Three-time defending division champs means absolutely nothing right now. The Phillies, the class of the NL East the last three years, sit in third place just two weeks away from the All-Star break. A massive power outage in the middle of the lineup and starting rotation injuries could be to blame. But, every team has issues in the 162-game marathon that is the MLB season.
The surprising Braves sit in first, a half game ahead of the Mets and 2.5 games ahead of the Phillies. The return of Jimmy Rollins has sparked the Phils to win five of six, and the Fightins have made up some ground on the Braves. yet, it’s the Mets who sit in position to make a run and steal first place.
With easier schedules than the Phillies, the Mets and Braves could be battling for first place before the All-Star break in two weeks.
Here’s a rundown of who each team plays the last two weeks.
BRAVES
Atlanta has the next six games at home, before finishing with six on the road. The Nationals (33-43) visit Atlanta the next three days, followed by Florida (35-40) on July 2-4. The Braves then come to Citizens bank Park to battle the Phils (40-33) before heading to CitiField to take on the Mets (43-32).
METS
The Mets go on the road for seven and finish with six games at home. They start with three games against the Marlins (35-40) in Puerto Rico. They then head to Washington (33-43) for four before heading home. The Reds (42-34) come to town for three, followed by the Braves (44-32).
PHILLIES
The Phillies have seven on the road and seven at home to finish the first half of the year. They travel to Cincinnati (42-34) for three and then Pittsburgh (25-50) for four games. The Braves (44-32) then come to Philly, followed by the Reds.
ANALYSIS
The Phils have the toughest road, but if they continue playing well, they have a chance to make a statement. Besides the Pirates, they play 11 games against first place teams from now until the break. If they stay within striking distance of the Braves, they have a chance to go head-to-head with Atlanta and take first before the Midsummer Classic.
The Braves and Mets both have series against the struggling Nationals and Marlins. They will face tough pitchers in Josh Johnson and Stephen Strasburg, so it’s not like they have a completely easy road. The Mets get the Reds and Braves at home, while the Braves play the Phils and Mets on the road.
At the end of the day, the Mets have the best shot to end the first half in first if they can take care of business at home. The Braves need to win their home games and hope to split their road games.
