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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Three rookies to watch in the American League playoffs

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 9/28/23

As we creep closer to playoff baseball there is always a rookie who makes his presence felt on the big stage, and in 2023 there is no shortage of possibilities.

With rookies making a big impact on the playoff races, Here are three American League rookies to keep an eye on in the 2023 postseason.

Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles, pitcher: One of the top-rated pitching prospects in all of baseball just a short time ago, Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has started to show that potential at the big league level since his return from the minors.

After breaking camp with the Orioles he struggled during the first two months of the 2023 season and was demoted to Triple-A.

Making his return to the majors on July 17, he has lowered his ERA from 7.33 to 4.35 in 13 starts. Over his last seven starts, Rodriguez has been dominant posting a 4-1 record with a 2.20 ERA while striking out 43 over 41 innings pitched.

Grayson Rodriguez now has a 2.18 ERA over his last 11 GS and 2.58 in 13 GS since being recalled from the minors in mid-July.#Birdland pic.twitter.com/UTztTRgpEo
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) September 28, 2023

He has a chance to make a major impact on the big stage, as he is projected to make a start for the Orioles during the postseason.

Edouard Julien, Minnesota Twins, second baseman: While his production has tailed off at the end of the season, Twins second baseman Edouard Julien is one to watch when the postseason begins.

The 24-year-old is slashing .262/.380/.452 with 15 home runs and 33 RBI while mostly batting leadoff, his .380 on-base percentage would be tied for eleventh in the MLB if he had enough at-bats to qualify.

Edouard Julien leads the team in walks and has one of the highest walk rates ever by a #MNTwins rookie, but he's also second on the team with five first-pitch homers.

So rare for a young hitter to combine extreme discipline with early count aggression.pic.twitter.com/6GGWOir9hF
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) September 28, 2023

With a disciplined approach at the plate that has led to 62 walks, Julien also produces great exit velocities with his ability to barrel the ball and knows how to play to his strengths.

If he is able to set the table and get on base for the Twins, they have a chance to surprise whoever they play with a streaky offense and solid starting pitching.

Evan Carter, Texas Rangers, outfielder: With only 50 at-bats in his MLB career, Carter is someone who not only can make a big impact in the postseasons but also has face-of-the-franchise-type potential.

With a .320/.426/.720 slash line including 9 XBH and 12 RBI he has also shown his speed on the basepaths and in the outfield.

Despite his lack of time in the MLB, he is still postseason-eligible for the American League West leaders due to a loophole in the rules.

EVAN CARTER HITS A 2 RUN @Rangers | #StraightUpTX | : BSSW pic.twitter.com/wlsXeY3nRH
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) September 28, 2023

Only 21 years old, Carter began the season in Double-A but after his quick rise through the system he was promoted after the team was hit with numerous injuries.

With a 12-6 record since his arrival on September 8, Carter has provided a major spark and will look to continue that into the postseason.

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