The Young and Inexperienced Players Making an Impact on the Postseason Races

Forty-two-year-old Adam Wainwright finally notched his 200th career win on Monday night as the Cardinals beat the Brewers 1-0. The game isn’t likely to matter much in the standings. Even with the loss, the Brewers have a 6-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central and the Cardinals already have been eliminated from postseason contention.

On the other end of the player age spectrum, there are a few young guys who’ve recently been called up to the majors who could change the trajectory of the final 12 days of the regular season. These players aged 22 and younger either play for contending teams or teams facing the contending teams in the final stretch.

Connor Phillips: RHP/Reds (22 years old)

A top prospect in the Reds’ minor league system, Phillips made his MLB debut on September 5 in a spot start for Cincinnati. He gave up 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings but struck out 7 in the Reds’ win. His next start was September 13. He lasted only 4 innings in that game, gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks. Again, the Reds won. But Phillips’ mediocre performance led the Reds to send him back to Triple-A.

With Graham Ashcraft out for the season with a toe injury, the Reds recalled Phillips for Monday night’s game against the Twins.

Phillips delivered.

He threw 7 innings, gave up only 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk in the Reds’ victory. Phillips was the first Reds starter to complete 7 innings in nearly a month, giving the ragged bullpen some much needed rest.

Phillips throws a fastball that touches 98-99 mph and a changeup (that Statcast calls a sweeper) in the high 80’s. He struggles with control, but has good swing-and-miss stuff.

I expect we’ll see Phillips in key starts down the stretch for the Reds.

Noelvi Marte: 3B, 1B/Reds (21 years old)

The Reds are stacked with rookies playing like veterans on the big stage that you may not have noticed when the team called up Noelvi Marte in mid-August. Take notice.

Marte, who started the season at Double-A, has put up solid numbers in his first 25 games in the majors: .304/.368/.405 with 1 home run and 6 stolen bases. Marte could be a key piece of the Reds’ offense in the final week and a half of the season as Cincinnati battles for a Wild Card spot.

Ronny Mauricio: 2B, 3B/Mets (22 years old)

The Mets entered the 2023 season with high hopes and a huge payroll but midway through, those hopes were dashed. But the Mets have the chance to play spoiler as the team’s final 12 games are against the two Wild Card contenders: the Marlins and the Phillies (5 vs. MIA; 7 vs. PHI).

Ronny Mauricio, New York’s No. 4 prospect, has given the Mets a needed jolt on offense. In 55 plate appearances, the switch-hitter is batting .308/.345/.404 with 2 doubles and 1 home run. In his short time in the bigs, Mauricio’s accumulated 0.45 Win Probability Added.

Mauricio’s come up as a shortstop but with Francisco Lindor firmly in that spot for the Mets, New York has played the rookie at second and third. He’s made some mistakes at the hot corner, but also made solid plays and showed up his strong arm.

Evan Carter: OF/Rangers (21 years old)

On September 8, Texas called up top prospect Evan Carter to play outfield after Adolis Garcia strained his right knee trying to rob the Astros’ Michael Brantley of a home run. Even with Garcia back from the injured list, the Rangers kept Carter on the big league squad.

He has not disappointed.

In 36 plate appearances across 11 games, Carter is batting .286/.417/.500 with 1 double, 1 triple and 1 home run. He’s played all 3 outfield positions and played them well, with several diving catches and a runner thrown out at home.

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