to be the most overlooked matchup in the division series, considering it does not involve a big market team. Nevertheless, these two teams are set to face one another after both were able to sweep their respective opponents in the wild card round. The Miami Marlins surprised many by winning 2 straight games against the Chicago Cubs, behind solid pitching performances by Sandy Alcantara and Sixto Sanchez. The Atlanta Braves pitching staff did not allow a single run in 2 games against the Reds, even battling out a 1-0 win in game 1. Although the Braves have the seeding advantage, the Marlins showed that they are not a team to doubt and in fact have never lost a series in the postseason. The Braves were able to take the season series this year, winning 6 out of 10 games against the Marlins. Miami is hoping outfielder Starling Marte can return during the series, after sustaining a broken thumb in the wild card round. Both pitching staffs performed really well in the wild card round, so it may come down to who is better.
Potential Pitching Matchups:
Game 1: Sandy Alcantara vs Max Fried
Game 2: Sixto Sanchez vs Ian Anderson
Game 3:Pablo Lopez vs Kyle Wright
Game 4: Daniel Castano vs Bryse Wilson*(If necessary)
Game 5: Sandy Alcantara vs Max Fried*(If necessary)
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