Fansided

7 MLB stars who have to step up in September

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) gets ready to bat against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) gets ready to bat against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

The wild-card spots in both leagues are up for grabs. Playoff spots depend on big stars stepping up. Which big MLB names need to have a big September?

There are five teams in each league with a legitimate shot at winning a wild-card spot. With the divisions mostly wrapped up, these are the races that warrant the most interest. Playoff spots are going to come down to big stars stepping up in key moments in September. Nearly every team in the race has a big star who has had a somewhat disappointing season. If this collection of All-Stars can pull together a big push to the finish, their teams could edge into the playoffs.

These are the seven MLB stars who need to find an extra gear for the month of September and propel their teams to the top of the heap and into the postseason.

August 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
August 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew McCutchen

It’s been a confusing down year so far for the Pittsburgh Pirates MVP center fielder. He hasn’t really been injured. He just hasn’t looked like himself all year. The five-time All-Star had been good for a .300/.400/.500 line like clockwork for the past five seasons, but has sunk all the way down to .251/.328/.413 this year.

The Pirates attempted to jump-start McCutchen by sitting him down for an entire series at the beginning of August, and it seemed to work. Since his brief hiatus, Cutch has slashed .280/.391/.419 with three home runs. If the surge holds, it will be huge for the Pirates.

Despite losing Gerrit Cole to an injury, the Buccos are very much in the hunt for another playoff berth. Currently only 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pirates will have plenty of chances to gain ground in September. The pitching takes a definite hit without Cole, and McCutchen stepping up to fill the void he has left all season will be crucial.

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