ANAHEIM, Calif. — The speculation over who will finish where in the standings is finally over, and the focus is now on the postseason with two months remaining.
The Mets began a 10-game road trip on Friday by welcoming one of their trade deadline acquisitions, Paul Blackburn, to face the Angels.
The Mets, the most realistic contender for a National League wild-card spot, entered the game with a 46.8 percent chance of making the postseason. According to Fangraphs.
And their remaining strength of schedule was .492, fourth-easiest in the National League.
Breakdown of other National League wild-card candidates (all numbers as of Friday’s kickoff):
Braves
record: 59-49
The remaining SOS: .484 (2nd easiest in the National League)
Deadline upgrade: Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson were acquired from the Giants to add a right-handed hitter and a relief pitcher to the team. Soler was named the Braves’ World Series MVP in 2021.
healthWith Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider out for the season, the team is plagued by injuries, with Max Fried, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II also missing. Harris II is expected to return in August, but it is unclear whether Albies and Fried will return for the regular season.
ConclusionDespite the injuries, the Braves have a strong lineup with Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Soler. They also have two excellent pitchers in Chris Sale and Reinaldo Lopez in the starting rotation, and a solid relief corps. A relatively easy schedule can only be a positive for the Braves.
Padres
record: 59-51
The remaining SOS: .488 (third easiest in the National League)
Deadline upgradeThe Padres were one of the flashiest teams at the trade deadline, acquiring arguably the best relief pitcher on the market in Tanner Scott from Miami. They added Jason Adam from Tampa Bay as another quality relief pitcher. The trade they made to acquire Luis Arraez from Miami in May was another big deal for the Padres.
healthFernando Tatis Jr. may not return until September because of a stress reaction in his right foot, and the starting rotation could be strengthened this month with Joe Musgrove expected to return from right elbow inflammation that has sidelined him since May.
ConclusionThe Padres have deep pitching, a star player in Dylan Cease at the top of their starting rotation and a strengthened bullpen, and they look primed to make a run for the top spot in the wild card race.
Diamondbacks
record: 58-51
The remaining SOS: .500 (8th easiest in the National League)
Deadline upgradeThe team acquired relief pitchers A.J. Pack and Dylan Floro from the Marlins and Nationals, respectively, and acquired Josh Bell in a trade with the Marlins to fill in for Christian Walker who will be sidelined with an oblique injury.
healthWalker’s absence doesn’t necessarily mean he’s out for the season, but oblique injuries often linger, and the Diamondbacks could get a boost in their starting rotation with the possible return of Merrill Kelly, who has been out since April with a right shoulder injury.
ConclusionThis team rallied late last season, reaching Game 5 of the World Series. There are still questions about the Diamondbacks’ starting pitching, but they have a good lineup led by Ketel Marte and their relief pitchers should improve.
Cardinals
record: 56-53
SOS: .506 (Second hardest in the National League)
Deadline upgradeErick Fedde was acquired from the White Sox in one of several big trades to acquire starting pitchers before the deadline, and the Cardinals also gained a new hitter with the return of Tommy Pham to the organization that drafted him.
healthLance Lynn and Steven Matz are starters who could return within the next few weeks. Matz hasn’t pitched since April because of a back injury. Lynn pitched reasonably well for the team before being sidelined two weeks ago with right knee inflammation.
ConclusionThe Cardinals’ lineup isn’t going to scare anyone with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado on the decline in their careers, but Fedde would at least provide the team with an ace in the rotation, and the bullpen has been a strength for the team.
Pirate
record: 55-53
SOS: .505 (third hardest in the National League)
Deadline upgradeThe Pirates added a new hitter to their lineup with the acquisition of Brian De La Cruz from the Marlins. The Pirates also acquired infielder Isaiah Kiner-Falefa in a trade with the Blue Jays.
healthJosh Palacios is on the injured list with a hamstring injury and it is unclear when he will be able to return.
ConclusionThe Pirates deserve credit for remaining in the wild-card race, but the competition is fierce, and sending Paul Skeens to the mound every five days would only limit the Pirates’ chances of winning.
