Even in a one-game showdown for the chance to advance in the MLB playoffs, star players often rise to the occasion and come up big in the clutch. But unsung heroes also emerge. Aside from the notable headliners among the four teams in this do-or-die scenario, let’s look at five players who are prime candidates to be key contributors.
Carlos Beltran
OK, so we don’t expect him to go off like he did as an Astro rental during the 2004 postseason. But even at age 38, Beltran has a tendency for coming through with big hits. Not only does his .683 playoff slugging percentage and 16 home runs give the Yankees positive thoughts, he’s also one of the few hitters to have found success against Houston starter Dallas Keuchel. The switch-hitting Beltran is 4-for-9 at the plate versus the lefty Cy Young favorite – including a walk and a homer.
Carlos Correa
Just as October ’04 vaulted Carlos Beltran into super-stardom, Carlos Correa is a strong possibility for such treatment this year. The hyped rookie is living up to the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick so far – just one of many youthful Astros helping turn around the franchise. What makes the Houston shortstop so vital in this one-game setting is the varied talents he can provide. He has pop (22 HRs in 99 big league games), defensive range and some speed (14 stolen bases) to spell the slowed Carlos Gomez.
Dellin Betances
Masahiro Tanaka’s wonderful stretch drive earned him Tuesday’s start. However, after hurting himself on a bunt play a few weeks back, his health remains a question – and the ability to go deep into the contest remains in doubt. Fortunately, he’s backed by the best late-inning bullpen combination in baseball. Many of Andrew Miller’s saves have been preceded by strong Betances outings – and this match-up plays right into Dellin’s hands. He overpowered opponents with 131 strikeouts in 84 innings, and the Astros are one of the biggest swing-and-miss clubs (No. 2 in Ks).
MLB leaders relief fWAR 1. Cody Allen 2.5 2. Aroldis Chapman 2.4 3. Dellin Betances 2.3 http://t.co/Id6CMMOoGm
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) October 3, 2015
Gerrit Cole
“Overlooked” would be the best description for the newly minted 25-year-old ace of the Bucs. He’ll get only slight consideration for the Cy Young Award, even though his 2015 resume (19 victories) is worthy of much more. And as he takes the mound for the Wild Card showdown with Chicago at his home park, he won’t be the focus of the pitching match-up — even if ERA against the Cubs this season is 2.13. However, by matching zeros with the historically hot Jake Arrieta, he’ll rightfully get his share of the attention.
Starlin Castro
He’s picked an ideal time to get hot – both for his own sake and the teams. Before losing his starting shortstop job to Addison Russell on Aug. 6, he was batting .236 with five homers and 46 RBI. He then went on to his .327 for the remainder of the month. But he was just getting warmed up. In September, he hit five home runs and drove in 20 while posting a league-best .426 batting average during that span. Here’s one more stat in his favor: he is 6-for-17 (.353) against Gerrit Cole.