Predicting the Pitching Staffs for All 30 MLB Teams on September 1

The month of September is right around the corner, and with it comes a bevy of call-ups in the MLB as rosters expand for the season's final month.

Most late-season call-ups are minor league veterans on the 40-man roster who have been up and down at different points throughout the season. However, there's also usually a handful of top prospects who get their first taste of big league action in September.

Pitchers tend to make up the majority of call-ups, and some wind up seeing significant action as they audition for a spot on next year's staff.

What follows are my predictions for what all 30 MLB pitching staffs will look like come September 1. I've given my projected rotation, six key relievers for each team and then some analysis on the staff as a whole.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Patrick Corbin
2. LHP Wade Miley
3. RHP Brandon McCarthy
4. RHP Randall Delgado
5. RHP Trevor Cahill

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Archie Bradley (September call-up)
MR: LHP Joe Thatcher
MR: RHP Will Harris
SU: RHP Heath Bell
SU: RHP J.J. Putz
CL: RHP Brad Ziegler

Pitching Staff Analysis

The emergence of Patrick Corbin as one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball has helped offset some injuries and inconsistency in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation this year. The back end of the bullpen has been shaky, but Brad Ziegler appears to have locked down the closer job.

Archie Bradley is one of the best arms in minor league baseball. The 21-year-old has gone 11-5 with a 1.84 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 136.2 innings between High-A and Double-A this year. He will likely get a crack at winning a rotation spot next year, and a late-season audition would certainly make sense.

Atlanta Braves

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Mike Minor
2. RHP Kris Medlen
3. RHP Julio Teheran
4. LHP Alex Wood
5. RHP Brandon Beachy

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP Paul Maholm
MR: RHP David Carpenter
MR: LHP Luis Avilan
SU: RHP Jordan Walden
SU: LHP Scott Downs
CL: RHP Craig Kimbrel

Pitching Staff Analysis

The young trio of Mike Minor, Kris Medlen and Julio Teheran look to be rock solid atop the Braves' rotation. Rookie Alex Wood has been great since moving to the rotation as well, and Brandon Beachy is rounding into form as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Even with the losses of Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters early in the season, the bullpen has again been one of the best in all of baseball this year. Scott Downs was a nice pickup at the deadline, and the one-two punch of Jordan Walden and Craig Kimbrel have shortened a lot of games this year.

Baltimore Orioles

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Chris Tillman
2. LHP Wei-Yin Chen
3. RHP Bud Norris
4. RHP Scott Feldman
5. LHP Miguel Gonzalez

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Kevin Gausman (September call-up)
MR: RHP Tommy Hunter
MR: LHP Brian Matusz
SU: RHP Francisco Rodriguez
SU: RHP Darren O'Day
CL: RHP Jim Johnson

Pitching Staff Analysis

Starting pitching has once again been a question mark in Baltimore this year. The duo of Chris Tillman and Wei-Yin Chen have pitched well all season, but the rest of the staff has been inconsistent. Still, the acquisitions of Bud Norris and Scott Feldman in July have helped improve that area, and Kevin Gausman could rejoin the rotation for the stretch run if Miguel Gonzalez continues to struggle.

The bullpen has not been as strong this year, with Jim Johnson blowing an MLB-high nine saves in 48 appearance.

Pitching will be what decides whether or not the Orioles make the postseason, and while their deadline additions have helped, only time will tell if that's enough.

Boston Red Sox

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Jon Lester
2. RHP Jake Peavy
3. RHP John Lackey
4. RHP Felix Doubront
5. RHP Ryan Dempster

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Allen Webster (September call-up)
MR: RHP Jose De La Torre (September call-up)
MR: LHP Matt Thornton
SU: RHP Junichi Tazawa
SU: LHP Craig Breslow
CL: RHP Koji Uehara

Pitching Staff Analysis

It's looking more and more like the Red Sox will have to plan on being without Clay Buchholz and consider his return a bonus, rather than planning on having him for the stretch run. That makes the pickup of Jake Peavy and improvement of Jon Lester all the more important.

Meanwhile, veteran Ryan Dempster has struggled to the point that the team may need to consider going with Brandon Workman or Allen Webster in that spot if it continues.

The bullpen has improved throughout the season, with Koji Uehara stepping up a the closer, and the return of Matt Thornton from injury will help as well.

