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MLB Wild Card Standings: Dodgers in close race with Cardinals, Cubs

By Nicholas Ian Allen

May 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Dan Straily (58) beats Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) to first base for an out in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. The Marlins defeated the Dodgers 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Dan Straily (58) beats Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) to first base for an out in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. The Marlins defeated the Dodgers 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 21, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) hits a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) hits a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Division Leaders

NL East

Washington Nationals (26-17, .605)

The Rockies may have the best won-loss record in the National League at the moment, but the Nationals are still the most complete team in the senior circuit. The Nats lead the majors in runs scored (246), batting average (.274), slugging percentage (.471) and OPS (.817) thanks to MVP caliber performances thus far from Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper.

Washington also features a trio of top-notch starters in Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez – all of whom have ERAs of 3.28 or better in nine starts. The club still needs a closer, but with the rest of the division playing sub-.500 ball to this point, there’s plenty of time to find one.

NL Central

Milwaukee Brewers (25-19, .568)

The only team with more home runs than the Nationals so far is the Milwaukee Brewers, who also happen to hold a shocking 1.5-game lead in the NL Central. Seven Brewers have hit five or more dingers, led by MVP candidate Eric Thames’ 13.

The pitching staff has had its ups and downs (especially the starting rotation), but Matt Garza has seemingly found the Fountain of Youth and Corey Knebel and Jacob Barnes offer a solid skill set out of the bullpen.

NL West

Colorado Rockies (28-17, .622)

Pitching is never easy in Colorado, but the Rockies have gotten quality innings from youngsters Antonio Senzatela, Kyle Freeland and German Marquez thus far. Also, closer Greg Holland continues to amaze. Holland has posted a 0.96 ERA with 26 strikeouts and six walks in 18.2 innings thus far and has nailed down 19 saves in 19 opportunities in just 20 appearances.

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