The Washington Nationals have jumped out to a nine-game lead atop the National League East through just 38 games. The scary part is that there is a good chance they will extend that lead with a schedule that features the Pirates, Braves, Mariners, Padres, Giants and Athletics over their next six series. Washington appears poised to run away with the best record in the NL East and it won’t be surprise if they end up with the best record in the majors either. However, even the Nationals have at least one weakness. Here is a look at the weakest link for each National League East team.
Washington Nationals: Bullpen
It’s no secret that Washington’s bullpen needs help. The Nationals decided not to sign Mark Melancon as a free agent and they might regret it at this point. Washington’s bullpen has already blown six saves and used three different pitchers in the ninth inning. Blake Treinen lost the closer job. Now it seems like rookie Koda Glover has the edge over Shawn Kelley for that role. Matt Albers has been a standout in the bullpen but he is the only arm relief pitcher that the Nationals have been able to consistently rely on. Washington has the potential to be a serious World Series contender. However, they will definitely need to shore up their bullpen if they are going to contend for a championship this season.
New York Mets: Starting Pitcher
The starting rotation was supposed to be a major strength for the Mets this season. That makes their terrible start that much more disappointing. Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Seth Lugo are all injured. Matt Harvey has struggled both on and off of the field. Robert Gsellman has struggled to find his game after a breakout 2016 season. Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler have been solid, but they can’t do it alone. New York certainly has the talent at the position. However, after underachieving throughout the first six weeks of the regular season it’s clear that the starting rotation has been a major weak link for the Mets so far in the NL East.
Atlanta Braves: Shortstop
Dansby Swanson was an obvious favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year honors heading in to the 2017 season. However, Swanson has really struggled with a .194 average and just three home runs this season. Swanson has shown signs of turning things around with a .400 average and four RBI over the last seven days so there is reason for optimism when it comes to the former No. 1 overall pick. Swanson’s production can only improve from here. The Braves will stick with their rookie shortstop and give him every opportunity to turn things around.
Philadelphia Phillies: Starting Pitching
The Phillies are building for their future and that means they will be willing to stick with their young starting rotation as they continue to try to figure things out. Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola have struggled out of the gate, but Philadelphia will remain patient with that young tandem as they keep their focus on the future. Meanwhile, Zach Efin has been solid early on and veteran Jeremy Helickson is off to a strong start so it hasn’t been all bad news for the Phillies. The organization had to know there would be highs and lows moving forward with such a young group. Like the Braves, Philadelphia will stick with its young guns and allow them to work it out as they continue to build for the future this season.
Miami Marlins: Starting Pitching
The Marlins are in a different position then the Phillies when it comes to the struggles of their starting rotation. Wei-Yin Chen is battling a dead arm while Adam Conley struggled so much that New York was forced to demote him to Triple-A. Dan Straily and Edinson Volquez have been solid at the top of their rotation but the Marlins haven’t gotten much help beyond that duo. Jeff Locke will be healthy at some point but he likely won’t be a major upgrade over what Miami already has in place. The same could be said for Triple-A starter Justin Nicolino. The Marlins will likely need to look outside of their organization in order to upgrade their starting rotation. For now, it will remain the weakest link for a franchise with several weaknesses that much be addressed before Miami can start to turn things around.
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