2020 NL simulation: Dodgers at the break
By Bill Felber
NL East: That Braves pitching looks good
Atlanta’s surprisingly deep and consistent pitching has led it to control of the NL East. The Braves have the league’s second best ERA (3.73), and they’ve allowed the fewest hits (759).
Sean Newcomb and Max Fried are one-two in victories with 16 and 12. The surprise, though, has been free agent pickup Felix Hernandez, 8-5 in 18 starts. Shane Green is having a sensational season out of the pen, with a 6-0 record and 17 saves.
The Phillies have remained in contention with a varietal offense that has not been dependent on its star, Bryce Harper. He’s batting only .221 with 22 home runs and 50 RBIs. But the Phillies have a half dozen players with 15 home runs or more, Rhys Hoskins’ 26 leading the way. Seven Phillies have produced 40 or more RBIs, Hoskins again topping the list with 72.
The Nats, too, remain in contention thanks to an ensemble approach. They have six players with 15 or more home runs, Starlin Castro leading the team with 20. With 69, Castro also leads the team in RBIs. Meanwhile, Juan Soto continues to seek momentum at the plate, He’s hitting .257 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs, nice numbers but not at the level Washington needs.
The Mets have been crippled by the pre-season loss of Noah Syndergaard, and have never put together a sustained run. The Marlins have spent the first half doing precisely what they were expected to do, losing regularly.
W-L Pct GB
Atlanta Braves 59-39 .602 —
Philadelphia Phillies 51-45 .531 7
Washington Nationals 49-48 .505 9.5
New York Mets 43-54 .443 15.5
Miami Marlins 37-59 .385 21