2019 MLB Playoffs: Pitching prospects that could make a difference in AL

Let us take a look at those pitching prospects in the American League that could make an impact upon the 2019 MLB playoffs.

Heading into action on Sunday, the 2019 MLB playoffs were fairly cut and dry in the American League. In reality, there were six teams that had a viable chance at the postseason, with the Red Sox barely holding on to relevance.

As such, it is not a surprise that several divisional races are all but decided at this point. The Yankees hold a 10.5 game lead in the AL East, and would need an epic collapse to lose the division. While the Astros lead in the AL West is not as secure, at just 6.5 games, it is difficult to imagine that they would be caught by the A’s.

The same cannot be said in the AL Central, or in the Wild Card chase. The Twins currently hold the lead in the Central, with the Indians in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, the Indians and Rays hold the two Wild Card spots, with the A’s just a half game back. There is still plenty of drama to be had in the American League.

With September callups just a few short weeks away, there are already rumblings about which prospects could get the call to the majors. While these players will be getting a taste of major league action, and getting their feet wet at the highest level, they can still make a difference down the stretch.

Which of these prospects could make a difference in the 2019 MLB playoffs? Let us take a look.

Oakland Athletics – Jesus Luzardo

If not for injuries, Jesus Luzardo would likely already be in the Oakland Athletics rotation, hoping to lead the team to the 2019 MLB playoffs.

Instead, due to shoulder and lat injuries, Luzardo has made just eight appearances in the minors this season. He had dominated at the lower levels before returning to AAA, where the results have not been as impressive. Over his 15.2 innings for Las Vegas, Luzardo has allowed ten runs, nine earned, on 17 hits and three walks. He has struck out 15 batters however, showing his tremendous potential and solid command.

The expectation is that Luzardo will become the newest ace for the A’s. Armed with three plus pitches – a fastball that touches the upper 90s, a fading change, and a solid curve – as well as excellent control, Luzardo can make a difference down the stretch.

As it is, the A’s rotation is in desperate need of help. Mike Fiers has been solid, and the duo of Chris Bassitt and Brett Anderson are decent, but none of that trio would frighten anyone in the postseason. The back of the rotation is being filled with the likes of Homer Bailey and Tanner Roark, but could use some help. Oakland even signed Matt Harvey to a minor league deal in the hope that they could catch lightning in a bottle.

The Oakland Athletics are on the edge of the 2019 MLB playoffs. Jesus Luzardo could give them that push they need to get over the hump.

Tampa Bay Rays – Jose De Leon

Once upon a time, Jose De Leon was one of the top pitching prospects in the game, a consensus top 40 prospect in both 2016 and 2017. However, injuries, including Tommy Joh surgery, removed the prospect luster from De Leon.

Now 27 years old, and with just six major league appearances to his name, time is running out for De Leon to live up to his potential. However, he has pitched relatively well in the minors this season, posting a respectable 3.67 ERA with 65 strikeouts in his 49 innings. However, there are concerns with his command, as De Leon has also issued 27 walks, contributing to a 1.408 WHiP.

Even after all of his injuries, the stuff is still there for De Leon. His fastball is back in the mid 90s, and his change is still excellent. It is a matter of getting his command back, which can take some time. He is showing improvement there as well, with just four walks in his last 11 minor league innings.

There is definitely a need on the Rays. Right now, their starting rotation consists of Charlie Morton and Brendan McKay, although Trevor Richards should be joining that duo. With injuries to Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Yonny Chirinos, Tampa Bay has a hole in the rotation. De Leon may finally be in position to contribute at the major league level.

The prospect luster is gone from Jose De Leon. Nonetheless, he could be a part of the Tampa Bay Rays push for the 2019 MLB playoffs.

Cleveland Indians – Logan Allen

Had this been written a month ago, Aaron Civale would have earned this spot. Instead, it is another young pitcher that could end up making an impact for the Cleveland Indians down the stretch.

Acquired as part of the surprise three team trade between the Indians, Padres, and Reds, Logan Allen already had a taste of the majors. However, he struggled in his eight outings with the Padres, posting a 6.75 ERA and a 1.816 WHiP over his 25.1 innings, with 13 walks and just 14 strikeouts.

