Biggest LCS questions in 2026 MLB playoffs: Will we see best versions of Jacob Misiorowski, Shohei Ohtani? — SkimNews
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- Jacob Misiorowski has thrown 1,167 pitches at 100 mph or greater in 2026, more than twice as many as any other pitcher, raising workload concerns as he starts Game 1 of the NLCS for the Brewers.
- Shohei Ohtani posted a .772 OPS in the second half of 2026 and slashed .154/.267/.154 in the NLDS, with no extra-base hits, as his knee and biceps injuries continue to affect his offensive production.
- Tampa Bay Rays ranked 27th in MLB in runs scored against left-handed pitching during the 2026 regular season, exposing a key weakness ahead of their ALCS matchup with Cleveland’s lefty-heavy pitching staff.
- Cleveland Guardians finished the 2026 regular season 27th in home runs, 27th in slugging, and 29th in expected slugging percentage, highlighting a critical lack of power beyond José Ramírez.
- Parker Messick, Cleveland’s rookie left-hander, is lined up to start Game 2 of the ALCS and potentially Game 6, giving the Guardians a strategic advantage against the Rays’ lefty-heavy lineup.
- José Ramírez hit two home runs in the ALDS, offering a spark for the Guardians’ otherwise anemic offense, which slugged just .350 in the series win over the White Sox.
Why it matters: The Brewers and Dodgers rely heavily on Misiorowski and Ohtani delivering at peak levels, while the Rays and Guardians face matchup-specific flaws—Tampa’s struggle against lefties and Cleveland’s lack of power—that could decide which teams reach the World Series. A single injury or slump could shift the balance in these tightly framed series.
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