We are about halfway through August, and there are some teams that really need to make a push if they plan to have a true run at a postseason spot.We've seen some very hot and very cold stretches from a variety of teams this season, so who will be next? The National League has its divisions essentially set with the Dodgers, Braves, and Brewers looking like they will coast to the finish line.
Both the Pirates and the Marlins are hoping to steal one of those remaining Wild Card spots.The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to have ebbed and flowed all season.There were stretches where they looked like one of the better teams in the league.
Their hitting issues that were addressed in the offseason have been significantly better this year.However, their pitching has struggled.
Even their superstar, Paul Skenes, has had a bit of a down year.His numbers are still strong, but they are the worst of his young career.
If the Pirates can get some performances out of their other starters, they might have a hot streak left in them.Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin breaks his bat on a throw from San Diego Padres pitcher Germán Márquez and grounds out to end the bottom of the second inning in Pittsburgh on April 6, 2026.(Gene J.
Puskar/AP)One guy that they need to step up is today's hurler, Carmen Mlodzinski.For the year, Mlodzinski is 6-4 for the year with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP.
He has been better on the road with a 3.10 ERA, and he has started two more games on the road.However, he has just 1.1 more innings on the road than at home this year.
Mlodzinski is essentially an opener for the Pirates.He hasn't thrown more than three innings in any of his past 12 outings (varying between starts and relief appearances).
Marlins hitters have only gotten four at-bats against him, but all four hitters went 0-for-1.The Miami Marlins have quietly put together a good campaign.You wouldn't really know it because in this division almost everyone will get more attention than them.
It doesn't...