MLB Wild Card Standings: Despite rough week, Royals hold slim lead
National League Division Leaders
NL East
Washington Nationals (65-44, .596)
Acquired from the Phillies before the trade deadline, Howie Kendrick has made a strong impression in his first week with the Nationals. Kendrick led Washington with eight hits, including a home run, in five games last week. Unfortunately, Kendrick and Daniel Murphy (.389/.421/.833, 2 HR, 3 RBI) have been the only Nationals hitters performing above average last week.
On the mound, Gio Gonzalez was outstanding in his most recent start for the club. Gonzalez allowed just one hit and three walks in an eight-inning performance in Miami July 31. Sean Doolittle worked three scoreless innings across three appearances, including two saves.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs (58-52, .527)
Willson Contreras is in line for weekly National League Player of the Week honors after hitting five RBI and driving in 13 runs in six games last week – both of which led the major leagues. Contreras hit .455/.478/1.182 (leading the majors in slugging percentage) with 10 hits in 22 at bats for the Cubs, and also scored six runs.
Jake Arrieta is in fine form on the mound of late. In his most recent start August 2, Arrieta allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks in seven innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out eight. Unfortunately, Arrieta was handed a tough-luck loss for his efforts, but it was a great start to the month after posting a 2.25 ERA in five starts in July.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers (79-32, .712)
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, and only got better after trading for Yu Darvish at the trade deadline. Darvish tossed seven scoreless innings in his first start with Los Angeles Friday, picking up his first win with the club. He struck out 10 and walked one.
New teammates Kenta Maeda and Hyun-Jin Ryu also worked seven scoreless frames in their most recent starts for the Dodgers, and Alex Wood surrendered just one run in six innings to earn win No. 13 of the season.
At the plate, Cody Bellinger homered four times in six games, Chris Taylor connected for three long balls and scored nine times and Corey Seager led the club with nine base hits.