Week four has come to a close and three of the five teams in the division have found themselves with a losing record. Washington and Atlanta have been struggling due to their respective pitching problems. Philly and New York stay atop the division for the fourth week in a row. Philly only has a three gamed lead over Washington who is fourth in the division despite their recent struggles. Now lets get to business. Here is this weeks NL East rundown and for those that missed last week’s issue, click here.
Power Rankings
1) Philadelphia Phillies (16-12) (4-3 in the past week) (Last week ranked 1)
The Phillies were unable to add some separation between them and the rest of the pack despite ending the week on a three-game winning streak. The Phillies were able to redeem themselves after they lost another series to the Mets by winning three of four against the Marlins.
In Sunday’s match against Miami, starter Zach Eflin threw the first complete game by a Philly pitcher since 2017. He gave up one run on seven hits, with no walks, and three strikeouts. This is a huge step for Eflin and the Phillies rotation. Philly has an upcoming series against the Tigers who have lost four straight. This is a great opportunity for the Phillies to put some distance between them and the rest of the division.
2) New York Mets (14-13) (3-3 in the past week) (Last week ranked 2)
The Mets started the week off strong as they took two of three against the Phillies. They followed this up by losing two of three against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ace Jacob deGrom returned from the IL, but unfortunately was rocked against the Brew Crew. He only lasted four innings as he gave up five runs on five hits. He also walked three and struck out seven as he fell to 2-3 on the season. To make matters worse, Robinson Cano hurt himself in the series and is now day to day.
3) Atlanta Braves (13-14) (2-4 in the past week) (Last week ranked 3)
Atlanta struggled this week as they lost back to back series against the Reds and Rockies. They have fallen under .500, but are only 2.5 games back of first place.
Josh Donaldson is starting to heat up as he recently hit a three-run homer to help Atlanta beat the Rockies 8-7. In the past week, Donaldson is hitting .318 with two homers and an OPS of 1.127. He can help turn the tide in the division if he continues his re-surge.
4) Washington Nationals (12-14) (2-4 in the past week) (Last week ranked 4)
Washington has lost six of their last 10, but ended the week by walking off the San Diego Padres. Matt Adams hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th to beat the Padres at home 7-6. The Nationals set a record by becoming the first team in MLB history to have three players under 22 all hit a home run in the same game. This was done by Juan Soto, Victor Robles and Carter Kieboom.
Washington’s bullpen has continued to be the teams undoing. If they can find themselves, the Nats will have a great chance of retaking the division.
5) Miami Marlins (8-20) (2-4 in the past week) (Last week ranked 5)
Miami split with the Indians, but followed this up by losing three of four from the Phillies. The highlight of the week occurred in the first game against the Phillies. Sterling Castro hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to lead the Marlins to victory. Miami will be happy with the small victories as they are on a path towards the number one pick in the draft.
NL East Player of the week
Jeff McNeil, New York Mets- This week the 27-year old hit .318, with a homer and two doubles. McNeil is in his first full season after making his debut in and playing 63 games in 2018. He has been promoted to the leadoff spot and is hitting .355 with an OPS of .918. He has been a huge reason the Mets are only 1.5 games out of first place.
Honorable Mentions- Carter Kieboom, Washington Nationals. Josh Donaldson, Atlanta Braves.
Injuries
Miami Marlins- Neil Walker is day to day with hamstring tightness.
New York Mets– Justin Wilson (left elbow soreness) and Robinson Cano (left hand) join Yoenis Cespedes on the IL.
Philadelphia Phillies- Obdubel Herrera (right hamstring strain), Scott Kingerly (right hamstring strain), and David Robertson (right elbow soreness) are all on the 10 day IL.
Washington Nationals- Ryan Zimmerman and Trevor Rosenthal were both added to the 10 day IL for plantar fascitis and a viral infection respectively. Anthony Rendon has missed the past four games with a left elbow contusion. He can rejoin the roster any day now.
Trade Rumors
Nothing new yet. Look for the division to keep in talks with Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel.
Feature Image From Bleacher Report
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