The 2019 MLB regular season has come to an end and the playoff spots are secured.
The wildcard round of playoffs is underway. If you’re unfamiliar, there are six divisions in baseball and the team with the best record in that division will secure a playoff spot.
There are two wildcard spots in each respective league and two teams per league will get a one game sudden death opportunity for the chance to secure a fourth playoff spot.
This years wildcard teams are The Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals of the National league. The teams the will play for the American League Wildcard are the Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland A’s.
The Brewers are scheduled to play the Nationals at home in the winner take all matchup.
The Brewers have had some key injuries to their staff, mainly 2018 MVP Christian Yelich who is out for the season with a knee injury. Third baseman Mike Moustakas will be out furthering the damage for the Brewers.
The Nationals starting rotation is crazy good, and have playing some great baseball in September. Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin and Stephen Strasburg ranked eighth in major league baseball with a combined 4.27 ERA.
My bet is on the Nationals, having three elite pitchers gives this team an added advantage they will need. With all three starters well rested, look for them to capitalize against a down and out Brewers team that batted just .247 on the season.
The Rays will head to Oakland to take on the A’s for the American League Wildcard.
Oaklands pitching staff ranks fifth in major league baseball lead by Mike Fiers, Brett Anderson and Chris Bassitt combining for a 3.97 ERA.
The Rays offense ranks 12 in the majors with a 2.54 average but pitching comes in with a 3.65 ERA which has given the Rays some added life to their game.
The A’s have been very good at home and with a young and very talented roster see them taking the wildcard game and moving on.
Wildcard starts with the Brewers and Nationals in the NL, 8 p.m. EST.