Chicago Cubs

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Travis Wood
2. RHP Jeff Samardzija
3. RHP Edwin Jackson
4. RHP Jake Arrieta
5. RHP Scott Baker (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Justin Grimm (September call-up)
MR: RHP Alberto Cabrera (September call-up)
MR: RHP Blake Parker
SU: LHP James Russell
SU: RHP Pedro Strop
CL: RHP Kevin Gregg

Pitching Staff Analysis

With the traders of Matt Garza and Scott Feldman, the Cubs' rotation looks different than it did when the season started, and they'll likely use the rest of the season to get a long look at former Orioles Opening Day starter Jake Arrieta. Offseason acquisition Scott Baker should also make his Cubs debut at some point, just in time to hit free agency again.

The bullpen is a question mark moving forward, with little in the way of long-term pieces in place. Blake Parker has pitched well and Pedro Strop still has impact potential, but the bullpen will likely be used to take a look at some minor league arms down the stretch.

Chicago White Sox

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Chris Sale
2. LHP Jose Quintana
3. LHP John Danks
4. LHP Hector Santiago
5. RHP Andre Rienzo

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Erik Johnson (September call-up)
MR: LHP David Purcey
MR: RHP Dylan Axelrod
SU: LHP Donnie Veal
SU: RHP Nathan Jones
CL: RHP Addison Reed

Pitching Staff Analysis

The White Sox appear to be headed for a rebuilding stretch. While they don't have many big league chips to build around, ace Chris Sale is undoubtedly one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball. Jose Quintana and Hector Santiago have both also pitched well, and Brazilian-born Andre Rienzo has shown flashes as well.

Erik Johnson is the team's top pitching prospect, and given the year he's having between Double-A and Triple-A, the 23-year-old has earned a call-up. He'll likely pitch out of the bullpen, a 'pen that has been anchored by one of the game's best young relievers in Addison Reed, who should continue to improve moving forward. Along with Nathan Jones, the team has a solid late-inning duo.

Cincinnati Reds

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Mat Latos
2. RHP Bronson Arroyo
3. RHP Homer Bailey
4. RHP Mike Leake
5. LHP Tony Cingrani

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Alfredo Simon
MR: RHP Sam LeCure
MR: LHP Manny Parra 
SU: RHP Jonathan Broxton
SU: RHP J.J. Hoover
CL: LHP Aroldis Chapman

Pitching Staff Analysis

Losing a pitcher like Johnny Cueto would have been a dagger to most teams, but the Reds have managed to overcome it this year thanks to the surprise performance of Mike Leake and the impressive rookie campaign of Tony Cingrani.

The bullpen, meanwhile, recently got back a key arm in Jonathan Broxton. While the 'pen has had its ups and downs this year, it looks to be solid heading into the stretch run. Flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman remains one of the most overpowering arms in the game and is enjoying a solid rookie campaign.

Cleveland Indians

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Justin Masterson
2. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
3. RHP Zach McAllister
4. LHP Scott Kazmir
5. RHP Danny Salazar

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Josh Tomlin (September call-up)
MR: RHP Bryan Shaw
MR: LHP Marc Rzepczynski
SU: RHP Cody Allen
SU: RHP Joe Smith
CL: RHP Chris Perez

Pitching Staff Analysis

Pitching was a big question mark for the Indians entering the season, but the starting rotation has rounded into form, led by breakout ace Justin Masterson. Zach McAllister and the injured Corey Kluber have also pitched well, while Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir have both pitched like their former selves at times.

Josh Tomlin is roughly a year removed from Tommy John surgery and should return for the season's final month. While closer Chris Perez has been shaky at times, the young duo of Joe Smith and Cody Allen have been great in setup roles and deadline acquisition Marc Rzepczynski has given the team the left-hander it sorely needed.

Colorado Rockies

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jhoulys Chacin
2. LHP Jorge De La Rosa
3. RHP Juan Nicasio
4. RHP Chad Bettis
5. RHP Eddie Butler (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP Jeff Francis
MR: LHP Josh Outman
MR: RHP Wilton Lopez
SU: RHP Matt Belisle
SU: LHP Rex Brothers
CL: RHP Rafael Betancourt

Pitching Staff Analysis

Once again this season, the Rockies have been unable to come up with enough pitching to back their potent offense, but their staff has no doubt been improved over last year. Healthy seasons from Jhoulys Chacin and Jorge De La Rosa have given the team a pair of solid starters, and top prospect Eddie Butler could get a look this September as well.

