MLB contenders face serious flaws heading into playoffs
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 11:03 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026

As the MLB season approaches its final days, playoff-bound teams are grappling with significant weaknesses. The Milwaukee Brewers, while having the best record, depend on only one reliable starter. The Tampa Bay Rays are close to clinching the AL East but struggle at the bottom of their order, impacting their lineup's efficiency. The New York Yankees, despite a leading bullpen ERA, have doubts about their relief options. The Boston Red Sox, having recently secured a wild card spot, are challenged by a thin bullpen due to injuries. Concerns for the Chicago White Sox center around their starting rotation's inability to last deep into games, raising questions about their postseason readiness.
- •Milwaukee Brewers have one trusted starter behind their ace.
- •Tampa Bay Rays face lineup challenges from lower order batters.
- •New York Yankees' bullpen depth is a major concern.
- •Boston Red Sox lack relief options due to injuries.
- •Chicago White Sox rotation struggles could impact playoff chances.
- 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — One fatal flaw on each MLB contender that could derail long playoff run
"From the Rays' bottom of the order to the Dodgers' shaky bullpen, every playoff contender is carrying one weakness that could end its October early.
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