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 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Sam Dyson (47) flips the ball to first for an out against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Texas won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers: Shawn Tolleson and Sam Dyson

The Rangers’ may have not climbed to the top of the AL West on the strength of their bullpen, but the back-end is very strong and could be a big factor in the postseason.

Quietly, Tolleson has been one of the best closers in the game this season. The 27-year-old has 33 saves in 35 opportunities according to FanGraphs, all of which have come since he took over the role on May 20, the highest total in the A.L. over that span.

Tolleson is yet another example of an unexpected contributor that has led the Rangers to a playoff position in what was supposed to be a lost season after Yu Darvish was lost for the year. Texas claimed Tolleson off of waivers from the Dodgers in November of 2013 and he’s been solid ever since, including a 2.81 ERA (3.23 FIP) and 25.7 percent strikeout rate in 2015.

The Cole Hamels trade got all of Texas’ headlines at the deadline, but acquiring reliever Sam Dyson has proven to be a very underrated move. Dyson has posted 1 .48 ERA in 24.1 innings with Texas per FanGraphs, helped out by a heavy sinker that has generated ground balls at a ridiculous 77.3 percent rate so far.

Both pitchers will be key in closing games behind Hamels, Yovani Gallardo and Derek Holland. Texas may not have the strongest pitching of any postseason contender, but Holland and Dyson can help them be effective enough to win the pennant.

Next: Kansas City Royals: Kris Medlen

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