Week five is in the books and the Braves were able to jump over the Mets into second in the division. The Phillies were able to hold off the Braves and stayed in first for another week. Here is this week’s NL East Rundown and for those that missed last week’s issue, click here.
Power Rankings
1) Philadelphia Phillies (19-14) (3-2 in the past week) (Last week ranked 1)
The Phillies were able to win the rubber match against Washington on Sunday, which allowed for them to keep their 1.5 game lead over Atlanta.
Philly took advantage of Washington’s injuries to their offense as well as their disappointing bullpen. Philly scored 13 runs against the Nats bullpen this weekend, which allowed for them to pull out the close games. Rhys Hoskins continued his tear against the Nats as he provided what turned out to be the game-winning three-run home run in the eighth inning on Friday night.
2) Atlanta Braves (18-16) (5-2 in the past week) ( Last week ranked 3)
The Braves have won three straight to help them overtake the Mets for second in the division. They were able to take advantage of a matchup with the Marlins and swept them.
The offense came alive in the series. Ronald Acuna Jr. tied his career high of four hits in the Saturday match up. Ozzie Albies also contributed by smashing a grand slam as they won that game 9-2. With the emergence of pitcher Max Fried, the Braves are in good position to overtake the Phillies.
3) New York Mets (16-18) (2-5 in the past week) ( Last week ranked 5)
The Mets ended the week losing three straight as they were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers. New York lost a heart-breaker in 18 innings on Saturday night. Ryan Braun hit the game-winning single, which happened to be his sixth hit of the night. A career high.
On Sunday Jacob deGrom was hit with déjà-vu. He threw seven shutout innings, as he struck out six, walked two, and gave up only three hits. His offense was unable to provide for him and his team went on to lose. deGrom received a no-decision for his actions.
4) Washington Nationals (14-19) (2-5 in the past week) (Last week ranked 4)
Washington is struggling to stay afloat as the injuries pile up. Matt Adams and Juan Soto were the latest to hit the IL. Michael A. Taylor is also waiting to hear back on his MRI of his left wrist.
Back-up catcher Kurt Suzuki has been the only consistent offensive producer as he homered in each game against the Phillies over the weekend. The biggest being his three-run home run to tie the game on Saturday night at 8-8. Thanks to his two-out heroics, Washington was able to hold on to steal one from their rivals.
The bullpen continues to be a disaster. Over two games Joe Ross and Matt Grace each gave up five runs. A trade for more bullpen help is definitely in the next plan if this team wants to return to the playoffs.
5) Miami Marlins (9-24) (1-4 in the past week) (Last week ranked 5)
The Marlins split a two-game series with the Cleveland Indians but ended the week being swept by the rival Braves. Miami will use the rest of the season to test their young talent and see if any of their veterans can work up some trade value.
NL East Player of the week
Max Fried, Atlanta Braves- The 25-year-old pitcher is having a break out year and dominated in his one start this week. Against the Marlins, he went seven innings, gave up one run on seven hits, walked none, and struck out seven. His ERA for the week was 1.29.
He was able to help his team sweep the Marlins and has started to show indications that he could be the future ace.
Injuries
Atlanta- Ronald Acuna Jr. is day-to-day after leaving the game earlier on Saturday with back tightness.
New York– Jason Vargas departed the game early on Sunday with left hamstring tightness. There is no time table yet for his return.
Steven Matz is still day-to-day and the results from his Sunday re-evaluation on his left forearm were not out yet when this was written.
Washington- The Nationals can’t seem to catch a break. Matt Adams and Juan Soto were both added to the 10 day IL. They join Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman on the 10 day IL. Trea Turner is also on the IL as he is recovering from his broken finger.
Trade Rumors
One of these teams needs to go out and sign Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel.
Philly, New York, Atlanta, and Washington can all use bullpen help. A trade from any of these four teams for a reliever would not be surprising.
Feature Image From Bleacher Report
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