MLB: An updated prediction of the 2017 playoff picture

May 17, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Jedd Gyorko (3) congratulates center fielder Dexter Fowler (25) after hitting a solo home run off of Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

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NL East

Current Standings:

Washington Nationals: 27-17

Atlanta Braves: 20-23

New York Mets: 19-24

Miami Marlins: 16-28

Philadelphia Phillies: 15-28

With the Phillies and Braves still in rebuild mode, before the 2017 season started, it seemed like this division was a three team race. So far, that isn’t the case.

The Nationals are the only team in the NL East with a winning record, at the moment. The resurgence of Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper playing like he did in 2015 has the Nats looking like one of the best teams in baseball.

Injuries continue to derail the Mets hopes of making a run at the division. And when they aren’t dealing with injuries, they’re dealing with off the field issues. To have any chance to make the playoffs, they need Matt Harvey to step up.

The Marlins are an early candidate for the most disappointing team in the NL. The loss of Jose Fernandez continues to impact this team as they continue to search for a true ace. It looks like the Marlins are in for a long season.

The Braves took a huge blow last week when Freddie Freeman suffered a fractured wrist on a hit by a pitch. He won’t return for at least 10 weeks. Without him, I’m not sure the Braves can hold on to that second spot in the East for long.

As mentioned above, the Phillies are in full rebuild mode. Cesar Hernandez continues to shine for the Phillies and shows that the future looks bright in Philidelphia.

Who wins the division?

The clearest division winner looks like the Washington Nationals. I’m unsure if any other team in the division finishes above .500.

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