Those results show one of the concerns when it comes to Allen. He is noted for his feel for pitching and four pitch mix, but is considered to have a higher floor than ceiling. Indeed, his change is his only real plus pitch, with his fastball being the only other above average offering, despite sitting only in the lower 90s.

It is also worth noting that the Indians do not have many holes in the pitching staff. The rotation is solid, and when Carlos Carrasco returns, it will be as a reliever. However, the Indians could use a reliever capable of logging multiple innings, a role in which Allen could fit. There, he could focus on his fastball and changeup, making him a more effective pitcher.

The Cleveland Indians do not have many holes on the pitching staff. Should an opening appear, Logan Allen could be the right option.

Minnesota Twins – Brusdar Graterol

It is not a matter of if, but when, Brusdar Graterol appears with the Minnesota Twins.

Minnesota assistant general manager Rob Anthony indicated that Graterol would be a part of the Twins push to the 2019 MLB playoffs, and the young righty has not done anything to change those plans. He has dominated in the minors this season, posting an excellent 1.62 ERA and a 0.970 WHiP, striking out 54 batters with 21 walks in his 55.2 innings.

Considered a possible top of the rotation arm, Graterol will likely pitch out of the bullpen when he arrives in Minnesota. He has already moved into that role in the minors, where his electric upper 90s fastball and hard slider can play up even further. That stuff could make him a star regardless of his future role.

The Twins do have potential openings in either the rotation or the bullpen. They had made moves at the deadline to strengthen their relief corps, bringing in both Sam Dyson and Sergio Romo. While Romo has been solid, Dyson has been a disappointment.

Meanwhile, the rotation could use an upgrade over either Michael Pineda or Martin Perez. Graterol could be that second top of the rotation arm to pair with Jose Berrios, potentially giving Minnesota a formidable 1-2 punch come the postseason.

The Minnesota Twins will be bringing Brusdar Graterol to the majors at some point. Regardless of his role, he should make an immediate impact.

Houston Astros – Cionel Perez

The Houston Astros have one left handed pitcher on the major league roster – starter Wade Miley. In fact, they have just three left handed pitchers on their 40 man roster in total.

Although that lack of a lefty reliever has not hurt Houston yet, that could change come the 2019 MLB playoffs. The Astros may want a left handed option to counter those power bats in the late innings, but with the lack of a September trade deadline, they have to rely upon their internal options. One of those options is Cionel Perez, the formerly well regarded Cuban prospect.

Perez has struggled this season, posting a 5.14 ERA and a 1.612 WHiP in the minors, but has also struck out 50 batters in 49 innings. He has not had much success at the major league level this season either, allowing ten runs and 12 baserunners in his eight innings.

However, in 2018, Perez performed well in a relief role for Houston. He has also been excellent against lefties in his brief major league career, holding left handed batters to a .182/.308/.455 batting line in 26 plate appearances. It is a small sample size, but it is notable given the lack of other left handed options on the roster.

The Houston Astros may find themselves needing a left handed arm in their bullpen come the postseason. Cionel Perez, as it stands, is their best option.

New York Yankees – Deivi Garcia

It is amazing to think that Deivi Garcia was not a part of any of the top 100 prospect lists heading into this season. Now, he could be a secret weapon in the New York Yankees push through the 2019 MLB playoffs.

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His raw numbers may not look that impressive, but Garcia has been one of the better pitchers in the minors. Overall, across three levels, he has posted a 4.08 ERA and a 1.331 WHiP over his 103.2 innings. Where Garcia impresses is with his 154 strikeouts, as he been able to overpower the opposition when he finds the strike zone.

That command is the biggest obstacle for Garcia. His curve has excellent spin and incredible depth, but he has problems keeping it in the zone. Garcia also has a mid 90s fastball with excellent life, and a fading change that has improved over the year.

The Yankees have holes in the rotation, with CC Sabathia being placed on the Injured List, and J.A. Happ having struggled this season. Likewise, the Yankees could use another power arm in their bullpen, especially in a multi-inning capacity. Garcia, even with his potential command issues, can make an impact.

The New York Yankees, although they are running away with the AL East, still have a couple of holes. Deivi Garcia could be a difference maker throughout the 2019 MLB playoffs as a weapon over multiple innings.