Veteran closer Rafael Betancourt has been solid once again this season, but young left-hander Rex Brothers looks like the future at that position.

The bullpen as a whole has been improved, and the pitching staff in general looks to be headed in the right direction.

Detroit Tigers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Justin Verlander
2. RHP Max Scherzer
3. RHP Anibal Sanchez
4. RHP Doug Fister
5. RHP Rick Porcello

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Jeremy Bonderman
MR: RHP Bruce Rondon
MR: LHP Phil Coke
SU: RHP Jose Veras
SU: LHP Drew Smyly
CL: RHP Joaquin Benoit

Pitching Staff Analysis

There may be no team in baseball with more starting pitching depth than the Tigers. Max Scherzer is among the front-runners for AL Cy Young, while the rest of the staff is all capable of pitching like frontline guys when they're at their best.

The bullpen was a major issue early on, but Joaquin Benoit has been lights-out in the closer's role since taking over. Drew Smyly is among the more reliable left-handed relievers in the game, while Jose Veras was a big deadline acquisition to step into Benoit's eighth-inning role.

Houston Astros

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Erik Bedard
2. RHP Jarred Cosart
3. LHP Brett Oberholtzer
4. RHP Brad Peacock
5. RHP Asher Wojciechowski (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Jordan Lyles
MR: RHP Jason Stoffel (September call-up)
MR: RHP Josh Zeid
SU: LHP Kevin Chapman
SU: RHP Chia-Jen Lo
CL: RHP Josh Fields

Pitching Staff Analysis

The Astros continue their full-scale rebuild, and with the trade of veteran ace Bud Norris at the deadline, their rotation is awfully thin on experience at this point. Rookies Jarred Cosart and Brett Oberholtzer have both impressed since being called up, and prospect Asher Wojciechowski could be the next in line to join the rotation this September.

Closer Jose Veras was traded at the deadline, and in his absence, Rule 5 pick Josh Fields has stepped into the lead role in a closer-by-committee. Perhaps the brightest spot in the bullpen, though, is left-hander Kevin Chapman, who was acquired from the Royals in March of 2012 and has closer experience dating back to his time at the University of Florida.

Kansas City Royals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP James Shields
2. RHP Ervin Santana
3. RHP Jeremy Guthrie
4. LHP Bruce Chen
5. RHP Wade Davis

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Yordano Ventura (September call-up)
MR: RHP Kelvin Herrera
MR: RHP Luke Hochevar
SU: LHP Tim Collins
SU: RHP Aaron Crow
CL: RHP Greg Holland

Pitching Staff Analysis

The Royals moved aggressively in the offseason to acquire James Shields and Wade Davis from the Rays for a package of prospects built around slugger Wil Myers. Those pickups, alongside the free-agent signing of Ervin Santana and the re-signing Jeremy Guthrie, have led to a vastly improved Royals starting rotation this year.

The biggest surprise this year has been closer Greg Holland, who is in his first full season in the ninth-inning role and has been nothing short of dominant this year. The bullpen as a whole is impressive once again this year, and former No. 1 pick Luke Hochevar has been a pleasant surprise as well.

Los Angeles Angels

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jered Weaver
2. LHP C.J. Wilson
3. RHP Garrett Richards
4. LHP Jason Vargas
5. RHP Tommy Hanson (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Jerome Williams
MR: LHP Nick Maronde (September call-up)
MR: RHP Dane De La Rosa
SU: RHP Michael Kohn
SU: RHP Kevin Jepsen
CL: RHP Ernesto Frieri

Pitching Staff Analysis

Few teams have been as disappointing as the Angels this season. Their retooled pitching staff behind Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson has a big reason for their struggles. Garrett Richards looks like a solid arm moving forward, but the team will need to address the rotation once again this offseason.

