NL East Roundup: Braves Open Up Big Gap at All-Star Break

The Atlanta Braves hold a significant lead at the top of the National League East as the All-Star break concludes. It will be difficult for the Miami Marlins to chase them down, but they do hold the top Wild Card spot. Other than that, the Philadelphia Phillies are just out of a playoff spot, the New York Mets have some ground to make up and the Washington Nationals have made it clear they are still in rebuilding mode.

Let’s take a look at how the NL East stands on July 13.

Atlanta Braves (60-29)

Last 10: 8-2

Who’s Hot: Sean Murphy, C

The Braves have acquired two phenomenal hitters from the Oakland Athletics in the last two off-seasons, the most recent one being Sean Murphy. He is having the best offensive season of his career, and his numbers over the last 30 games have been fantastic. The 28-year-old is slashing .352/.400/.629 with seven home runs and 21 runs batted in during that stretch.

Who’s Not: Eddie Rosario, OF

Eddie Rosario is a player who has the flair for the dramatic, something he has showcased a handful of times this year. But at the moment, the outfielder is failing to make any sort of impact in his plate appearances. He is 9-for-49 with one home run, six runs batted in and 15 strikeouts over his last 15 games. Rosario is hitting .254 with a .784 OPS in 79 games this season.

Injury News

Max Fried (forearm) threw 35 pitches in his first rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. The left-hander only got through 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out one. Fried has made a total of five starts this season, last pitching on May 5 against the Baltimore Orioles. He had not pitched in any game in over two months prior to Sunday.

Miami Marlins (53-39, 8.5 GB)

Last 10: 5-5

Who’s Hot: Garrett Cooper, 1B/DH

The Marlins have shown some progression on offense collectively, averaging 6.66 runs per game over their last six. A recent surge from Garrett Cooper has certainly helped, as he is slashing .351/.422/.544 with three home runs, 10 runs batted in and seven walks over his last 15 games. Cooper has been able to remain on the field, appearing in 70 of a possible 92 games this season.

Who’s Not: Nick Fortes, C

Nick Fortes has become the No. 1 catcher for the Marlins this season, but that may change if he continues to slump at the plate. The 26-year-old is 14-for-83 with one home run, nine runs batted in and 17 strikeouts over his last 30 games. His average for the season is all the way down to .211 through 205 plate appearances.

Injury News

Edward Cabrera (shoulder) was set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Jupiter on a Saturday, but the game was rained out. The Marlins will hope that the right-hander will be able to return to the big leagues after a few minor league starts, especially knowing that Eury Pérez is back with Triple-A Jacksonville. Cabrera last pitched on Jun. 13 against the Seattle Mariners.

Philadelphia Phillies (48-41, 12 GB)

Last 10: 6-4

Who’s Hot: Bryson Stott, 2B

Bryson Stott has looked great as the everyday second baseman for the Phillies, hitting over .300 despite moving all throughout the lineup. The 25-year-old is slashing .324/.364/.459 with two home runs, 12 runs batted in and eight stolen bases over his last 30 games. Stott has yet to miss a game, securing 100 hits in 83 games.

Who’s Not: Nick Castellanos, OF

The 31-year-old outfielder is having a fantastic season, one that earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team. But as of late, Castellanos has looked lost at the plate, going 5-for-30 with a total of 12 strikeouts over his last seven games. Even with that, he is still hitting .301 with a .840 OPS in 87 games so far in 2023.

Injury News

The Philadelphia Phillies placed José Alvarado on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation before Sunday’s game against the Marlins. He already missed time with a shoulder injury earlier this season, limiting him to 26 innings. Still, Alvarado has pitched to a 1.38 ERA in 26 innings.

New York Mets (42-48, 18.5 GB)

Last 10: 6-4

Who’s Hot: Francisco Lindor, SS

Francisco Lindor has led the Mets as of late, making a strong case as to why he should have gone to the All-Star game this week. The shortstop is slashing .339/.394/.678 with five home and nine runs batted in over his last 15 games. He has raised his average to .239, which was at .211 as recently as Jun. 17.

Who’s Not: Pete Alonso, 1B

It is fair to say that the All-Star break is coming at the best time for the first baseman. Alonso just has not looked like himself since he returned from a wrist injury, as his average is all the way down to .211 in 82 games. He is 8-for-55 with three home runs, 10 runs batted in and 15 strikeouts over his last 15 games.

Injury News

Tommy Pham exited Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres with right groin soreness. The All-Star break comes at a perfect time for the outfielder, as he will get a few days to rest. The Mets say Pham is day-to-day.

Washington Nationals (36-54, 24.5 GB)

Last 10: 4-6

Who’s Hot: CJ Abrams, SS

CJ Abrams has had stretches where his bat has looked much improved in his first full season in D.C. Over his last seven games, he is 9-for-26 with one run batted in, three walks and five stolen bases. Just 22 years old, Abrams will look to continue his progression throughout the second half of the season.

Who’s Not: Keibert Ruiz, C

The former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect has failed to meet his expectations in just about two seasons in the Nationals organization. Ruiz is not performing with the bat, slashing .194/.206/.274 with one home run and five runs batted in over the last 15 games. The 24-year-old still has plenty of time to turn it around, but his struggles at the plate are certainly alarming.

Injury News

The next few weeks will be an important stretch for the Nationals, as one of their main objectives will be to get the most value for their sellable assets. One of them is Carl Edwards Jr. (shoulder), who is currently on the 15-day injured list. The reliever resumed throwing at the end of June, so his return could be imminent.