While every remaining postseason team is here primarily because of its stars, playoff series often come down to lesser-known players coming through in big moments.
Whether it’s a lefty reliever who can neutralize a key batter, a speedster who comes off the bench late in the game to steal a base, or a pinch hitter who gives his team one in the late inning Matchup advantage provided, each club has an undiscovered player who could make a big difference in a close game during the Division Series.
Here’s a look at each team’s “secret weapon” for their Division Series matchup.
Oriole: Tyler Wells, RHP
Wells was arguably Baltimore’s best starter in the first half (a 3.18 ERA over 18 appearances), but the 29-year-old fell somewhat off the radar shortly after the All-Star break when the heavily used right-hander hit a wall ( an 11.00 ERA in three starts) and was sent to the minors to take a breather. After Wells pitched 113 2/3 innings in the major leagues, the Orioles decided to move him back to a relief role, and so he was used as a rookie in 2021. When he returned to Baltimore on September 22, he pitched five scoreless innings without giving up a hit over four appearances. Wells has the potential to be an X-factor in the O’s backend bullpen mix come October. – Jake Rill
Rangers: Josh Sborz, RHP
The Rangers’ bullpen struggles are no secret. Sborz himself is a big part of that, with an ERA of 5.50 this season. But when it’s Sborz’s turn, it’s his turn. He posted a 1.08 ERA in April and a 0.55 ERA in June, but also had ERAs over 10.00 in two different months. He pitched 1 1/3 innings in the decisive Wild Card Series win over the Rays and proved he could score big at times. Consistency has been an issue, but if Rangers have another quality replacement in José Leclerc and Aroldis Chapman, they will be in a much better position. – Kennedy Landry
Astros: Mauricio Dubon, UTIL
Dubón has been one of the Astros’ most valuable players this season and should play a key role in the postseason as the first player off the bench. Dubón may start in center field when Justin Verlander is on the mound for Game 1 (and perhaps Game 5), but that’s likely the only time he’ll start in this series. Other than that, he’s a weapon on the bench because he can hit the ball to all fields, doesn’t hit much, and has played every position except pitcher and catcher this year. Dubón will likely be coach Dusty Baker’s first pinch-hitter to come off the bench against a left-handed hitter. – Brian McTaggart
Gemini: Willi Castro UTIL
The Rocco Baldelli Twins have never been a team that plays a lot of small ball – until now. Castro was recently named one of the team’s most valuable players by his captain, and it’s not hard to see why. He can play good defense at every position except first base and catcher, as he is the versatile cog that makes Baldelli’s aggressive pinch-hitting moves work defensively. He can drop bunts – both for sacrifice and for a hit – and he has stolen the most bases (33) of any Twins player in a decade. He did all of this while posting a .750 OPS as a switch-hitter. Whether it’s a key hit, a daring stolen base or a great sprint home, you can expect Castro to make a difference in late, close games. – Do Hyoung Park
Braves, Brad Hand, LHP
Hand has posted a 9.00 ERA against every team except the Phillies since being acquired at the trade deadline. He pitched three hitless and scoreless innings against the Phillies during that same span. He will have to compete against Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in key situations. Schwarber is 0-for-4 with three strikeouts against Hand this year and Harper is hitless in two at-bats. AJ Minter is the only other left-handed hitter in Atlanta’s bullpen. So expect to see Hand a lot during the NLDS. – Mark Bowman
Phillies: Orion Kerkering, RHP
Kerkering made his MLB debut on September 24 and impressed Mets hitters with his 99 mph fastball and incredible slider (some call it a sweeper). He showed enough promise and poise in his first three appearances to make the Phillies’ NL Wild Card Series roster. Kerkering struck out a batter in a scoreless inning in Game 2, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to make his MLB debut in September and play in the postseason since Marty Bystrom in 1980. Kerkering would not be on the NLDS roster otherwise is not good, and Phillies manager Rob Thomson said he trusts him enough to put him in high-impact situations. The Braves have never seen him. Maybe the Phillies can use that to their advantage. – Todd Zolecki
Dodgers: Ryan Brasier, RHP
Brasier is hardly an unknown given his role with the Red Sox in the 2018 World Series. But after two poor seasons in Boston that ultimately led to his release, Brasier has found new life in Los Angeles and will have a big role come October. After joining the Dodgers in July, Brasier allowed just three runs in 39 appearances. The veteran right-hander hasn’t given up a run since August 6 against the Padres. With the D-Backs having some right-handed firepower in the middle of the lineup, Brasier should be a busy man in the NLDS and possibly beyond. –Juan Toribio
D-Backs: Andrew Saalfrank, LHP
If you read his name and ask, “Who?” don’t feel bad. Saalfrank, a sixth-round pick out of Indiana in 2019, wasn’t a highly touted prospect, but he’s certainly performed like that with the D-backs since he arrived in early September. The 26-year-old pitched 10 1/3 scoreless innings in 10 appearances for the D-Backs and quickly gained the trust of manager Torey Lovullo. He got into a bases-loaded one-out jam in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Brewers and came out of it without a run scored. He could be a great weapon against the Dodgers’ left-handed hitters. – Steve Gilbert