The bullpen has been at least as shaky as the rotation, as closer Ernesto Frieri has not been as impressive as last season, and their best setup arm in Scott Downs is now in Atlanta. There are some solid young arms that could emerge as viable options moving forward, but as a whole, the Angels pitching staff is a mess.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Clayton Kershaw
2. RHP Zack Greinke
3. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
4. RHP Ricky Nolasco
5. RHP Stephen Fife (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP Chris Capuano
MR: RHP Brian Wilson
MR: RHP Chris Withrow
SU: RHP Ronald Belisario
SU: LHP Paco Rodriguez
CL: RHP Kenley Jansen

Pitching Staff Analysis

It took some time for everything to fall into place, but now that it has, the Dodgers look to have all the pieces to make some serious noise come October. The trio of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu should be formidable in the postseason, and Ricky Nolasco has been a fantastic deadline pickup.

Figuring out the No. 5 starter spot remains an issue, with Stephen Fife looking like the best option, but that's really not all that big of an issue in the grand scheme of things. Kenley Jansen remains one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball, while Paco Rodriguez has been a breakout star in a setup role. The wild card here is Brian Wilson, who could be a solid addition if he's anywhere near what he once was.

Miami Marlins

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jose Fernandez
2. RHP Jacob Turner
3. RHP Nathan Eovaldi
4. LHP Henderson Alvarez
5. LHP Andrew Heaney (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Tom Koehler
MR: LHP Brian Flynn (September call-up)
MR: RHP Chad Qualls
SU: LHP Michael Dunn
SU: RHP Ryan Webb
CL: RHP Steve Cishek

Pitching Staff Analysis

For as bad as the Marlins have been this season as a whole, their young pitching gives fans plenty of hope for the future. The most impressive of the bunch has no doubt been 21-year-old Jose Fernandez, but the performances of Jacob Turner and Nathan Eovaldi have been promising as well.

The team opted to hold onto bullpen arms Ryan Webb and Michael Dunn at the deadline, and alongside Steve Cishek, the back end of the 'pen has some experience. Prospects Andrew Heaney and Brian Flynn could see a September call-up, only adding to the bumper crop of young talent.

Milwaukee Brewers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Yovani Gallardo
2. RHP Kyle Lohse
3. RHP Wily Peralta
4. RHP Marco Estrada
5. RHP Johnny Hellweg (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Jimmy Nelson (September call-up)
MR: RHP Robert Wooten
MR: RHP Burke Badenhop
SU: RHP John Axford
SU: RHP Brandon Kintzler
CL: RHP Jim Henderson

Pitching Staff Analysis

A year ago, it was a shaky bullpen that kept a Brewers team that boasted the highest-scoring offense in the National League from reaching the postseason. This year, it's been the starting pitching, as Kyle Lohse is the only pitcher to make more than 10 starts and have an ERA under 4.50. The team will likely use the final month to evaluate its young arms and decide what it has to work with for next year.

While the bullpen has been improved, it could use an overhaul this offseason nonetheless. It's clear that John Axford is no longer closer material, and offseason addition Mike Gonzalez has been terrible of late. Rookie closer Jim Henderson has been a bright spot, but he's also older than your average rookie at 30.

Minnesota Twins

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Samuel Deduno
2. LHP Andrew Albers
3. RHP Kevin Correia
4. RHP Mike Pelfrey
5. RHP Trevor May (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Anthony Swarzak
MR: LHP Brian Duensing
MR: RHP Josh Roenicke
SU: RHP Casey Fien
SU: RHP Jared Burton
CL: LHP Glen Perkins

Pitching Staff Analysis

Despite adding a trio of starters in the offseason, the Twins' rotation has been terrible once again this season. Something more than band-aid arms like Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey will need to be signed if they hope to return to contention. World Baseball Classic hero Samuel Deduno has been the team's best starter since being called up, and top prospect Trevor May could get a look this September.

The bullpen has benefited greatly from the play of All-Star closer Glen Perkins, a career setup man who has thrived in his first full season in the ninth-inning role. The young duo of Casey Fien and Jared Burton also look like solid pieces of the puzzle, but the team still has a lot of work to do on the pitching side of things as a whole.

