With a little over a month left in the regular season, there are approximately 15 teams in the postseason race battling for the 12 spots and playoff position.
All contending teams — from the juggernauts to those currently on the outside looking in — have key issues they’re facing or at least pondering as they enter September.
Here is a look at each contender’s biggest concern heading into the stretch run.
The Brewers have the best record in MLB (83-50) and a 6 1/2-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central. They are a complete team in terms of pitching, hitting and fielding. They have the reigning executive of the year (general manager Matt Arnold) guiding the front office and the front-runner for NL manager of the year (Pat Murphy) leading the team.
They are second in the majors, behind the Dodgers, in runs scored, and second to the Rays in stolen bases. Their pitching staff ranks third in ERA. As a team, they are fifth in Defensive Runs Saved. They have three No. 1-type starters in Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff and Jacob Misiorowski, along with an impact closer in Trevor Megill. Offensively, they are led by veteran Christian Yelich and young budding stars such as outfielder Jackson Chourio, catcher William Contreras and Gold Glove second baseman Brice Turang.
