National League East: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets intriguing division

The Washington Nationals were the overwhelming favorite to win the National League East, but the division has gotten off to an unexpected start.

The Washington Nationals have won two consecutive National League East titles and were the overwhelming favorite to win a third, but they have experienced mixed results to begin 2018. A month into the season, the Nats currently find themselves in fourth place in the division.

Injuries have played a significant role in the Nats’ slow start, with Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon, and Adam Eaton, among others, currently on the disabled list. Strong starting pitching, led by Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, has allowed the Nats to continue on without a few of their stars.

Bryce Harper got off to a hot start, but soon fell into a slump. After hitting six homers in his first nine games, he went nearly two weeks without a long ball. However, a recent move to the leadoff spot has resulted in a resurgence for the slugger.

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In three games as the Nats’ leadoff hitter, Harper has hit two homers, driven in six runs, and stolen a base.

All of a sudden, the Nats have won five in a row and should get some of their injured stars back shortly. They have gotten off to a sluggish start, but are surging towards first place.

The division’s current leader, the Atlanta Braves, is an unexpected contender. They have a five-game winning streak of their own and recently swept the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The Braves’ offense has been clicking on all cylinders, led by Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis. Youngsters Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna, and Dansby Swanson have impressed, showing that the Braves may become relevant sooner than originally expected.

It is worth noting that SunTrust Park has proven to be a hitters park, but the Braves are the far and away National League leader in runs scored. Only the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have scored more.

The New York Mets sit in second place but have lost three straight and seven of their last 10. They recently dealt with a few health scares, with Yoenis Cespedes and Jacob deGrom suffering minor injuries, but neither player had to miss time.

Asdrubal Cabrera is the Mets’ leading hitter, batting .327, with Todd Frazier sitting 72 points behind him. Veterans Adrian Gonzalez and Jose Reyes have struggled, while youngsters Amed Rosario and Michael Conforto have not fared much better.

The Matt Harvey debacle has become an embarrassment for the organization, as their former ace is a mess both on and off the field. He has been moved to the bullpen, but his days as a Met may be coming to an end.

The final contending team, the Philadelphia Phillies, is another surprise.

Gabe Kapler and the Philadelphia Phillies got off to a horrific start, but have righted the ship. At 17-13, they are just two games out of first place.

Odubel Herrera and Rhys Hoskins have raked for the Phillies, while Jake Arrieta, Aaron Nola, and Nick Pivetta have paved the way for the pitching staff. Their 3.16 bullpen ERA ranks fourth in the National League and sixth in the majors.

Edubray Ramos, Victor Arano, and Adam Morgan, among others, have impressed out of the ‘pen early in 2018. The Phillies’ relief corps should also receive a boost soon, with veteran Pat Neshek nearing a return from a shoulder strain.

The National League East was expected to be uncompetitive, but the Miami Marlins have been the only cellar dweller.

J.T. Realmuto and Starlin Castro have gotten off to hot starts, solidifying their trade candidacy. Meanwhile, touted prospect Lewis Brinson has struggled, batting .170 in 29 games.

The Marlins were projected to be historically bad, and their start to the year has not disappointed.

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The Nats remain the favorites to win the National League East, but it is shaping up to be an intriguing race. For the projected worst division in baseball, this should be a fun year.

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