A Jewish guide to the MLB playoffs

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — “October” is synonymous with the MLB postseason, but the playoffs actually begin on Sept. 29 this year, which means teams could be eliminated before we reconvene next week.

Alex Bregman wears a bandage on his face after bein struck in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle during a game on September 20. (Isaac Wasserman/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The race to the playoffs has been tight this year, especially in the lackluster American League. Here’s a breakdown of the Jewish players who will be vying for glory this October (and very late September). Check here for the latest on seeding, matchups and tiebreakers.

Max Fried and his New York Yankees will (almost certainly) host their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in the Wild Card round next week. Despite missing time with injury this season, Fried was his typical elite self, posting a 2.80 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 20 starts. The lefty has a mixed postseason resume — he helped lead the Braves to the 2021 World Series title, but owns a 5.31 career playoff ERA.

Alex Bregman — who is recovering from a terrifying injury sustained last week — is hoping to return to the Chicago Cubs, who clinched their postseason berth yesterday, before the regular season ends. Bregman, who turned his season around with a red-hot second half, is a postseason legend, ranking in the top 10 all time in playoff games (102), home runs (19), RBIs (55), hits (91), runs (63) and walks (56).

Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers are on the verge of a playoff spot, but there’s a chance that the messy AL West is not decided by the time you’re reading this. As of Friday morning, Texas and Houston were tied for the division lead. Pederson, whose previous postseason pedigree has earned him the nickname “Joctober,” is currently on the injured list with a fractured left hand, but is hopeful he could return for the Wild Card series.

Garrett Stubbs and the Philadelphia Phillies are also on the cusp of punching their ticket to the postseason. Stubbs, the team’s backup catcher, does not play much, but he does bring a touch of playoff experience. Stubbs has appeared in three games over three years with Houston and Philly — but has yet to take an at-bat in October.

Max Lazar was recalled from Triple-A to rejoin the Phillies this week for his third stint in the big leagues this season. He is unlikely to make the team’s postseason roster.