Washington Nationals suddenly back at .500

It seemed unlikely that the Mets would finish the season as the only NL East team over .500. The division has too much talent for that to happen. Four teams, including the Washington Nationals, were expected to contend for the automatic postseason berth in a division that could be decided in the final days of the season.

That was not the case to begin the year. While the Marlins had retained a positive run differential, they had horrible luck in terms of record. The Mets maintained a winning record despite a litany of injuries that would sink most teams. Meanwhile, the rest of the division may have hovered around .500, but had been unable to get over the hump.

Washington Nationals making a run

But here come the Nationals. They had been languishing in the NL East basement for much of the season, their pitching staff a disaster and the offense being provided solely by Juan Soto and Trea Turner. However, as they have been a team that has started slowly, only to roar back into contention during the summer, there was no reason for concern.

The Nationals have been true to form. Once the calendar flipped to June, they have gone on their typical run, posting a 15-7 record entering Friday. Not only have the Nationals climbed out of the NL East cellar, a spot they occupied on June 1, but they are now in second place, the only other team in the division to have at least a .500 record.

Washington has been winning these games in a variety of ways. While the pitching deservedly received a great deal of attention, particularly for allowing just seven runs in an eight game span, the offense has come to life as well. Kyle Schwarber has been a force since moving into the leadoff role, a move that had been panned at the time. Those calls to fire Davey Martinez and trade Max Scherzer are suddenly quiet.

There are still holes on the roster. Patrick Corbin has not been what the Nationals had hoped for. The bullpen could, as is usually the case, use some work. As the Nationals have proven to be aggressive at the trade deadline before, this year should not be any different.

The Washington Nationals have caught fire once again when the calendar flipped to June. They may well make another run at a postseason berth.