The Phillies are without Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, but that’s OK. They’ve won seven of 11 and are nine games behind the Braves entering Thursday’s game. The Phillies have been a favorite to win the National League pennant since taking the lead in early May and will likely solidify their status by the trade deadline. Zack Wheeler has been a top-five starting pitcher since joining the team and could finally win a Cy Young Award if he stays healthy.
2. Baltimore Orioles (+3)
The Orioles are currently sitting atop the American League East and are looking to win their second consecutive division title after winning just one between 1998 and 2022. The starting rotation needs one strengthening, as Dean Kremer was strong in his return, pitching five scoreless innings for Seattle.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
The Dodgers can’t be underestimated, but Gavin Stone deserves more credit for his 3.03 ERA in 16 games. The Dodgers will be looking to add to their starting pitching staff, and while they have reportedly already been trying to acquire White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochette, USA Today’s Bob Nightingale reports that Crochette is likely to be traded before the deadline.
4. Cleveland Guardians (-3)
The Royals took three of four wins from Cleveland, but the Guardians bounced back with a series win over the lowly White Sox. The biggest question for the Guardians now is not what their current roster is, but what they’ll do with their No. 1 pick in two weeks. Georgia’s Charlie Condon is one of the candidates.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
The Brewers acquired Aaron Civale from Tampa Bay, and hope that a fresh start and good defense will make him a capable addition to a dwindling starting lineup. Third baseman Joey Ortiz is on the injured list (neck inflammation) but shouldn’t be out long. Milwaukee has the smallest division lead among the NL leaders, but that seven-game lead feels bigger despite the Cardinals’ improved performance.
6. New York Yankees (-2)
The Yankees were booed by the Reds on July 4th. Problems abound, including Anthony Volpe’s struggles that removed him from the leadoff spot. Luis Gil, who has been great for most of the year, may have hit a wall. He has given up 16 runs in his past three starts (9 2/3 innings). The Yankees are 14-16 since going 21-7 in May.
7. Minnesota Twins (+2)
It’s unfortunate that rising star Royce Lewis is back on the disabled list with an adductor injury. In Lewis’ absence, switch-hitter Brooks Lee has been called up, but Lee could be a long-term member of the infield. Max Kepler, the Twins’ longest-tenured player, is still trying to find his groove in the final year of his contract. Minnesota needs more bolstering in pitching, but they do have ace Joe Ryan, who has a 3.21 ERA (110 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings) in 17 games.
8. Atlanta Braves (-)
The Braves need another outfielder to replace or replace Adam Duvall, who had a .382 OPS in June but has improved since the start of July. They would also benefit from adding another innings eater and relief pitcher, as every championship contender wants a bunch of relief pitchers. How close will the Braves get to catching the Phillies by the All-Star break? This team has not performed well enough to put pressure on the division leaders so far.
9. Houston Astros (NR)
The Astros are back in no time. They’re right behind the Mariners in the AL West. Who wouldn’t bet on them at this point? A horrible start and a string of injuries didn’t stop them from rallying back. They’re the most hated team in baseball, but they’re a winning team nonetheless. Seattle will need to play better to hold them off.
10. San Diego Padres (NR)
The Padres re-enter the top 10 ahead of the Royals, Red Sox and Cardinals. San Diego seems like the safer bet in the wild-card mix. Xander Bogaerts (shoulder) should return soon. Fernando Tatis Jr. (stress fracture) should return sometime in the second half. This team is almost certain to pull off a couple of trades. The Padres could be the next wild-card team to surge in October.
