8. Washington Nationals, 74-58, 2nd in the NL East (ranked 12th last week)
Pacing the Braves with an 8-2 record over their last 10 games, the Nationals have been on a hot streak recently sweeping the Cubs on the road. The Nats smashed through four consecutive games against NL Central teams, losing only twice, and now start a series against the Marlins and then the struggling Mets before facing Atlanta in September.
OF Adam Eaton was lifted from a game earlier this week for a right knee injury, while Closer Sean Doolittle is also dealing with knee issues, both were added to the 10-IL Thursday. Ryan Zimmerman is also back on the IL still dealing with plantar fascitis, but with Washington’s depth and great play as of late they should be able to survive without Zimmerman’s bat a little while longer.
7. Oakland Athletics, 77-56, 2nd in the AL West (ranked 7th last week)
Oakland has three more series against teams not in the AL West, one of them including the Yankees, but the rest are against teams in the division. Meaning, they only have two more series coming up against teams with winning records which bodes well for their chances of clinching a Wild Card spot.
The A’s are currently outpacing the Rays and Red Sox at the moment, but the team is once again dealing with injuries. Star 3B Matt Chapman is sitting out Thursday’s game due to a head injury, OF Stephen Piscotty suffered an ankle sprain and was added to the 10-day IL, and DH Khris Davis has been away from the team for the birth of his child. But OF Ramon Laureano is expected back this weekend and lefty starter Sean Maneae should be back in early September.