For those who tuned in to the primary day of the 2023 MLB Playoffs, you already noticed some acquainted faces making an influence who’ve been round for some time.
Diamondbacks 3B Evan Longoria earned a begin at 37 years outdated. Brewers 3B Josh Donaldson (37) and 1B Carlos Santana (36) have been each additionally of their group’s beginning lineup. Marlins 1B Yuli Gurriel (39) had a pinch-hit look and Twins RP Caleb Thielbar (36) threw a shutdown inning in reduction.
And that is all earlier than beginning pitchers like Astros’ Justin Verlander (40) and Braves’ Charlie Morton (39) take the hill of their respective Division League Sequence this weekend.
MORE: MLB playoff predictions: Sporting Information specialists make their picks
Who’re the oldest gamers within the 2023 MLB playoffs? The Sporting Information has you lined with the complete record under.
Oldest gamers in 2023 MLB playoffs
Verlander stands alone because the oldest participant within the MLB playoffs at 40 years outdated.
Morton is subsequent up, turning 40 in November, whereas Gurriel is the oldest batter at 39. Marlins reliever David Robertson is 38, and Longoria will be a part of him when he turns 38 this weekend (Oct. 7).
There are 16 gamers on postseason rosters who’re 36 years or older.
| Participant | Crew | Place | Age |
| Justin Verlander | Astros | Pitcher | 40 |
| Yuli Gurriel | Marlins | First base | 39 |
| Charlie Morton | Braves | Pitcher | 39 |
| David Robertson | Marlins | Pitcher | 38 |
| Josh Donaldson | Brewers | Third base | 37 |
| Evan Longoria | Diamondbacks | Third base | 37 |
| Carlos Santana | Brewers | First base | 37 |
| José Abreu | Astros | First base | 36 |
| Michael Brantley | Astros | Designated hitter | 36 |
| Jake Diekman | Rays | Pitcher | 36 |
| Lance Lynn | Dodgers | Pitcher | 36 |
| Martín Maldonado | Astros | Catcher | 36 |
| Collin McHugh | Braves | Pitcher | 36 |
| Wade Miley | Brewers | Pitcher | 36 |
| Caleb Thielbar | Twins | Pitcher | 36 |
| Kirby Yates | Braves | Pitcher | 36 |
Evan Longoria’s poise shines in Recreation 1 vs. Brewers
Expertise is vital within the postseason, particularly for a participant like Longoria who’s competing on one of many youngest groups within the 2023 playoffs. It did not take lengthy for his poise to shine via, developing with a game-saving internet gem within the greatest second of the Diamondbacks’ Recreation 1 win over the Brewers.
Main by only one run within the backside of the fifth, Milwaukee had a key alternative to take again the lead. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases with no outs till Arizona’s Ryne Nelson struck out Brice Turang. That introduced Tyrone Taylor to the plate, who already had a two-run house run earlier within the sport.
After a pitching change, Diamondbacks’ Ryan Thompson needed to assault Taylor with a 3-2 depend. Taylor roped a line drive that absolutely would’ve been a game-tying RBI to left subject, however Longoria leaped and in some way made a stab at it earlier than turning a 5-4 double play to catch the aggressive runner on second.
Evan Longoria with a ridiculous catch.
🎥: @MLB pic.twitter.com/0TYHVce9GU
— Sporting Information MLB (@sn_mlb) October 4, 2023
MORE: Craig Counsell says Brewers’ bullpen might be ‘high-quality’ after utilizing 6 relievers in loss to Diamondbacks
That play not solely maintained the Diamondbacks’ lead — it halted all the Brewers’ momentum as Arizona stole the primary sport of a three-game collection when Milwaukee’s ace, Corbin Burnes, was on the hill.
Now, the Diamondbacks are within the driver’s seat with Zac Gallen pitching in Recreation 2 and Merrill Kelly on deck for a possible Recreation 3 as Arizona appears to advance to the NLDS for the primary time since 2017.