The playoff races are now heating up across MLB. The Padres and Mets are fading, while the Reds, Braves, and Yankees are rising. With the playoffs back to 5 teams per league, it will be more challenging to make it to the postseason compared to last year’s format. After a crazy trade deadline, there are players who will make a renewed impact on teams in September, coming off of the injured list.
Injured MLB stars that will impact playoff hunt
Will they push their teams over the hump, or will they get re-injured, or not be 100%? Time will tell, but here are nine players to watch out for in the month of September.
Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers
With the world series monkey off his back, Kershaw can hopefully show more of his dominance in the postseason, but the Dodgers need him back first. The Dodgers are in good shape to make the playoffs, but for them to take over the Giants for the NL West crown, Kershaw is key. While not his typical dominant self in 2021, he still had solid numbers prior to his stint on the IL, posting a 3.39 ERA and 10+ strikeouts per nine innings. With Kershaw’s contract up at the end of this season, he certainly would benefit from a strong finish.
Dinelson Lamet – Padres
With the Pads sliding, Lamet could provide the boost that is needed to kick the team back into gear. As reported on CBS Sports, when Lamet does return, he’ll likely be used from the bullpen. The righty could help the Padres right the ship with the Friars’ bullpen currently ranked 21st in ERA in the last 15 days as of 8/29, which would be especially important with a slate of series in September against the Astros, Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals, and Braves.
Alex Bregman – Astros
Bregman missed over two months of the season, though the Astros didn’t miss a beat, as they currently have a comfortable lead over the A’s. But, Bregman’s bat is now back in the lineup which will make the ‘Stros offense more potent. It will be tough for the A’s to catch up.
Jesse Winker – Reds
Winker last suited up in a game on August 15. The Reds are making a run at the playoffs right now, and they need Winker in the lineup, who is currently out because of an intercostal strain. After a big year in the 2020 shortened season, Winker had come on strong this year as well, with 24 home runs in 109 games. The Reds bats have cooled off recently, so having Winker back could bring the spark needed for the offense to return to form.
George Springer – Blue Jays
Springer’s knee injury in mid-August came at a bad time for the Blue Jays, and unfortunately, the Jays are now fading, practically out of contention for the AL East division crown and 5.5 games back from the second wild card spot. Springer should be available for all of September. Can his presence give the Blue Jays the lift they need to make a run?
Francisco Lindor/Noah Syndergaard/Jacob deGrom – Mets
The Mets are now 7.5 games back in the NL East, behind the Phillies and the surging first place Braves. With a slew of stars unavailable, they’ve suffered. Lindor came back to the Mets after missing more than a month due to an oblique injury. The Mets now have one of the most electrifying middle infields in all of baseball, with Lindor and Baez together. Syndergaard and deGrom are the linchpins to the Mets rotation. Syndergaard (after having Tommy John surgery) hasn’t pitched since 2019, and deGrom, while an early candidate for Cy Young and MVP, has been sidelined since early July with a forearm injury. Both could return this season per NorthJersey.com, with deGrom expected back in mid-September, and Syndergaard potentially returning as an added arm out of the bullpen.
Ian Anderson – Braves
On the flip side of the NL East, the Braves, who are already one of the hottest teams in the MLB, could solidify their division lead with Anderson back. With Ronald Acuna out, having every other player possible available is vital. In Anderson’s first start back after the IL, he got the W, throwing 5+ innings of scoreless ball.
Which of these MLB players will return to form and help their team in its postseason run? Time will tell.