X-Factors for each MLB playoff team

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 23, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) hits a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers: Corey Seager

It was a question of when, not if, the Dodgers were going to call up one of the top prospects in the Majors to help improve their struggling middle infield. Seager finally made his MLB debut on September 3, and has looked very impressive since.

In 77 plate appearances so far entering play on Wednesday, Seager has posted an outstanding .359/.468/.578 line per FanGraphs.com. While that pace is obviously unsustainable, Seager is showing many of the same skills that made him an elite prospect throughout his minor league career.

There are questions about if Seager’s defense can stick at shortstop, but the Dodgers will sacrifice that for his offensive production. Given that Jimmy Rollins has accumulated -0.2 WAR according to FanGraphs, Seager represents a huge boost for a team that arguably already had the best roster in the N.L.

Rollins has been limited over the past couple of weeks by a hand injury, so the depth chart could get a little crowded if he is able to return fully healthy. Still, Seager offers much more upside, and the Dodgers will have little choice but to start him at shortstop if he continues to hit well.

Even having Seager as another reserve bat would be a nice upgrade for Los Angeles’ already strong bench. With Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in a short series, the Dodgers may not need a whole lot of offense in the postseason.

Next: St. Louis Cardinals: Stephen Piscotty

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