New York Mets

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Matt Harvey
2. RHP Dillon Gee
3. RHP Zack Wheeler
4. LHP Jon Niese
5. RHP Jacob deGrom (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Carlos Torres
MR: LHP Robert Carson (September call-up)
MR: RHP Gonzalez Germen
SU: LHP Scott Rice
SU: RHP Scott Atchison
CL: RHP LaTroy Hawkins

Pitching Staff Analysis

Regardless of what record the Mets finish 2013 with, this season has brought about plenty of optimism, thanks in large part to the starting rotation. Matt Harvey has joined the ranks of the game's elite arms in his first full season, Zack Wheeler has held his own since being called up and Dillon Gee has been a solid arm.

While Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero remain the team's top pitching prospects, it could be Jacob deGrom who gets a chance at cracking the rotation in September.

The bullpen still needs a lot of work, though closer Bobby Parnell has had a solid season when he's not injured. Minor league journeyman Scott Rice finally got his big league chance at 31, and he's been turned to early and often, leading the MLB in appearances with 65.

New York Yankees

Starting Rotation

1. LHP CC Sabathia
2. RHP Hiroki Kuroda
3. LHP Andy Pettitte
4. RHP Ivan Nova
5. RHP Phil Hughes

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP Nik Turley (September call-up)
MR: RHP Joba Chamberlain
MR: RHP Shawn Kelley
SU: LHP Boone Logan
SU: RHP David Robertson
CL: RHP Mariano Rivera

Pitching Staff Analysis

With CC Sabathia not pitching like his usual dominant self and the rest of the rotation already something of a question mark entering the season, the performance of Hiroki Kuroda this year has been all the more valuable. Phil Hughes will likely be let go in free agency, and Andy Pettitte may final call it a career, so the Yankees' rotation could be headed for some big changes in the offseason.

A number of Yankees pitching prospects have flopped of late, but 2008 50th-round pick Nik Turley looks like he could make a genuine impact and should get a chance this September. Legendary closer Mariano Rivera is set to hang it up at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see how the team decides to fill that void.

Oakland Athletics

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jarrod Parker
2. RHP A.J. Griffin
3. LHP Tommy Milone
4. RHP Daniel Straily
5. RHP Sonny Gray

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP Brett Anderson (September call-up)
MR: LHP Jerry Blevins
MR: RHP Pat Neshek
SU: LHP Sean Doolittle
SU: RHP Ryan Cook
CL: RHP Grant Balfour

Pitching Staff Analysis

The A's young rotation has once again been a strength of the team.

Top prospect Sonny Gray looks like just another in a line of great pitching prospects to come through the A's system or be acquired via trade. That said, it's been 40-year-old Bartolo Colon who has led the staff, and they'll need him to recover quickly from a strained groin that landed him on the DL.

The bullpen has been fantastic, with the trio of Sean Doolittle, Ryan Cook and Grant Balfour all among the best late-inning arms in the game. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Opening Day starter Brett Anderson can have out of the 'pen after being sidelined since April 30 with a stress fracture in his foot.

Philadelphia Phillies

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Cliff Lee
2. LHP Cole Hamels
3. RHP Kyle Kendrick
4. RHP Jonathan Pettibone
5. RHP Ethan Martin

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Tyler Cloyd
MR: LHP Adam Morgan (September call-up)
MR: RHP Zach Miner
SU: LHP Jake Diekman
SU: RHP Justin De Fratus
CL: RHP Jonathan Papelbon

Pitching Staff Analysis

The Phillies' once-dominant pitching staff is a shell of what it once was, through veteran ace Cliff Lee remains one of the best in the business. Cole Hamels is having the worst season of his career after signing a massive extension last year, and Kyle Kendrick has fallen off quite a bit after a terrific start. Youngsters Ethan Martin and Jonathan Pettibone will get every chance to show they belong in the 2014 rotation down the stretch.

The team is still on the hook for $26 million over the next two years for Jonathan Papelbon in what was an ill-advised move, to say the least. The Phils do have some promising young arms, though, that could make an impact long-term, led by 25-year-old setup man Justin De Fratus.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Starting Rotation

1. RHP A.J. Burnett
2. LHP Francisco Liriano
3. RHP Gerrit Cole
4. LHP Jeff Locke
5. RHP Charlie Morton

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Jameson Taillon (September call-up)
MR: LHP Justin Wilson
MR: RHP Bryan Morris
SU: LHP Tony Watson
SU: RHP Mark Melancon
CL: RHP Jason Grilli

Pitching Staff Analysis

A more consistent pitching staff deserves as much credit for the Pirates' play this season as their improved offense does, and the unexpected contributions of Jeff Locke and Francisco Liriano have given the team a huge boost. Top pitching prospect Gerrit Cole has looked great just two years after going No. 1 overall, and fellow prized young arm Jameson Taillon could join him in the majors come September.

