Fansided

25 most important stars for MLB playoffs

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees follows through on a sixth inning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees follows through on a sixth inning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers at Oakland Coliseum on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers at Oakland Coliseum on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

14. Sean Manaea

Until we hear differently from the Oakland A’s, it seems a safe assumption that ace left-hander Sean Manaea will make the start in the Wild Card Game. Manaea wasn’t supposed to be in this position after suffering a shoulder injury last season and undergoing surgery, but his rehab progressed much faster than expected. With Frankie Montas ineligible to pitch in the postseason after serving an 80-game drug ban, Manaea is the best option for the A’s to win their one-game playoff with Tampa Bay.

Since making his return to the mound on September 1, Manaea has been nothing short of electric. He has made five starts and has a 1.21 ERA in 29.2 innings with 30 strikeouts and only 16 hits allowed. Manaea has not allowed more than two runs in a start and has gone as deep as seven innings. There have been no signs of rust for the 27-year-old, who has averaged fewer than 15 pitches per inning and walked only 2.1 per nine.

Manaea was blossoming into an ace last season before his injury, and nothing appears to have changed on that front despite his injury. He was not able to pitch in the postseason last year, but will get his chance to debut in a high-pressure situation this year.

In addition to Manaea, the A’s will be able to turn to fellow young flamethrowers A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo out of the bullpen in the Wild Card Game. Oakland has been aggressive with their young arms, and there’s no reason to suspect that will change as the ante is upped in October. A’s fans should be salivating over the possibility of a full season of Manaea, Puk and Luzardo next year, but for now they’ll be able to enjoy a preview of things to come in the playoffs.

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