Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
With less than two weeks left in the regular season, the New York Mets hold a 1.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the division. The Mets begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics tonight, while the Braves play the second game of a four-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Let’s take a look at how the National League East division stands on September 23.
New York Mets (95-56)
Last 10: 6-4
Who’s Hot: Francisco Lindor, SS
The 28-year-old shortstop is quietly having the best season of his career, yet not enough people are giving him the praise he deserves. Lindor has begun to heat up during the most important stretch of the year, going 9-for-26 with three extra-base hits and a .947 OPS over the last six games.
Who’s Not: Mark Canha, OF
Canha is performing incredibly well in his first season with the Mets, but he has struggled to produce at the plate recently. The former Oakland Athletic is slashing .143/.357/.143 with seven strikeouts and just three hits over his last seven games.
Injury News
Starling Marte is optimistic that he will be able to make his return to the field for the Mets’ three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, which begins on September 30. The 33-year-old outfielder has been out since September 6 with a fractured right middle finger.
Atlanta Braves (93-57, 1.5 GB)
Last 10: 6-4
Who’s Hot: Ronald Acuña Jr., OF
The three-time All-Star has been in and out of the lineup this season after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee he suffered in July of 2021. When Acuña has been on the field though, he has been as impactful as anyone on the Braves. The 24-year-old outfielder is 7-for-23 with five extra-base hits, including two home runs over his last six games.
Who’s Not: Matt Olson, 1B
Olson is having a solid year, especially considering who he had to replace at first base in former Brave Freddie Freeman. But as of late, the 28-year-old Atlanta native has been unable to come through in big spots. Olson is slashing .154/.214/.192 with nine strikeouts over the last seven games.
Injury News
Starting pitcher Mike Soroka has been shut down for the remainder of the year with elbow soreness. The Braves right-hander did not appear in the majors this season, making a total of six rehab starts along the way.
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Philadelphia Phillies (82-67, 12 GB)
Last 1o: 5-5
Who’s Hot: Matt Vierling, OF
Vierling is taking advantage of playing every day in the absence of outfielder Nick Castellanos (right oblique strain), getting time in right and center. The former fifth-round pick out of the University of Notre Dame is 9-for-21 with five runs batted in and a .915 OPS over his last six games.
Who’s Not: Bryce Harper, DH/OF
The two-time National League MVP has yet to find his feet since getting activated from the injured list on August 26. Harper is slashing .153/.231/.305 with 24 strikeouts over the last 15 games, lowering his batting average to .290 for the year. The former Washington National continues to play with a small tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his throwing elbow, an injury he suffered back in April.
Injury News
Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh (bruised knee) was not in the lineup against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. The 23-year-old is slashing .281/.304/.438 with a 107 OPS+ since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline.
Miami Marlins (61-89, 33.5 GB)
Last 10: 4-6
Who’s Hot: Nick Fortes, C
The 25-year-old catcher has thrived when given the chance to play consistently this season. Fortes is in the midst of a strong run at the plate, slashing .313/.353/.563 with two extra-base hits over his last 16 at-bats. The former fourth-round pick out of the University of Mississippi is hitting .247 with a .732 OPS in 64 games this year.
Who’s Not: Brian Anderson, IF/OF
Anderson has yet to build upon his fourth-placed finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting back in 2018. The 29-year-old utility man is really struggling at the moment, as he is just 2-for-16 with a .388 OPS over his last five games, dropping his average to .225 for the season.
Injury News
The 32-year-old Joey Wendle was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hamstring tendinitis Thursday, retroactive to September 19. The former Tampa Bay Ray is slashing .258/.297/.366 with an 87 OPS+ in 95 games this season.
Washington Nationals (52-97, 42 GB)
Last 10: 3-7
Who’s Hot: Joey Meneses, IF/OF
Meneses continues to be one of the bright spots on a Nationals team that is on the cusp of losing 100 games this season. The 30-year-old is currently on a tear with the bat, going 8-for-22 with two home runs and a 1.143 OPS over his last six games.
Who’s Not: CJ Abrams, 2B/SS
The 21-year-old infielder is still developing as a hitter as he continues to be in the lineup every day with his new team. Abrams does not have great numbers since coming over to the Nationals, slashing .217/.244/.287 with a 53 OPS+ in 32 games.
Injury News
Left-hander Patrick Corbin left his last start against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday with back spasms. The 33-year-0ld pitcher is 6-18 with a 6.08 ERA in 148 innings this season.