Trading All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan actually improved the bullpen significantly, as Jason Grilli was fantastic in the closer role before getting injured. Meanwhile, trade pickup Mark Melancon has been amazing as well. The rest of the bullpen have all settled into their respective roles, and with a 2.82 ERA, the Pirates rank as the No. 2 'pen in the NL behind Atlanta.

San Diego Padres

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Ian Kennedy
2. LHP Eric Stults
3. RHP Andrew Cashner
4. LHP Tyson Ross
5. RHP Edinson Volquez

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Burch Smith (September call-up)
MR: RHP Nick Vincent
MR: LHP Tom Layne (September call-up)
SU: RHP Dale Thayer
SU: RHP Luke Gregerson
CL: RHP Huston Street

Pitching Staff Analysis

A team on the rise with one of the deeper farm systems in baseball, the Padres' lack of frontline starting pitching has been the biggest thing holding them back this season. They bought low on former Diamondbacks ace Ian Kennedy at the deadline in hopes he would return to form, but look for them to aggressively pursue another top starter on the free-agent market.

The bullpen is not as dominant as it has been the past several years, but there is still plenty of talent there. Setup man Luke Gregerson has been brought up in trade discussions over the past year and may be moved this offseason, but the Padres no doubt have more pressing concerns than relief pitching right now.

San Francisco Giants

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Matt Cain
2. LHP Madison Bumgarner
3. RHP Tim Lincecum
4. RHP Ryan Vogelsong
5. RHP Chad Gaudin

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Guillermo Moscoso
MR: RHP Heath Hembree (September call-up)
MR: RHP Sandy Rosario
SU: LHP Javier Lopez
SU: RHP Santiago Casilla
CL: RHP Sergio Romo

Pitching Staff Analysis

Dominant pitching has been the hallmark of the Giants' recent run of success, but it simply has not been there this year, and they find themselves in a last-place battle with the Padres as a result. Madison Bumgarner continues to climb the ranks of the game's elite, but Matt Cain has not lived up to his massive extension, and the rest of the staff has been hit and miss at best. 

The bullpen is still one of the best around, though, with Sergio Romo locking down the ninth-inning role in his first full year as closer and Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez again among the best setup men around. The Giants could take a look at prospect Heath Hembree in September, though he's having a somewhat disappointing season. 

Seattle Mariners

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Felix Hernandez
2. RHP Hisashi Iwakuma
3. LHP Joe Saunders
4. RHP Erasmo Ramirez
5. RHP Taijuan Walker

Notable Relievers

LR: LHP James Paxton (September call-up)
MR: LHP Oliver Perez
MR: RHP Carter Capps
SU: LHP Charlie Furbush
SU: RHP Yoervis Medina
CL: RHP Danny Farquhar

Pitching Staff Analysis

The duo of Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma atop the Mariners staff has been as good as any in baseball this year, and veteran Joe Saunders has been a nice low-cost pickup to eat innings in the middle of the staff. Taijuan Walker, viewed by some as the best pitching prospect in baseball right now, will likely get a look come September, and James Paxton could get the call as well in an attempt to earn a rotation spot in 2014.

The bullpen has been all over the place this year, however. Yoervis Medina has really been the only bullpen arm that has pitched well all season. But Danny Farquhar has shown some potential since taking over the ninth inning role from demoted Tom Wilhelmsen, and he could wind up as the long-term answer at closer.

St. Louis Cardinals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Adam Wainwright
2. RHP Lance Lynn
3. RHP Shelby Miller
4. RHP Joe Kelly
5. RHP Jake Westbrook

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Michael Wacha
MR: LHP Kevin Siegrist
MR: RHP Seth Maness
SU: LHP Randy Choate
SU: RHP Trevor Rosenthal
CL: RHP Edward Mujica

Pitching Staff Analysis

Not many teams could overcome losing Kyle Lohse, Chris Carpenter and Jaime Garcia, but the Cardinals have done just that this season. Adam Wainwright is all the way back to his pre-Tommy John form, and the young trio of Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly have all pitched great. Top prospects Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez will pitch out of the bullpen down the stretch, but their future is in the rotation.

