Former River Cats take over MLB Postseason 

The playoffs begin Friday, Oct. 7 with 12 teams fighting to be the last one standing.

In the American League, the Houston Astros (No. 1 seed) and New York Yankees (No. 2 seed) have first-round byes. Houston will take on the winner of the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, while New York will play the victor between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians.

Houston has two past Sacramento players. Lefty Will Smith, pitched 5.2 scoreless rehab innings for Sacramento in 2018. Utility player Maurcio Dubón was a fan-favorite while playing at Sutter Health Park, hitting .329 with 64 runs, 17 doubles, 12 homers, and 40 RBIs in 88 games.

The Yankees boast one of the most famous River Cats alumni in MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson. Donaldson played 252 games for Sacramento from 2010-2012, totaling 169 runs, 54 doubles, 48 homers, and 182 RBIs.

Seattle rounds out the American League representatives with catcher Curt Casali, who played three rehab games for the River Cats in 2022 before being traded for current Sacramento righty Michael Stryffeler and other prospects.

On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 1 seed) and the defending-champion Atlanta Braves (No. 2 seed) await their opponents. The Dodgers will face either the San Diego Padres or New York Mets. The Braves will be opposed by the Philadelphia Phillies or St. Louis Cardinals.

Atlanta leads the way with five former River Cats, albeit two are injured. Catcher Chadwick Tromp (2021) and outfielder Adam Duvall (2015) are currently on the injured list.

Likely to see action out of the bullpen are right-handers Jesse Chavez (2012-2013) and Silvino Bracho (2021). Bracho led the River Cats with eight saves last season, while Chavez posted a 2.48 ERA in 40.0 frames during his Sacramento career.

Utility infielder Ehire Adrianza will try to help Atlanta defend its crown. Adrianza played in 2015 and 2016 for Sacramento, totaling 22 runs, eight doubles, four homers, and 18 RBIs in 52 games.

Philadelphia lefty Michael Plassmeyer, who opened the season in Sacramento’s rotation, could be a key arm out of the Phillies’ bullpen. He has a 3.68 ERA and seven strikeouts in 7.1 innings for Philadelphia this season.

Longtime River Cats right-hander Chris Stratton will help the Cardinals’ bullpen. Stratton totaled 23 wins, 327.0 innings, and 270 strikeouts in 57 games for Sacramento from 2015-2018.

Righty Pierce Johnson, another 2018 River Cat, will be one of San Diego’s late-inning arms. Johnson posted a 3.57 ERA, four saves, 30 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP in 22.2 innings for Sacramento.

Cheer on your favorite former Sacramento players throughout the postseason, and engage with us on Twitter @rivercats.