Fansided

5 rookies who could impact the MLB playoff race

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) throws out a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) throws out a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Edwin Diaz, LHP
Seattle Mariners

Zach Britton is getting most of the love among AL relievers this season, and rightfully so. While his run-squashing numbers don’t quite match Britton (who has not allowed an earned run since April), Edwin Diaz comes close. The 22-year-old, armed with an 98-mph fastball and devastating slider has struck out almost two batters per inning since debuting in June. Prior to this season, he had worked only as a starting pitcher, with middling results.

Diaz’s slider is almost unhittable when he’s on. Of the 61 at-bats he has ended with the pitch this year, 39 have been strikeouts. While the strikeout totals are impressive, Diaz has had a few bumps along the way. He has given up 31 hits in 35 innings, not necessarily a great rate for an elite reliever. Opponents are batting .311 against his fastball, but he has mostly danced around any serious damage.

Diaz can afford to give up a few hits here and there because it is difficult for teams to sustain long rallies against him thanks to the slider. A dominant “out-pitch” is a great equalizer for a reliever in the postseason. The Mariners are only a game behind the Orioles right now, and have been red hot in the second half. As Diaz sat out Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the rest of the bullpen imploded. Diaz’s ability to handle the rigors of relief pitching for a full season could make or break the Mariners.

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