How Gamecock alums are performing as MLB playoff races heat up in final week of regular season
The 162-game sprint to the finish line is nearing its end. The final week of the Major League Baseball regular season is here. So, buckle up, it’s going to get crazy.
Up until Sunday, many teams will be fighting for postseason spots while some have already clinched, and others have been out of contention for weeks.
Since the last update, plenty has happened for the multiple former Gamecocks in the big leagues. Here’s a look at how each player has performed so far this year.
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Jonah Bride — Miami Marlins
With how horrendous the Marlins have been this year, many young players, including Bride, have been given an opportunity to show what they can do. Since July 4, Bride has been with the big league club and seen regular playing time with Miami. In 65 games, he’s hitting .256 with eight homers and 31 RBI. He’s been playing a lot at first base with 34 starts there this year, but he’s also seen time at second and third base as well as designated hitter.
Whit Merrifield — Atlanta Braves
Since the last update, Merrifield, who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on July 12, signed with the Braves 10 days later. At 35 years old, his numbers have slowly started to decline, but he’s certainly played much better with Atlanta than he did in his brief stint with the Phillies. In 41 games with the Braves, Merrifield has hit .248 with one homer and four RBI while racking up 33 hits in 137 at-bats.
Starting on Tuesday, the Braves will begin their biggest series of the season with the New York Mets. As of right now, Atlanta sits 1.5 games back for the final National League Wild Card spot. The Mets are currently the second Wild Card team, just a half game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Needless to say, the Braves will need to win two out of these next three games or sweep New York to make up some serious ground. They’ll then host Merrifield’s former team, the Kansas City Royals, in the final series of the season. With his future uncertain, this very well could be the final week of the former Gamecock’s pro career as he’s on a one-year contract for 2024.
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Jordan Montgomery — Arizona Diamondbacks
It’s safe to say Montgomery’s time with the D-Backs has been a big swing and a miss. After being so consistent since his first call-up in 2017, the left-hander is 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA in 25 games (21 starts). So far in September, he’s pitched to a 6.62 ERA over 17.2 innings with 14 strikeouts and seven walks. His last start came on Sept. 22 and with Arizona in the midst of trying to lock down a playoff spot, Montgomery might end up not making another unless he comes out of the bullpen.
If the Diamondbacks do end up making the postseason, it’s unclear if Montgomery will make the roster. He pitched very well in the Texas Rangers’ World Series run last year, but he hasn’t shown to be that type of pitcher at all in 2024.
Carmen Mlodzinski — Pittsburgh Pirates
As Mlodzinski completes his second year at the big league level, his career has been solid so far. After being called up in 2023 and pitching well out of the bullpen, the former Gamecock right-hander has done much of the same this season. In 37 appearances, he’s 4-5 with a 3.35 ERA, 41 strikeouts and 17 walks. Opponents are batting .218 with three homers against him. The Pirates won’t be in the playoffs this year, but Mlodzinski has certainly earned himself a chance to stick around as a quality MLB reliever.
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Clarke Schmidt — New York Yankees
It’s possible Tuesday could be the biggest start of Schmidt’s big league career so far. While the Yankees have already cliched a playoff berth, they’ll have a chance to lock up the American League East with a win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday (7:05 p.m.). Schmidt, who returned from injury on Sept. 7, will be on the mound for the Bombers in the potential clincher. 2024 has undoubtedly been the best season of his career, pitching to a 2.37 ERA in 14 starts with 81 strikeouts and 25 walks.
When the Yankees do begin their playoff journey, Schmidt will certainly be on the roster. But he could end up being used out of the bullpen since teams only need to use so many starting pitchers depending on the series. Schmidt is also scheduled to start in Game 162 against the Pirates on Sunday.
Christian Walker — Arizona Diamondbacks
Continuing to stay consistent, Walker has hit .252 with 26 homers and 83 RBI in 125 games for the D-Backs. He was on the team’s injured list for the entire month of August but returned to action on Sept. 3, right in time to try and help Arizona get back to the postseason. He’s continued to play solid defense over at first base with only two errors on the year.
The D-Backs are coming off a 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Monday and will play two more games before an off-day on Thursday. They’ll wrap up the regular season against the San Diego Padres in a weekend series starting on Friday. Arizona is currently 87-70 and 1.5 games ahead of the Braves for the final Wild Card spot.
