Cup of Coffee: October 3, 2023

Playoff previews, Brandon Woodruff has a shoulder issue, the Angels canned Phil Nevin, Chris Young fires back at an Astros reporter, and more.

Good morning, folks. Playoff baseball begins today. We’re seeing a lot of fresh faces and underdogs, so there’s a lot to look forward to, even if you’re tired of seeing the likes of the Dodgers and Astros.

The Orioles are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and are looking for their first playoff win since Game 3 of the 2014 ALDS. The Blue Jays made the playoffs last year, but still haven’t won a postseason game since Game 4 of the 2016 ALCS. The Twins last made the playoffs in 2020, but have lost their last 18 consecutive postseason games dating back to Game 1 of the 2004 ALDS. The Rangers last made it in 2016, but their last postseason win was Game 2 of the 2015 ALDS.

The Marlins beat the Cubs in the 2020 Wild Card Series but were then swept in the NLDS by the Braves. The Brewers won Game 1 of the 2021 NLDS against the Braves before losing three straight. The Diamondbacks were last in the playoffs in 2017 and last won a playoff game in the 2011 NLDS.

The Brewers, Rangers, and Rays are all in pursuit of their franchise’s first championship. The O’s last won it all in 1983, the Twins in ‘91, the Jays in ‘93, the D-Backs in 2001, the Marlins in ‘03, the Phillies in ‘08, the Dodgers in ‘20, the Braves in ‘21, and the Astros last year, of course.

Let’s jump into previews of each of the playoff series.