Edward Mujica stepped up big when the closer role looked like it would be a gaping hole, and he's been flanked by a handful of promising young relief arms. Trevor Rosenthal looks like the future at closer, while Kevin Siegrist and Seth Maness are both under 25 and pitching like veterans.

Tampa Bay Rays

Starting Rotation

1. LHP David Price
2. LHP Matt Moore
3. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
4. RHP Chris Archer
5. RHP Alex Cobb

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Roberto Hernandez
MR: LHP Enny Romero (September call-up)
MR: LHP Alex Torres
SU: RHP Joel Peralta
SU: LHP Jake McGee
CL: RHP Fernando Rodney

Pitching Staff Analysis

After trading workhorse James Shields in the offseason, the Rays' starting rotation struggled mightily early on, but it has rounded into form since and again ranks among the best in baseball. David Price has again pitched like an ace since returning from the DL, rookie Chris Archer has stepped up big and Matt Moore has taken the next step.

The bullpen has not been as good as last season, but it remains solid. Fernando Rodney was bound to suffer some regression after his phenomenal 2012, and the one-two punch of Jake McGee and Joel Peralta in the setup role is rock solid. Top prospect Enny Romero could give the bullpen a boost in September as well.

Texas Rangers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Yu Darvish
2. LHP Derek Holland
3. RHP Matt Garza
4. RHP Alexi Ogando
5. LHP Martin Perez

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Ross Wolf
MR: RHP Wilmer Font (September call-up)
MR: RHP Jason Frasor
SU: LHP Neal Cotts
SU: RHP Tanner Scheppers
CL: RHP Joe Nathan

Pitching Staff Analysis

Starting pitching has been a question mark in Texas for much of the season, but the Rangers look to have five solid arms for the stretch run. Yu Darvish and Derek Holland have been terrific all season, and with a healthy Alexi Ogando and deadline acquisition Matt Garza following them, the team looks to be in good shape for a postseason series.

Veteran closer Joe Nathan is one of the best of all time, and he's having another fantastic season. It's the setup roles that have been the most pleasant surprise, though, as second-year man Tanner Scheppers and minor league free-agent signing Neal Cotts have been lights-out.

Toronto Blue Jays

Starting Rotation

1. RHP R.A. Dickey
2. LHP Mark Buehrle
3. RHP Todd Redmond
4. LHP J.A. Happ
5. LHP Sean Nolin (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Esmil Rogers
MR: LHP Brett Cecil
MR: RHP Marcus Stroman (September call-up)
SU: LHP Aaron Loup
SU: RHP Steve Delabar
CL: RHP Casey Janssen

Pitching Staff Analysis

It's hard to point the finger in any one specific direction as far as blaming someone for the Blue Jays' disappointing season, but the starting rotation is a good place to start. R.A. Dickey has been a league-average starter at best, Josh Johnson has been a disaster and even the always-steady Mark Buehrle has struggled.

The bullpen was a strength in the first half, but All-Star relievers Brett Cecil and Steve Delabar have both struggled since the All-Star break. Veteran Casey Janssen has held down the closer job well once again this season, but top prospect Marcus Stroman may be auditioning for that job come September. 

Washington Nationals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Stephen Strasburg
2. LHP Gio Gonzalez
3. RHP Jordan Zimmermann
4. RHP Dan Haren
5. RHP Nathan Karns (September call-up)

Notable Relievers

LR: RHP Tanner Roark
MR: RHP Aaron Barrett (September call-up)
MR: LHP Ian Krol
SU: RHP Craig Stammen
SU: RHP Tyler Clippard
CL: RHP Rafael Soriano

Pitching Staff Analysis

The Nationals have been a huge disappointment this season. While their offense has been the biggest reason for that, the pitching staff has not been as dominant as expected either. The trio of Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann has pitched well, but the rest of the rotation has been an issue.

Rafael Soriano has done fine in his first season in Washington, but former closer of the future Drew Storen has fallen off greatly and, long-term, the ninth-inning job could belong to prospect Aaron Barrett. If nothing else, Tyler Clippard remains one of the game's elite setup men.