National League East Standings. Image via MLB.com

Washington Nationals

Despite losing the series to the Marlins, not to mention with the rubber match culminating in an [embarrassing] 8-0 loss, the Nats continue to prove that it is still possible to move up from the top. Right now their record is 86-54.

Manager Davey Johnson announced that ace Stephen Strasburg won’t be back on the mound this season, due to inning limits in place from his Tommy John surgery in 2010. Of course, the news also came after one of Stras’s worst starts of the season- he allowed seven runs through only five innings. Lefty John Lannan should pitch against the Mets at Citi field this Wednesday in Stephen’s stead.

Meanwhile, on the mound Monday against the Mets, Gio Gonzalez will toss to try to be the first to reach 19 wins this season. Cy Young-speak continues to stir around the Washington southpaw.

Read more on the Nationals on Win For Teddy

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are red hot off a five-game winning streak, including three consecutive shut-outs, that has held them steady in second, and slowly climbing, in the NL East. Currently Atlanta is secure in the wild card spot for the National League. The Braves will look to continue their pattern of success as they head to Miller Park on Monday to face the Brewers.

Rookie Andrelton Simmons, who fractured his pinky on July 8, should rejoin the squad at shortstop on Monday in Milwaukee. On the mend from shoulder inflammation is pitcher Ben Sheets. Additionally, pitchers Ben Sheets, and Julio Teheran may soon join the rotation and are throwing simulated games.

Keep an eye on Atlanta at She Is Out Of Your League

Philadelphia Phillies

Over the weekend The Phillies swept the Rox in a series that included a pair of walk-offs, and the team is starting the week back at home to host the Marlins. More good news came in the familiar form of Carlos Ruiz who returned to the lineup after plantar fasciitis knocked him on the DL on August 2. Chooch went 2-2 at the plate and recorded an RBI.

On the flipside, Kevin Frandsen has a stress fracture in his fibula that was possibly sustained over the series in Atlanta. He is currently day to day. Lefty reliever Raul Valdes will undergo surgery on his right knee that will likely end his season.

Phollow the Phillies at View From Section 116

New York Mets

Does three games count for a losing streak? If so, the Mets are going streaking. Currently they sit 10 games behind the NL wild card slots, with but 22 games left in the regular season.

R.A. Dickey was the first MLB player to reach 18 wins this season, a feat he accomplished in St. Louis last week to stop a sweep in St. Louis. Of course, Gio and the Nats stand to threaten that record as Gio looks to do Dickey him one better in pursuit of his 19th win at Citi Field on Monday.

Jenrry Mejia will start for New York on September 19 against the Phillies, for his fourth career start.

Keep up with the Mets at Mets & The Citi

Miami Marlins

It’s official. On Saturday, the Marlins lost the NL East. You’re probably as surprised as I am… But let’s be nice.

Mark Buehrle won’t let his team’s poor record have the last word on his season. Buehrle is on the chase to toss 200 innings this season, a trophy he won in the past 11 seasons. Currently he stands with 180 2/3 from the mound.

The pitcher formerly known as Leo Nunez (oh yeah…), Juan Carlos Oviedo, underwent Tommy John surgery last Thursday. The right-handed closer is eligible for free agency next season, though recovery from the surgery is expected to be longer than 12 months.

Catch the Marlins news at A Fishy Situation