Top 25 MLB players to watch in October

6 of 25

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Fernando Rodney #56 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after the Diamondbacks defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-0 at AT&T Park on September 16, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

20. Fernando Rodney

The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the best lineups in the National League and a dominant starting rotation. Their only real weakness is in the ninth inning where the Fernando Rodney Experience has been a roller coaster ride all season. Rodney is the worst closer in the playoffs.

At 40, Rodney’s best days as an MLB closer are behind him. His command issues have not come back to bite the Diamondbacks much this season because of how good their lineup is, but in the playoffs, they may have more one-run games that require a steady closer. Rodney has a 4.50 ERA on the year, but has strung together a few very dominant stretches.

From May 2 to July 1, Rodney pitched 20 times and did not allow a single earned run whil eholding opponents to a .035/.141/.035 line. He allowed two hits in a month, which is just impossible to fathom. On the other side of the coin, when Rodney has been bad this year, he’s been very bad. He has allowed more than three runs in five games,.

The Diamondbacks do have ace reliever Archie Bradley to help support Rodney, but there is certainly potential for ninth-inning drama for the Diamondbacks.

Home/MLB