The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft are now in the rear-view mirror, intensifying the race toward the postseason. With the trade deadline looming just under two weeks away, teams are scrambling to solidify their rosters. Among the standout performers since mid-May, the Cardinals have made a notable resurgence in the National League.
Cardinals Resurgence
Since May 11, the Cardinals boast a league-best 35-22 (.614) record, demonstrating their resilience and competence this season. However, they still find themselves trailing the Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to Milwaukee's 55-42. The season series paints a bleak picture for the Cardinals, with the Brewers leading 6-1.
Competitive Field
Not far behind, the Phillies have put on an impressive run of their own, going 34-22 (.607) since mid-May. The Astros have exhibited their dominance with an even better 36-21 (.632) performance. Meanwhile, the Guardians match the Cardinals' high level of play, holding a 34-21 record, leading to a similar winning percentage of .618.
Playoff Longshots
In the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays are finding their postseason hopes diminishing. With a 44-52 record and lagging 9.5 games behind in the wild-card race, their chances appear slim. FanGraphs estimates their postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, highlighting the uphill battle they face.
Stolen Base Race
Elly De La Cruz has been electrifying the basepaths, entering the All-Star break with a league-leading 46 stolen bases. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to swipe an impressive 78 bases by season's end. Such a feat would draw comparisons to some of the game's top base stealers, including José Reyes's 78 steals in 2007 and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 steals just last year. Even more impressive are the records held by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, who stole 93 bases in 1988 and a remarkable 109 bases in 1987, respectively.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Dodgers have utilized a staggering 31 pitchers this season, largely driven by injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to bolster their pitching staff, they claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
Inning Eaters
Only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season, a testament to their durability and effectiveness. Among them were 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 pitched.
Rookies Poised to Impress
In a notable achievement, Nolan Schanuel became the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Looking ahead, Chris Cortez is another rookie drawing significant attention. With a stellar 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, Cortez is expected to make his major league debut this year, adding to the excitement surrounding the influx of fresh talent.
As the trade deadline approaches and teams make their final pushes for the playoffs, the MLB landscape remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. Fans can expect plenty of action and intrigue in the weeks and months ahead as teams jockey for position and aim to etch their names into the annals of baseball history.