Stock Up, Stock Down: Orioles, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres

Aug 27, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (6) during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (6) during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4
Braves, NL East, Spencer Strider
May 28, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) pitches Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Up: Atlanta Braves clinch NL East title for sixth straight year

It is no surprise that the Atlanta Braves captured their sixth straight National League East Division title, but it’s how early they captured it. They did with just over two and a half weeks remaining in the regular season. That’s how dominant they have been all season long.

With a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night, they made a statement by winning three out of four games in just three days and did so with Spencer Strider throwing a gem in the clinching game.

How impressive is this division title than the previous five? Consider this … the Braves clinched division in game number 143 this season, the second fastest that they have done this in the division era. The fastest they clinched the NL East was in 2002 when they won it game number 141. They have also been very dominant in their division games as they have won 30 this season against their foes. The only other team to have 30 wins within the division this season? The Detroit Tigers. Yes, I’m sure that’s who popped into your head first.

You have to think that the Braves are going to be the team to beat in the postseason and, if they can finish the regular season strong and head into the postseason with the same momentum they have now, good luck beating them in a best-of-five or best-of-seven series.