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When the month of June started, the Mets had a whopping 10.5 game lead over the Braves for the National League East division lead, but that has shrunk to 6.5 with Atlanta on a hot streak and the Mets going 3-4 to start their west coast trip.
The Braves have now won eight straight games, though they aren’t the only hot team in the NL East as the Phillies have won seven straight. Even the Marlins are closing in on .500 ball for the season and have a positive run differential.
New York Mets (38-21)
Last 10: 6-4
Who’s Hot: Eduardo Escobar
It’s not just the cycle, Escobar has been heating up for the last couple of weeks and he has a .901 OPS in the last 16 games. Oddly though, he was walking a ton during his hot start to the season, but he hasn’t walked at all in that 16-game span. Escobar has elevated his OPS from .643 to .725 during that span and OPS+ is at 107 for the season.
Who’s Not: Chris Bassitt
The veteran starter has a 7.62 ERA over his last five starts and has given up a whopping seven home runs in 26 innings during that time. The righty has issued 11 walks and given up 31 hits in that span.
Injury News
Mets are getting back right-handed starter Tylor Megill (bicep tendinitis) on Friday to start their series against the Angels. Pete Alonso (HBP on hand) and Starling Marte (quad discomfort) have both been fortunate enough to evade a stint on the injured list, though they were out of the lineup on Wednesday before the off-day. Mets also got some good news on Thursday when it was reported that Max Scherzer (strained oblique) had started throwing bullpens.
Atlanta Braves (31-27, 6.5 GB)
Last 10: 8-2
Who’s Hot: Ronald Acuna Jr.
Acuna is very good, so no surprise to see the Braves back to winning with him back healthy. He has a 1.205 OPs over the last week and a .923 OPS for the season in 29 games.
Who’s Not: Kenley Jansen
The veteran closer has a 5.40 ERA over his last 10 games and opponents have a .846 OPs against him during that span.
Injury News
Former Met Collin McHugh was placed on the COVID-19 list on Tuesday after testing positive. The righty has been a key cog in the Braves bullpen with a 3.42 ERA over 21 appearances.
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Philadelphia Phillies (28-29, 9.0 GB)
Last 10: 7-3 (6-0 since firing Joe Girardi)
Who’s Hot: Kyle Schwarber
The Phillies leadoff man has three doubles, five home runs, and eight walks in his last nine games. The left-handed slugger is up to 15 home runs on the season and a 129 OPS+.
Who’s Not: Alec Bohm
The young third baseman is hitting .182/.223/.273 with 30 strikeouts in his last 32 games. His OPS+ is all the way down to 87 for the season.
Injury News
Infielders Johan Camargo, Nick Maton, and Jean Segura have all recently been placed on the injured list.
Miami Marlins (25-30, 11.0 GB)
Last 10: 6-4
Who’s Hot: Sandy Alcantara
Alcantara has allowed only three earned runs (0.56 ERA) in 48 innings over his last six starts. Teams are hitting only .146/.200/.195 against him during that time. His 3.5 WAR leads all big league pitchers.
Who’s Not: Jesus Aguilar
The Marlins slugger has only one home run in his last 21 games. His .535 OPS during that span has dropped his OPS+ for the season below average to 93.
Injury News
Brian Anderson recently visited a spine specialist for back issues he’s been having. He’s on the injured list and doesn’t sound like a return is coming anytime soon.
Washington Nationals (21-38, 17.0 GB)
Last 10: 3-7
Who’s Hot: Lane Thomas
The outfielder has three doubles, four home runs, and four walks in his last nine games. Much-needed stretch for a player that entered May with an OPs under .500.
Who’s Not: Patrick Corbin
This one goes back a couple of years as Corbin has been brutal for a long stretch now. The veteran lefty has allowed more runs (23) than hitters he has struck out (22) over his last five starts.
Injury News
Reliever Victor Arano was placed on the IL this week and veteran infielder Alcides Escobar hit the IL earlier this month.
