September started with a flurry of promotions. After a successful stint at AAA as a SP, Magnifico was brought back to the majors, but as a reliever. Other call-ups included RP Crowe, C Trees, 3B Mendoza, SS Justus, SS Mountcastle, CF Plummer, and RF Medina. None of these players project for significant playing time or impact.
To open the month, the Expos split a two game series with Oakland and won only 1 of 4 against Arizona. After the Arizona series, Ceciliani received a 5 week injury diagnosis and I activated CF Lewis.
Next, the Expos won 1 of 4 against San Diego, 1 of 3 against St. Louis, 1 of 4 against the Cubs, and lost a rescheduled game against the A's. At this point, I lost CF Lewis to the DL again, this time with a 5-6 week injury.
The Expos proceeded to win 2 of 3 versus the Nationals, 1 of 3 against the Phillies, 2 of 4 against the Mets, and 2 of 3 versus the Pirates.
This put my September record at 12-19.
1B Rincon continued his hot streak and SS Massey continued his great season. Both were my top hitters in September. Massey led the team with 18 R while Rincon led the way with 8 HR and 22 RBI in the month.
While 2B Drury struggled notably in September, the rest of his season was strong enough that I would be surprised if he accepts the qualifying offer I plan to extend to him.
Of my starting pitchers, Paddack put up the best September, and I hope this is a preview of what I can expect from him next year. As the key piece in my only trade deadline deal, he looks to be a solid pickup.
Otherwise, there were a few strong bullpen performers, but not much else to write home about as it was a disappointing month overall.
Next up is a recap of the Expos' 2023 season...