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FanGraphs | Jay Jaffe: If the stats hold, the Cubs could have the highest walk rate of any playoff team in the wild card era, and their rotation has generally been in shambles all year. Cole Hamels aside—Yu Darvish’s injury, Jon Lester’s poor peripherals, and Jose Quintana’s heavy regression have all played a factor in what has been a major disappointment in Chicago.
Baseball Prospectus | Rachael McDaniel: People talk of pitcher injuries, and of tragic accidents that can bring sudden trauma, but what about the heart? Kenley Jansen has had irregular heartbeat issues in the past, and while many people associate players with other injuries, the most vulnerable organ is most definitely the heart, and we too often forget it.
The Athletic | Eno Sarris ($): So the Blue Jays haven’t called up Vlad Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette, but they do have... Randal Grichuk? After an abysmal start and a DL-stint, he has a changed stance and changed outcomes, and he’s had a 124 wRC+ since June 1st.
MLB.com | Mike Petriello: Luis Severino has not been himself his last seven starts, as he has allowed 30 earned runs in just 36 innings. The issue likely comes down to his slider, which has had a lower spin rate, less vertical drop, and less break. Unless he turns that around it could be a problem for himself and the Yankees, who may rely on him in a one-game playoff.