NL East Roundup: Braves Stay Ahead of the Pack

23.05.2023 00:00

The Atlanta Braves have been the top dog in the National League East division for the last handful of years. It has been more of the same this season, as Brian Snitker’s team has opened up a sizable advantage over the rest of the division. How have the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins fared […]

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take a look at how the National League East stands on May 22.

Atlanta Braves (29-17)

Last 10: 4-6

Who’s Hot: Ronald Acuña Jr., OF

The 25-year-old has played at an MVP level over the first seven plus weeks of the season, leading the way for a Braves team that has gotten off to such a great start in 2023. Acuña Jr. is swinging a hot bat as of late, hitting 8-for-24 with three home runs and a 1.135 OPS over his last six games. If he is able to keep this up, the outfielder is going to wind up being the National League MVP at the end of the year.

Who’s Not: Michael Harris II, OF

While Atlanta is getting remarkable production from their star in right field, the same cannot be said about their young center fielder. Harris II is slashing .151/.224/.264 with a total of three hits and 10 strikeouts over his last 15 games. The 2022 National League Rookie of the Year is dealing with some sophomore slumps after performing so well in his first big league season. Harris II dealt with lower back tightness last month, returning from the injured list on Apr. 28.

Injury News:

Max Fried (forearm) is not close to resuming throwing, per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The 29-year-old left-hander has been on the injured list since on May 9. While he has been able to begin lifting weights, the Braves will continue to pitch without him. Fried is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in five starts this season.

New York Mets (25-23, 5 GB)

Last 1o: 7-3

Who’s Hot: Jeff McNeil, IF/OF

The 2022 National League batting champion has a hit in eight straight games, raising his average to .289 for the season. McNeil is 11 for his last 25 while playing great defense in multiple positions. His plate discipline has been remarkable through 48 games, as he is on pace for a 9.6 strikeout percentage, which would be the lowest of his career. McNeil is quietly been one the most impactful player during the Mets’ five-game winning streak.

Who’s Not: Brandon Nimmo, OF

Nimmo is in the midst of a slump out of the leadoff spot, slashing .156/.182/.250 with one extra base hit and eight strikeouts over the last seven games. The Mets center fielder is still hitting .291 with a .374 on-base percentage for the season, which puts him in the top 30 in all of baseball. His .345 batting average on balls in plays signals that he will turn the corner sooner versus later, but at the moment, Nimmo is struggling at the plate.

Injury News:

Tomás Nido (eye) went 1-for-4 with a home run on Sunday while on rehab with Single-A St. Lucie. The 29-year-old catcher was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome earlier this month, going to the injured list on May 10. Nido began his rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Friday.

Miami Marlins (24-23, 5.5 GB)

Last 10: 6-4

Who’s Hot: Jorge Soler, DH/OF

Soler has shown his ability to hit the ball for power in recent days, slashing .292/.346/.667 with three home runs and seven runs batted in over the last seven games. For a team that ranks last in baseball with 3.49 runs per game, the Marlins have needed guys to hit with runners in scoring position. The 31-year-old slugger is certainly one of those, who is now up to 12 home runs for the year.

Who’s Not: Garrett Cooper, 1B/OF

The one-time All-Star is 2 for his last 22, striking out seven times during that stretch. It has been an up and down season for Cooper, recently landing on the injured list with an inner ear infection. The 32-year-old is one of the few impact bats the Marlins have, so it will be important for him to snap out of this slump. Cooper has three home runs and 15 runs batted in with a .664 OPS in 31 games.

Injury News:

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (toe) was put on the injured list with turf toe Tuesday, an injury that is expected to keep him off the field for four to six weeks. The 25-year-old center fielder was hitting just .229 with a .694 OPS in 39 games prior to the injury.

Philadelphia Phillies (22-24, 7 GB)

Last 10: 5-5

Who’s Hot: Bryce Harper, DH

Harper has been a force since his return from Tommy John surgery, giving the Phillies offense a boost in a time of need. The slugger is slashing .328/.409/.517 over the last 15 games. He may have 17 strikeouts during that stretch, but when he has been able to make contact, it has usually resulted in a hit. Harper has a total of two home runs and six runs batted in through 70 plate appearances.

Who’s Not: Trea Turner, SS

The 29-year-old infielder has struggled in his first season with the Phillies after his remarkable run with the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Turner is 5-for-23 over the last seven games, including no runs batted in and just two extra base hits. His lack of hitting is a microcosm for the team’s up and down start to the year, given where they are at through 46 games. Turner is hitting .257 with a .693 OPS in 45 games.

Injury News:

José Alvarado (elbow) played catch on flat ground Friday, per Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Bay Area. The left-handed reliever last pitched on May 7 against the Boston Red Sox, heading to the injured list with elbow inflammation a day later. Alvarado has been nearly untouchable to start 2023, pitching to a 0.63 ERA in 14 1/3 innings.

Washingtion Nationals (20-27, 9.5 GB)

Last 10: 4-6

Who’s Hot: Jeimer Candelario, 3B

The former Detroit Tiger is on an incredible run at the moment, slashing .571/.586/1.000 with two home runs over the last seven games. Candelario has 16 hits during that stretch, seven of which have been for extra bases. He has been a pleasant surpsie for the Nationals after hitting .217 with a .633 OPS in Detroit last season. Candelario is up to an .269 batting average and six home runs in 45 games for Washington.

Who’s Not: CJ Abrams, SS

The young infielder has yet to find a groove at the plate during his brief time in the big leagues, including the first 44 games of this season. Abrams is 4-for-22 over the last seven games, striking out eight times during that stretch. The former San Diego Padre is more known for his defense, but the Nationals would like to see him take the next step as a hitter. Abrams is hitting .240 with four home runs and 23 runs batted in through 160 plate appearances in 2023.

Injury News:

Victor Robles (back) is slowly progressing towards a return from back spasms. The center fielder felt soreness after taking swings in the last couple days, per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. Robles was put on the injured list back on May 7.