The 2023 MLB playoffs are underway!
Even though the Mets did not make the postseason, we’ll still be following along at Metsmerized–from the Wild Card round to the World Series.
Today’s slate features two American League and two National League matchups–including a series between two of the Mets’ NL East foes. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Arizona Diamondbacks were victorious, putting each team one game away from he divisional series.
Check out brief previews of each game below, and follow along in the comments!
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Game 2: Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 3:08 PM, ABC
Pitching matchup: Nathan Eovaldi (12-5, 3.63 ERA) vs. Zach Eflin (16-8, 3.50 ERA)
Despite failing to win the AL West on the final day of the season, the Texas Rangers responded with a Game 1 victory on the road on Tuesday in Tropicana Field behind a dominant outing from Jordan Montgomery. Now, they will look to punch their ticket to the ALDS, where the Baltimore Orioles await. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will try to salvage their season with former Phillie Zach Eflin on the mound.
Game 2: Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins, 4:38 PM, ESPN
Pitching matchup: Jose Berrios (11-12, 3.65 ERA) vs. Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA)
After 19 years, the Twins finally won a postseason baseball game. Not since Johan Santana manned the mound in Minneapolis in 2004 had the Twins managed a postseason victory until Tuesday, where they knocked off the Jays 3-1 after an excellent outing from Pablo López and two home runs from Royce Lewis. Now, they will hand the ball off to Cy Young candidate Sonny Gray as they look to advance to a matchup with the Astros.
Toronto’s shaky offense abandoned them again on Tuesday, and they’ll need to get the bats going against Gray if they want to fight on for another day.
Game 2: Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers, 7:08 PM, ESPN 2
Pitching matchup: Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47 ERA) vs. Freddy Peralta (12-10, 3.86 ERA)
No team pulled off a more surprising victory on Tuesday than the D-Backs, who managed to beat the Brewers in Game 1 despite pitching rookie Brandon Pfaadt against perennial All-Star Corbin Burnes. A trio of home runs from Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Gabriel Moreno propelled Arizona to a win.
Now, they get to pitch their ace Zac Gallen with a one-game cushion in the series. If they win, they’ll be third straight lower-seeded wild card team to win an NL matchup, joining the Padres and Phillies from last season.
As for Milwaukee, they suddenly face their season being on the line despite cruising to an NL Central victory behind a dominant pitching staff. Could Wednesday be Craig Counsell‘s last game in Milwaukee before he takes a new job, possibly with the Mets? We will soon find out.
Game 2: Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies, 8:08 PM, ESPN
Pitching matchup: Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46 ERA)
The Phillies’ defense of their National League pennant started off well on Tuesday when they knocked off the Marlins in Game 1 behind an outstanding start from Zack Wheeler. The Braves await them if they take care of business in Game 2, however, Aaron Nola has looked vulnerable this season, which could leave a window open for Miami.
The Marlins’ lack of offensive firepower came back to haunt them in the opening game of the series, but they have found a way to win with the odds stacked against them time and time again this season. Do they have one more trick up their sleeve? If so, they’ll need a strong start from Braxton Garrett, who is the team’s de facto ace with Sandy Alcantara out with an injury.
