With the playoff chase coming down to the wire, our MLB editor rounds up the five biggest pennant race stories in Eye Toward October.- The Cavalry Arrives: The rosters expand from 25 to 40 today, allowing clubs that have fallen out of contention to give their younger players a taste of the majors and giving contenders the chance to add another bullpen arm or bench bat for the stretch run.
A few players to keep an eye on that could actually contribute to contenders down the stretch:
Doug Slaten, RP, Diamondbacks - Should give Arizona a much-needed left-handed bullpen arm for the final month.
James McDonald, SP, Dodgers - Could get a spot start or two.
Mat Gamel, 3B, Brewers - Shortstop
Alcides Escobar has gotten a little more buzz, but Gamel could be in the platoon mix with
Bill Hall and
Russell Branyan plenty over the final month.
Jonathon Niese, SP, Mets - He's starting against Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Phil Humber, RP, Twins - One of the players acquired by Minnesota in the
Johan Santana deal, Humber will start out in the bullpen, which hasn't been as strong as the Twins would like, but he could also make a spot start if needed.
John Jaso, C, Rays - Whither
David Price? As
Pat Lackey pointed out last week, he might not be as ready as most people think. Jaso has a gaudy .820 OPS at Triple-A Durham, and with
Dioner Navarro nursing the bumps and bruises of a long season, he could spell the catcher effectively.
