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MLB Wild Card Standings: Orioles, Red Sox, Indians in tight AL race

By Nicholas Ian Allen

May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) triples against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) triples against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) rounds the bases after hitting a walk-off two run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) rounds the bases after hitting a walk-off two run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Division Leaders

NL East

Washington Nationals (24-13, .649)

There isn’t a more talented lineup in baseball than the Washington Nationals, who lead the major leagues with 224 runs scored through Monday. Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper are both MVP candidates, and Daniel Murphy sin’t far behind. Even with the loss of Adam Eaton to a season-ending ACL injury, there’s no easy out in the batting order.

On the other hand, it’s a tale of two pitching staffs for Washington. Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg and Tanner Roard have also posted sub-4.00 ERAs in the starting rotation. However, the Nationals have a 5.33 bullpen ERA – the third worst in the majors.

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals (21-15, .583)

Many baseball pundits were bearish on the Cardinals heading into the 2017 season, and though Dexter Fowler has been a disappointment and Stephen Piscotty has yet to live up to expectations, Jedd Gyorko continued his power surge from last season and Matt Carpenter remains one of the best pure hitters in baseball.

Adam Wainwright started terribly, and has a 5.31 ERA through eight starts, but he rebounded with his best start of the season Sunday. In seven shutout innings against the Cubs, Wainwright allowed just four hits and four walks. The performance secured a 5-0 win in the contest, a series victory over Chicago, and it marked the eighth win in nine games for the Cards.

NL West

Colorado Rockies (24-15, .615)

Greg Holland has been the steal of the offseason. In 17 appearances with the Rockies, Holland has a 1.06 ERA and 16 saves in 16 opportunities. Opponents are hitting just .158 against Holland, who has 23 strikeouts and has allowed jyst nine hits and five walks, giving him a 0.82 WHIP this far.

Mark Reynolds has been the Rockies surprising leader at the plate. Reynolds is hitting .326/.399/.630 with a team high 12 home runs and 33 RBI in 38 games. Not expected to start at first base this season, Reynolds’ hot hitting has allowed top free agent signee Ian Desmond to spend nearly all of his early action in left field since returning from injury April 30.

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