Morning Mound Visit: Atlanta takes on Houston in World Series Game 1

Demetrius Bell | Talking Chop: Atlanta’s pitching staff dismantled Milwaukee’s offense and quieted LA’s bats, but they’ll have their work cut out for them as they take on Houston’s vaunted offense. The Astros lead the majors in non-pitcher wRC+ at 117 thanks to a breakout from Kyle Tucker and the continued excellence of Yordan Alvarez.

Dan Martin | The Crawfish Boxes: Atlanta is here because of pitching performances from southpaws Max Fried, Tyler Matzek, Will Smith, and AJ Minter. The righty-heavy Astros lineup has fared well against left-handed pitching, but these aren’t any ordinary lefties. Something has to give.

Brian Murphy | MLB.com: Finalists for the Silver Slugger were announced on Monday, and if you were wondering if being a finalist actually means anything or if MLB is just listing some big names to drum up artificial drama, Justin Turner is a finalist at second base despite never playing at second base in 2021 and only one inning since 2015. So no, it doesn’t.

Quick Hits

Jeter Downs hit an opposite-field grand slam, his fifth home run in six games.

The Cardinals found their replacement for Mike Shildt in Oli Marmol. Marmol served as St. Louis’s bench coach for the past two seasons.