Photo:Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire

Of the 12 teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today, 4 rank in the bottom 10 in Defensive Runs Saved.

This is more teams than 2022 (1) and 2023 (2) combined. The Phillies, who were bottom 10 in each of the previous two seasons, are not among them, as they rank 15th. But let’s take a quick look at those who are in that bottom 10 group.

Orioles (21st, -1 Runs Saved)

The Orioles have totaled their most negative Runs Saved at second base, third base, center field and right field.

Third base has been a problem spot injury wise, with both Jordan Westburg and Luis Urias out, though both could return soon. Westburg (0 Runs Saved in 67 games there) could solve their issues. Second base will likely be manned by Jackson Holliday (-2 Runs Saved in a small sample) or Westburg (-6).

In center field and right field, they’re locked in with Cedric Mullins (-3) and Anthony Santander (-6). Mullins has a track record of reliability (12 Runs Saved in 2022 and 2023 combined). Santander’s 41 home runs outweigh any defensive shortcomings he has.

Astros (22nd, -6 Runs Saved)

The right side of the Astros infield has cost the team 20 runs with its defense this season. This is the third straight season that second baseman Jose Altuve (-10 Runs Saved) has struggled in the field, though his bat certainly offsets some of those issues.

At first base, Jon Singleton’s first season as a full-time starter has been a below-average one, as he currently stands at -7 Runs Saved. Houston doesn’t have many alternatives to choose from.

Twins (23rd, -7 Runs Saved)

Byron Buxton’s return from the injured list on Friday alleviates one potential problem for the Twins. Buxton has 4 Runs Saved in center field this season. The others who have played center field for the Twins have combined for -13. So if Buxton is healthy and able to play there, that fixes one of their biggest concerns.

Middle infield is the other statistical trouble spot. The Twins are tied for last in Defensive Runs Saved at 2nd base (-13 Runs Saved, split between Edouard Julien, Willi Castro, and Kyle Farmer). They also rank among the worst teams at shortstop (-10), though Brooks Lee has been formidable in a small sample in Carlos Correa’s absence. Correa, who may be returning soon, has a great track record though his numbers this season don’t reflect that (-1 Runs Saved).

Padres (25th, -22 Runs Saved)

The Padres may actually have just fixed their most notable defensive issue by sending catcher Luis Campusano, who ranked last among MLB catchers with -15 Runs Saved, to the minor leagues. For now they’ll go with Kyle Higashioka, who has graded out average or better defensively throughout his career, and Elias Díaz, who has had one of the best defensive seasons of his career (5 Runs Saved).

The next-biggest defensive issue is left field where Jurickson Profar has -9 Runs Saved. Fellow outfielders Jackson Merrill (-2) and Fernando Tatis (-2) also haven’t matched up well with their positional peers. The Padres will live with this and hope that the bats do more damage than their defense brings about for them.

Fewest Defensive Runs Saved – Teams (2024 Season)