NL East Roundup: More of the Same for Struggling Division

It’s one-third of the way through June and it seems like it’s finally time to definitively admit something: The NL East is bad.

There’s one team above .500 – the Mets – one team with a plus run differential – also the Mets – and one team that’s won more games than they’ve lost over their last 10 – yes, it’s the Mets.

The standings have pretty much solidified themselves over the last couple weeks. The only change in this edition is that the Nationals jumped the Marlins to poke their heads out of the cellar. That difference is just a half a game, though.

That’s the same gap between the second place Braves and third place Phillies. Somehow Atlanta still just can’t put things together to separate from the outstandingly average Phillies and pressure the still injury-riddled Mets.

1. New York Mets (30-24)

Last 10: 6-4

Who’s Hot: Pete Alonso

The Polar Bear has been on fire since his late-May IL stint, hitting .355 since his return. Alonso hit three homers over the last two days in Baltimore and is slashing .370/.393/.741 over his last seven games.

Who’s Not: David Peterson

The second-year lefty was the Mets’ best starter outside of Jacob deGrom last year, but can’t find any consistency in 2021. Peterson is 1-5 on the year with a 6.32 ERA and over his last two games has combined for just 2.3 innings and allowed nine runs.

Injury Report

There’s good news: Albert Almora Jr. and Luis Guillorme should return any day. Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto aren’t too far behind as they both recover from hamstring injuries.

There’s also bad news; Carlos Carrasco is taking another step back in his rehab. There’s no telling if and when the Mets will have the services of either him or Noah Syndergaard. Though, Sandy Alderson recently said he expects Carrasco back in July and Syndergaard in August.

Outlook

The Big 3 in the Met rotation are arguably the best in baseball. Everyone knows about deGrom and his 0.62 ERA, but Marcus Stroman (2.41) and Taijuan Walker (2.07) are having stellar seasons of their own. The problem is the two other spots due to the health difficulties with Syndergaard and Carrasco. Joey Lucchesi has been better recently, but he isn’t an innings eater and Peterson is struggling mightily. Despite their record, the Mets have been really bad against teams over .500. They only have one off-day between now and the All-Star break and play three double-headers in that span. Don’t be surprised if they trade for a starter to help survive that stretch.

2. Atlanta Braves (29-30, 3.5 GB)

Last 10: 5-5

Who’s Hot: Tucker Davidson

The 25-year-old rookie has made three quality starts for a team that desperately needs it. Over the last week, Davidson threw 11 2/3 scoreless innings over two games.

Who’s Not: Outfielders not named Ronald Acuna Jr.

While Acuna continues his MVP-caliber campaign, the rest of the outfielders aren’t holding up their end of the bargain. As a whole, that group is 15th in the Majors in fWar and have only hit six homers outside of Acuna and the injured/arrested Marcell Ozuna. Atlanta will probably make a move for an outfield bat in the somewhat-near future.

Injury Report

Not much to report on the injury front for the Braves, but they did activate reliever Shane Greene, who they signed after the season started. He should provide an immediate bullpen boost.

Outlook

The Braves are 25-6 on the year when leading after the sixth inning. Those six such losses equal the amount they had over the last two seasons. Somehow, they’ve never been above .500 on the year and yet, they’re still just 3.5 games back. Given the Mets tumultuous upcoming stretch, the Braves are still in position to make a move before the All-Star break.

3. Philadelphia Phillies (29-31, 4 GB)

Last 10: 5-5

Who’s Hot: Luke Williams

The 24-year-old rookie has been in the league for all of two games, but he’s made them count. Williams is 3-for-5 in that span with a double and a walk-off home run on Wednesday. Welcome to the big leagues, indeed.

Who’s Not: Scott Kingery

The one-time blue-chip prospect was DFA’d this week. Because of a bulky contract he signed early in his career, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. Kingery has struggled over the last two seasons, hitting just .159 last year and .053 in 15 games in 2021.

Injury Report

The Phillies placed righty reliever Brandon Kintzler on the 10-day IL with a strained neck. Didi Gregorius began a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Wednesday and is hopeful to return next week after a month on the shelf.

Outlook

The season is another week older and the Phillies just continue their steady mediocrity. They played five games and went 3-2. They’re two games under .500 and technically aren’t out of the division race, but upcoming series’ against the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants could bury them.

4. Washington Nationals (25-33, 7 GB)

Last 10: 4-6

Who’s Hot: Juan Soto

The 22-year-old claimed this spot last week, but he deserves it again. Over his last five games, Soto has 13 hits, including three 4-for-4 performances. The Nationals may not be very good, but Soto certainly is.

Who’s Not: Anyone with the bases loaded

The Nationals have had 61 at bats with the bases loaded so far, and are the worst team in the majors in those situations. Their .468 OBP with the bases juiced is dead last and they’ve struck out 20 times in those situations, including twice on Tuesday night.

Injury Report

Stephen Strasburg has yet to begin throwing after hitting the IL last week, while Erick Fedde is set to return Friday to start against the Giants.

Outlook

The Nationals made a move this week, passing the struggling Marlins for fourth place in the division, but they’re still a ways away from the top. At eight games under, it might be time to stop worrying about the team’s record and start enjoying Ryan Zimmerman’s resurgence and Soto’s continuing rise to the pantheon of MLB superstars.

5. Miami Marlins (26-35, 7.5 GB)

Last 10: 2-8

Who’s Hot: Starling Marte

Another double-dip, but the 32-year-old just keeps on raking. He’s hitting .337 on the year and his OPS is 1.006 over his last seven games. Marte’s future is in question as he’s expressed interest in an extension with the Marlins, but talks haven’t gained any traction. He’s a strong candidate to be traded assuming Miami doesn’t go on a magical run in the near future.

Who’s Not: Elieser Hernandez

The young righty returned after exactly two months on the IL to go five innings against the Pirates, allowing just one run and striking out six. Unfortunately, he injured his quad running home and was placed on the 60-day IL.

Injury Report

Outside of Hernandez, the Marlins also placed Garrett Cooper on the IL with a lumbar strain.

On the positive front, Miguel Rojas and Brian Anderson are both progressing and Sixto Sanchez has resumed his throwing program.

Outlook

The wheels are falling off for Miami, which was in third place not so long ago. Over their last four series’, the Marlins were swept by the Red Sox and Blue Jays and lost three-of-four to the lowly Pirates. Their next three come against the Braves, Cardinals and Cubs, so there’s not much refuge in sight.