As the dust settles from the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, the excitement of the season only intensifies. With the trade deadline looming in less than two weeks, teams are hustling to position themselves for a final push towards the postseason. Some clubs have already emerged as surprising contenders, while others face an uphill battle to secure their spots.
Cardinals' Resurgence Faces Brewer Challenge
The St. Louis Cardinals, since May 11, boast the best record in the National League with an impressive 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite this strong showing, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to the Brewers' 55-42 mark.
Interestingly, these two division rivals' head-to-head meetings have been predominantly one-sided, with the Brewers leading the season series against the Cardinals 6-1. This dominance places even more pressure on the Cardinals as they strive to close the gap in the standings and pursue a postseason berth.
Astros, Phillies, and Guardians Keep Pace
Not to be outdone, other teams have also been making waves. The Houston Astros have a 36-21 (.632) record since May 11, showcasing their depth and consistency. The Philadelphia Phillies have also been on a tear, posting a 34-22 (.607) record in the same period.
Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians have mirrored the Cardinals' success, amassing a 34-21 record since May 11. This corresponds to an impressive .618 winning percentage, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
Toronto's Playoff Hopes Dwindle
On the other end of the spectrum, the Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to find their stride. With a 44-52 record, they find themselves 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs currently places Toronto's postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, signaling a tough road ahead for the team.
Speedsters and Record Chasers
Individual performances have also captured the spotlight this season, particularly Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. The dynamic player from the Cincinnati Reds has played 97 games and is on pace to steal 78 bases. This figure matches José Reyes' 2007 total and stands in stark contrast to recent seasons, where Ronald Acuña Jr. stole 73 bases last year. Historic records remain distant, however, as Rickey Henderson stole 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman reached an astounding 109 stolen bases in 1987.
Dodgers Navigate a Mountain of Injuries
In the face of adversity, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been juggling their pitching staff due to numerous injuries to key starters. Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all spent extended time on the injured list. The team has had to rely on a rotating cast of arms, using 31 pitchers this season, in their quest to stay competitive in the division.
Notably, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, seeking to bolster their depth amid the injury crisis. Despite these challenges, Los Angeles continues to fight for position in a competitive National League.
Workhorses of the Mound
In a league where robust innings eaters are becoming scarcer, a few pitchers have stood out for their endurance. Last season, only five pitchers reached the coveted 200-inning mark, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
Rookie Watch: Fresh Faces in the Majors
The infusion of young talent has also been a significant talking point. Nolan Schanuel made headlines as the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to make his MLB debut the same year he was drafted. Another promising prospect, Chris Cortez, is anticipated to break into the majors this year. Cortez, who had a phenomenal season at Texas A&M with a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, could provide a substantial boost to any major league rotation.
The landscape of Major League Baseball is constantly evolving, with teams asserting their dominance, players rewriting records, and new faces bringing fresh energy to the sport. As we move deeper into the season, the drama and excitement are sure to escalate, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
