Day Two of the 2021 RDBL Playoffs kicks off Tuesday afternoon after the Asti Grape Stompers surged into the lead behind the continued breakout performance of Robbie Ray.
Here's the latest around the RDBL:
Stacks Loaded Up with Four Starts
The Alamo Short Stacks will look surge to the top of the standings thanks to fortunate scheduling that has four pitchers lined up for starts on Tuesday. Brandon Woodruff (@SF), Yu Darvish (@ARZ), Taijuan Walker (vs.MIA) and Tarik Skubal (vs. OAK) will take the ball with the club entering the second day of the Playoffs in 2nd Place behind the leading Asti Grape Stompers.
Pitcher of the Year Takes the Mound for Grapes
On the same day he received the 2021 RDBL Pitcher of the Year Award, Walker Buehler will make his Playoff debut for the Grapes. The club roared out to a RDBL-lead on Monday with their top right-hander set to take his league-high 589.0 points and 2.12 ERA into play against the Braves.
Grapes Thin at Starter
Shohei Ohtani (hand) was scratched from his scheduled start against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, leaving the door open for GM Terry Shelley to make a mid-week internal move. A deeper look at the Grapes roster reveals no backup starting pitchers, a situation that could become interesting to follow through the Playoffs. Trevor Rogers is expected back this weekend, potentially Friday against the Phillies which will certainly help but the club remains thin at the position. With Ohtani's usage likely to be monitored down the stretch, that applies pressure on 6th starter Nestor Cortes to continue his surprising production so far (2.77 ERA in 61 2/3 IP). The Grapes ranked in the bottom third of the league in games started in 2021, instead electing for consistency in the rotation over 2-start options.
Plesac Looks to Shake Off Forgetful Regular Season
Expected to be a pillar of the Goutfish rotation, Zach Plesac limped his way to a 4.78 ERA in 107 1/3 innings in the RDBL Regular Season but will get his chance to turn the page for the RDBL Playoffs on Tuesday with a friendly matchup against the Royals. Despite the inflated ERA, Plesac managed a respectable 1.18 WHIP and could be a pivotal arm in the Goutfish's chase for a RDBL Title. He is scheduled for a 2-start week with his weekend outing set for the Red Sox in Fenway Park.
Gallen Hot Entering Playoffs
Fightin' Fish right-hander Zac Gallen has gone back to back starts without allowing an earned run and will look to ride that hot streak into his start Tuesday against the Padres. Gallen will be joined in the Fish rotation by Charlie Morton who will oppose the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Pressure On Heads Offense Tuesday
The Heads are the only Playoff team without a scheduled starter on Tuesday, applying pressure to the club's offense to keep pace. Deadline acquisition Xander Bogaerts (.192/.255/.340 over his last 47 at-bats) will look to heat up as the Sox oppose the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday.
Anderson Return?
Goutfish shortstop Tim Anderson has missed six of the team's last 10 games with general leg soreness, a development that GM Ryan Atkinson is following closely. The hope is for Anderson, a critical member of the Goutfish offense, to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Pirates.
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