MLB playoffs 2015: 9 biggest stars of the postseason

Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are back in the postseason after a decade-long absence, and their Cy Young Award candidate at the top of the rotation is a large reason why.

Dallas Keuchel emerged onto the scene after an impressive 2014 campaign, in which he posted a career-bests in ERA (2.93), wins (12) and strikeouts (146). In 2015, he topped his career performance of the previous season and established himself as one of the premier starting pitchers in baseball.

Keuchel’s 2.48 ERA ranks second in the American League, just behind David Price of the Toronto Blue Jays. His 20 wins were the second most in the MLB behind Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs, and earlier this year, he made the start during his first career All-Star Game appearance.

Houston has one of the most well-rounded rosters of the 2015 MLB playoffs. They have a Rookie of the Year candidate in shortstop Carlos Correa, and rank among the best in baseball in most major statistical categories. But Keuchel is the anchor at the top of the rotation capable of delivering a dominant pitching performance that wills his team to victory.

He takes the mound on Tuesday, and will attempt to do so against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game.

Next: Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays