NL East Roundup: Mets Regain Three Game Lead
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets’ lead at the top of the division slipped to a 0.5 game following their 2-1 against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night. Since then, the team has won three straight against two potential playoff teams, helping them increase their lead over the Atlanta Braves to three games.
Let’s take a peek at how the National League East division looks on July 28.
New York Mets (61-37)
Last 10: 7-3
Who’s Hot: Pete Alonso, 1B
The Mets cleanup hitter is off to an excellent start in the second half, putting up great numbers in each of the last two series. Alonso is 11-for-24 with an 1.385 OPS over his last seven games, including two home runs and eight runs batted in.
Who’s Not: Brandon Nimmo, OF
The 29-year-old is having a tough time at the plate right now, as Nimmo is just 5-for-30 over his last seven games. He has only earned one walk and struck out six times during the span, numbers that the center fielder is not used to.
Injury News
Jacob deGrom will potentially make his season debut sometime next week after pitching four innings in his final rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. The right-hander has not pitched in the majors since July 7, 2021, against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Atlanta Braves (59-41, 3.0 GB)
Last 1o: 6-4
Who’s Hot: Austin Riley, 3B
The right-handed slugger is maybe the hottest hitter in baseball at the moment, slashing .400/.438/.850 with seven home runs over the last 15 games. Riley leads the team in OPS at .945 and wRC+ at 158 in 384 at-bats this season.
Who’s Not: Ronald Acuña Jr., OF
The 24-year-old outfielder is in the midst of a slump, as he is slashing .197/.300/.279 over the last 15 games. Acuña Jr. is down to a .755 OPS in 64 games this season.
Injury News
Relief pitcher Kirby Yates is nearing a return to the big leagues, as the right-hander had his rehab assignment moved to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this week. Outfielder Adam Duvall is set to undergo season-ending left wrist surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath.
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Philadelphia Phillies (51-47, 10.0 GB)
Last 10: 5-5
Who’s Hot: Alec Bohm, 3B/DH
The 2018 first-round pick has been swinging a hot bat as of late, as he is 14-for-27 over his last seven games. Bohm is now slashing .439/.468/.632 with an OPS at 1.099 in July.
Who’s Not: Didi Gregorius, SS
The 32-year-old infielder is having a difficult season at the plate, slashing just .147/.207/.235 over his last 30 games. Gregorius owns a .596 OPS and a 69 OPS+ for the year. Phillies prospect Bryson Stott has begun to take more at-bats away from the former Yankee.
Injury News
Second baseman Jean Segura (broken right index finger) began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier this week. The 32-year-old last played for the Phillies on May 31 against the San Francisco Giants.
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Miami Marlins (46-52, 15.0 GB)
Last 10: 3-7
Who’s Hot: Joey Wendle, IF
The 32-year-old utility man has been one of the best hitters in the Marlins lineup since he returned from the injured list at the beginning of July. Wendle is 11-for-31 with a .355 OBP over the last seven games.
Who’s Not: Jesús Aguilar, 1B
The first baseman is currently in a rough stretch with the bat. Aguilar is for 4-for-26 with no home runs and ten strikeouts in his last seven games, dropping his OPS to .675 for the season.
Injury News
All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier this week. The 24-year-old has not played since June 28 due to a lower back strain. Starting pitcher Max Meyer, the second ranked prospect in the Marlins system is set to undergo Tommy John surgery after making just two appearances in the majors this season.
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Washington Nationals (34-66, 28.0 GB)
Last 10: 4-6
Who’s Hot: Lane Thomas, OF
The former St. Louis Cardinal is having a really good stretch at the plate since returning from the All-Star break. Thomas is 6-for-19 with a .350 OBP over his last seven games, raising his OPS to .674 for the year.
Who’s Not: Nelson Cruz, DH
The 42-year-old designated hitter is back in a slump as the trade deadline nears. Cruz is 9-for-51 over his last 15 games, dropping his OPS and OPS+ to .664 and 93.
Injury News
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