MLB Postseason Drama and NFL Week 4 Updates

On September 25, 2024, Scott Seidenberg on the Straight Outta Vegas AM podcast recaps the latest MLB games and their significance in the postseason races, alongside key NFL news as Week 4 approaches. With the regular season winding down, baseball games feel like playoff matchups, while NFL teams are dealing with injuries and uncertainties.

Major League Baseball: Postseason Picture

American League East

The Baltimore Orioles clinched a playoff spot after beating the New York Yankees. However, the Yankees’ chance to secure the American League East title is still pending, needing just one more win to officially claim the division crown. The series continues tonight with Zac Eflin pitching for the Orioles and Nestor Cortez for the Yankees. The Orioles, now four games ahead in the wild card standings, celebrated their playoff berth after the game.

Quote Analysis (9:16): Scott Seidenberg advises caution with teams like the Orioles who have already clinched, noting that teams tend to perform worse following champagne celebrations. He recommends fading the Orioles in their next game, making the Yankees a stronger pick.

Player Insight: Zac Eflin has been stellar with a 2.85 ERA, but Cortez has been hit-or-miss this season. Seidenberg suggests that celebrations can negatively impact the Orioles' performance, giving the Yankees the edge despite Cortez’s inconsistencies.

AL Wild Card Race

Two teams, the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers, are fighting for the second and third wild card spots. The Royals snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 1-0 extra-inning victory over the Washington Nationals, while the Tigers continued their hot streak by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1. As of now, Kansas City holds the tiebreaker over Detroit for the second wild card spot.

Team Insight: The Tigers are the hottest team in baseball, with the best record since August. Kansas City’s tiebreaker advantage makes them the current second wild card, but Detroit’s momentum could shift the standings over the next few games. Both teams need to continue winning to stay in the race.

National League Wild Card Race

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are locked in a tense battle for wild card positioning. Atlanta, with a victory over the Mets last night, is now only half a game behind the Mets and could take over the second wild card spot with another win. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who were blown out by the San Francisco Giants (11-0), are now half a game behind Atlanta, and if tied, Atlanta holds the tiebreaker advantage.

Quote Insight (9:16): Seidenberg highlights the significance of Atlanta’s tiebreaker over both the Mets and Diamondbacks. With only a few games left, this tiebreaker could be the deciding factor for Atlanta to secure a postseason berth.

Pitching Matchup: Tonight’s game features Chris Sale for Atlanta, a likely Cy Young winner, against David Peterson for the Mets. Sale’s dominance gives the Braves a strong chance to overtake the Mets in the wild card standings.

National League West: Padres vs. Dodgers

The San Diego Padres pulled off a dramatic 4-2 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers, capped by a game-ending triple play. This victory brings the Padres within two games of the Dodgers in the NL West race. If the Padres win their next two games, they could tie the Dodgers for the division lead, with the tiebreaker in their favor.

Game Highlight (9:40): Seidenberg enthusiastically recaps the triple play that ended the game. This rare defensive feat was crucial in keeping the Padres’ division hopes alive. If they sweep the Dodgers, the Padres could challenge for the division title, with an easier final series ahead against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Pitching Outlook: Joe Musgrove will start for the Padres, with Walker Buehler taking the mound for the Dodgers. Musgrove has been one of the Padres’ top pitchers, giving them a legitimate chance to win the series and keep the pressure on Los Angeles.

NFL News: Week 4 Preview

Miami Dolphins QB Situation

In NFL news, the Miami Dolphins are facing a quarterback dilemma. After Skyler Thompson was injured, Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle are both potential starters for the Dolphins’ upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is undecided, but Seidenberg believes Huntley’s mobility makes him a better fit for the team’s offensive scheme.

Quote Analysis (0:36 - 9:16): Seidenberg argues that Huntley’s athleticism offers the Dolphins a greater chance of success, particularly because the team thrives on dynamic plays that could benefit from a more mobile quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Uncertainty

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-0 start, head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to name Justin Fields as the permanent starting quarterback. Fields has been playing well, even scoring a rushing touchdown in their latest win. However, Tomlin is taking a week-to-week approach regarding his quarterback situation.

Team Insight: Seidenberg is puzzled by the reluctance to commit to Fields, especially given the Steelers’ perfect record. He believes that consistency at quarterback could help maintain the team’s winning streak.

Key NFL Injuries

Several teams are dealing with critical injuries. The Los Angeles Chargers will be without safety Derwin James, who has been suspended for unnecessary roughness. This suspension comes just as the Chargers are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a game where their defense will be tested against one of the league’s top offenses.

Impact Analysis: Seidenberg points out that James’ absence will likely weaken the Chargers' secondary, making it more difficult to stop the Chiefs’ offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Additionally, Austin Eckler of the Washington Commanders is out with a concussion. His absence could hinder Washington’s running game, as Eckler has been a key contributor on offense.

Conclusion

Scott Seidenberg’s September 25th edition of Straight Outta Vegas provides a thorough breakdown of the crucial MLB games shaping the postseason picture and offers insights into NFL teams’ challenges heading into Week 4. With the MLB regular season nearing its end, the wild card and division races are tightening, and every game has significant ramifications. Meanwhile, NFL teams are dealing with injuries and quarterback uncertainties that could influence their Week 4 outcomes.

Key Points

• Orioles fade: After clinching a playoff spot, Seidenberg recommends fading the Orioles.
• Wild Card race: Royals hold the tiebreaker over Tigers, but Detroit is surging.
• Braves' advantage: Atlanta’s tiebreaker over Arizona and the Mets gives them a postseason edge.
• Padres' triple play: A dramatic win keeps San Diego’s division hopes alive.
• Dolphins QB: Tyler Huntley is the more mobile and preferable quarterback option.
• Steelers QB: Justin Fields’ strong performance could earn him a permanent starting role.
• Chargers’ suspension: Derwin James’ absence impacts their defense against Kansas City.
• NFL injuries: Austin Eckler’s concussion sidelines him, weakening Washington’s offense.