As September approaches, major-league teams fall into three groups: playoff-preparing contenders, squads still chasing contention, and teams focused on next season. Teams already in postseason slots continue to fight for positioning in wild-card spots (Yankees, Red Sox) and division leads (Dodgers, Padres). The pool of clubs realistically chasing wild-card berths has shrunk as more teams fell out of contention, and roughly half of MLB clubs appear committed to future planning. An expert panel ranked all 30 teams based on season progress and preseason expectations. The Dodgers expect improved health soon after recent IL returns, while the Padres hold an easier remaining schedule. Riley Greene hit a 471-foot grand slam, the longest Tigers home run since Statcast began tracking.
As September approaches, teams are mostly split into three categories: those preparing for the playoffs, those trying to make a run at contention and those whose focus has turned to next season. There's still a fair amount to play for within those groups. The clubs that are pretty safely in playoff positions are still battling for postseason positioning, whether in the wild-card race (the Yankees and Red Sox) or in division races (the Dodgers and Padres).
The Dodgers placed Alex Vesia, one of their best and most frequently used relievers, on the injured list Tuesday, but the expectation is he'll only miss the minimum amount of time. Soon, they hope, they'll be about as close to whole as they've been all season. Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Enrique Hernandez returned off the IL in recent days, while Max Muncy, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech are not far behind. It's why the Dodgers believe their best baseball
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