Standings via MLB.com
Washington Nationals
It might be a bit premature to break out the champagne, but Washington has already won more games so far this season than their totals of either the 2008 or 2009 seasons. So, hooray.
But on the flipside, Nats first baseman Adam LaRoche left the game Sunday against the Brewers for back tightness, and he is listed as day to day.
Outfielder Xavier Nady was released on Sunday and the Nationals recalled John Lannan. Additionally, the Nats signed free-agent Mike MacDougal to a Minor League contract in Triple-A.
Read more on the Nationals on Win For Teddy
Atlanta Braves
The Braves broke out their brooms and swept the Phillies for the second time this season, a fair surge forward in their race for the division… and a significant shove backwards for the Phightins.
Chipper Jones continues to impress and awe Atlanta, and Sunday’s homer rocketed him past Pete Rose and landed him at second place on the list of extra-base hits by a switch. HOFer Eddie Murray currently holds the gold with 1,099 career extra-base hits by a switch-hitter.
Righty arm Kris Medlen is making the move from bullpen to the Braves starting rotation and should start in Tuesday’s game against Miami.
Keep an eye on Atlanta at She Is Out Of Your League
New York Mets
Closer Franky Frank Francisco might still return to the squad this week, despite missing a rehab assignment for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday due to soreness in his left side.
Outy Mike Baxter should meet the Mets in San Francisco this week after his Minor League rehab assignment. He has been batting .327, and should hopefully arrive with some flowers in his hair.
Keep up with the Mets at Mets & The Citi
Miami Marlins
After being dropped to 7th in the lineup for offensive struggles, Logan Morrison is finally taking time off to nurse his persistent season-long knee injury. He landed on the 15-day DL, and if rehab doesn’t seem to cut it out, then LoMo might have to cut it… go in for surgery, that is.
On a nearly similar note, Giancarlo Stanton, who had knee surgery early in July, should join Class A to begin his rehab assignment, and may make his way back to the bigs on August 10th.
Catch the Marlins news at A Fishy Situation
Philadelphia Phillies
As you read above (yeah, way up there in the second-place slot), the Phillies took a big hit with the sweep they surrendered to the Braves. But it’s not all that bad in the City of Brotherly Love, right? At least Roy Halladay struck out number 2,000 on Sunday… at an away game… that sealed their sweep. How will this effect the Phillies as the trade deadline approaches? And will they be buyers or sellers?
Third baseman Placido Polanco moved to the 15-day DL after missing three games in a row with inflammation in his lower back. He may be activated after August 7th.
And of course, since we last checked in, Cole Hamels in fact signed a six-year $144 million contract with the Phillies.
Phollow the Phillies at View From Section 116
