Diamond Heels Update: Playoff races

Football season is now in full swing and basketball season is creeping up, so it’s easy to forget the MLB regular season is coming to an end. Many Diamond Heel alumni currently in the majors have a chance to leave their mark in October, even if a few of them have found themselves sidelined with injuries.

Bullpen ace Andrew Miller has jumped back off the 10-day disabled list to rejoin the Cleveland Indians. The team is coming off a record-setting 22-game winning steak, but with their best relief pitcher back, the Tribe should be able to finish the year strongly. Over the last few weeks, the Indians have shot up in where they sit among playoff contenders, so they have a good chance to make up for their loss in the 2016 World Series. Miller returns with a 1.62 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 55 innings.

Catcher Chris Ianetta is another player that has found himself on a winning team. The Diamondbacks are sitting solidly in the top NL Wild Card spot (still unable to catch the Dodgers, thanks to their record-setting first half), and Ianetta has been a key cog in the success. He has an impressive triple slash line of .249/.352/.498 to make him an above-average hitter.

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Kyle Seager hasn’t found the same success this season as he had last year, but his .255/.324/.457 batting line and 25 home runs have made him a valuable part of the Mariners lineup. Seattle hasn’t been able to gain in the battle for the second Wild Card spot, but they are within striking distance.

Former Diamond Heels pitcher Mike Morin hasn’t had a good 2017 season, but he finds himself on the Kansas City Royals down the stretch. His new team is four games out of the second Wild Card spot, but he could give them valuable innings with a change of scenery.

Matt Harvey and the Mets aren’t making the playoffs this year. The right-hander finally returned after a long stint on the disabled list, but things haven’t been good. He has a 6.14 ERA in 16 starts. Maybe next year.

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The Yankees have a Wild Card spot locked up but are still eyeing the AL East division title. Adam Warren, however, is on the DL after dealing with back spasms earlier this month. New York would love to have him back soon, though, considering he’s a big part of why they are where they are right now. Warren has a 2.40 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 56 innings of work.

Third baseman Colin Moran remains on the DL after suffering a facial fracture. He was on rehab assignment earlier in the month, but with the minor league season now over, it’s time to see whether or not he will return to the Astros. Center fielder Brian Goodwin, meanwhile is likely to miss the rest of the year after suffering a groin strain. There’s just not enough time for him to recover and return to the Nationals.

It’s unfortunate that neither will be able to play much of a role over the last few weeks of the season. Both teams are set up for big Postseason runs.

It looks like there will be some Tar Heels fighting for the chance for a World Series ring, and it will be fun to watch as October comes.