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5 rival players who can derail Red Sox’ Wild Card chase

By Gabrielle Starr

Sep 23, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting his second solo home run of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting his second solo home run of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Red Sox Orioles Cedric Mullins
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Cedric Mullins is a threat to the Red Sox’ Wild Card chase

Cedric Mullins is having an insane year after giving up switch-hitting to be a full-time lefty. He’s the first 30-30 player in Orioles franchise history, and one of only two American League players with more than 30 stolen bases this season.

In his first season playing in more than 48 games, Mullins is slashing .297/.367/.531 with a 8.97 OPS in 154 games, and all are career-highs by far. He has 36 doubles, five triples, 30 home runs, 59 RBI, and 89 runs scored, and has become one of the most fearsome bats in the American League.

Defensively Mullins has been robbing Sox batters of homers and extra-base hits all year. At the plate, he has faced the Red Sox 16 times this season and is hitting .348/.411/.530 with a .941 OPS against them. He has 23 hits in 66 at-bats, including seven doubles, a triple, and a home run, not to mention four of his stolen bases.

Nathan Eovaldi will start Wednesday night for the Sox, and Mullins is 5-for-17 against him with a double this season.

Ryan Mountcastle threatens the Red Sox Wild Card chase

Rookie Ryan Mountcastle was one of the Orioles’ top prospects for years (he was their first-round pick in 2015), and is making a solid case for AL Rookie of the Year.

Mountcastle’s defensive struggles led to him moving from the outfield to first base, with Trey Mancini spending more time in the DH role.

In 139 games for the O’s this season, Mountcastle is hitting .258/.311/.492 with a .803 OPS. His 31st home run of the season set an Orioles rookie record, and his 32nd home run came on Tuesday night against the Sox.

Among MLB rookies, he’s tied for third in runs scored (76), fifth in hits (133) and doubles (23), second in RBI (86), and leads all rookies in home runs. Five of those home runs have come in his 14 games against the Red Sox.

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