It’s only Memorial Day, but the National League East race has already been a roller-coaster.
The New York Mets stormed out to a five-game lead by the end of April, but the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies have taken control in recent weeks, entering the holiday with a two-game advantage – and baseball’s best record at 34-19.
Philadelphia just had a nine-game winning streak snapped – with the first seven coming against the MLB-worst Colorado Rockies and lowly Pittsburgh Pirates – and will face a big test this week welcoming the Atlanta Braves to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game set.
The Braves, who started the season 0-8, battled back to .500 and are primed to take off with the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., back in the Atlanta lineup a year after suffering a season-ending injury.
Here’s a look at this week’s rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
Shohei Ohtani touches 97 mph in his first live batting practice.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (+2)
Zack Wheeler gave up just two earned runs (0.68 ERA) in four May starts.
3. Detroit Tigers (-1)
Dropped three of four vs. Cleveland and have a tough week ahead with series against Giants and Royals.
4. New York Mets (-1)
Brett Baty playing himself into an everyday role? Infielder had five homers with 11 RBIs through 40 at-bats in May.
5 Chicago Cubs (+2)
Drew Pomeranz, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2021, yet to give up a run in 13 appearances.
6. New York Yankees (+2)
Devin Williams finding his footing in the Bronx with seven consecutive scoreless outings since May 7.
7. San Francisco Giants (-1)
Let’s talk about Robbie Ray being 7-0 with a 2.56 ERA.
8. San Diego Padres (-4)
Jake Cronenworth (.870 OPS in 83 AB) looking like the hitter he was back in 2020-21.
9. St. Louis Cardinals (+3)
Long Island native Steven Matz thriving in a hybrid role (1.99 ERA in 31⅔ innings) and could be a hot free agent commodity this winter – or summer if the Cardinals fall out of contention.
10. Cleveland Guardians (-)
Hunter Gaddis (0.86 ERA) tied for the MLB lead with 13 holds.
11. Seattle Mariners (-2)
George Kirby got hit hard in his first start of 2025.
12 Minnesota Twins (-1)
Cut loose by the Phillies after an 0-for-6 start, Kody Clemens has a 1.130 OPS in 47 at-bats for Minnesota.
13. Kansas City Royals (-)
Kansas City’s 3.22 bullpen ERA ranks third in the American League.
14. Houston Astros (+1)
Jeremy Peña quietly off to a stellar start with career-bests in average, slugging and OPS.
15. Tampa Bay Rays (+7)
Riding a five-game win streak into Memorial Day, the Rays racked up 38 steals in the first 22 games of May.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (-2)
Zac Gallen (5.25 ERA, NL-worst 29 walks) isn’t doing himself any favors early in his contract year.
17 Cincinnati Reds (-)
Austin Hays just keeps hitting, now with a .951 OPS in 108 at-bats
18 Atlanta Braves (-)
Ronald Acuña Jr. back with a bang, homering in his first two games.
19. Milwaukee Brewers (+2)
Top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski has a 1.55 ERA in Class AAA and hit 103 mph in a start earlier in May.
20. Texas Rangers (-4)
Nathan Eovaldi lhas a 1.60 ERA in 11 starts and is on pace to set a career high for innings pitched.
21. Boston Red Sox (-2)
Alex Bregman will be out for a while with quad injury, opening the door for top prospect Marcelo Mayer.
22. Washington Nationals (+2)
Jackson Rutledge carving out a relief role with a 2.95 ERA in 16 appearances.
23. Toronto Blue Jays (-3)
George Springer is in a 2-for-29 slump entering Memorial Day.
24. Athletics (+1)
Yolo County has been kind to Rookie of the Year favorite Jacob Wilson, batting .375 at Sutter Health Park.
25. Los Angeles Angels (-)
Mike Trout could see more time as the designated hitter upon his return.
26 Miami Marlins (+1)
Connor Norby turning it on, hitting .370 with 9 RBI in his last 13 games.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)
Jared Jones’ elbow surgery will sideline him for the next year.
28. Baltimore Orioles (-2)
Things continue to get worse, losing six of their first nine after firing manager Brandon Hyde.
29. Chicago White Sox (-)
Luis Robert, batting .190 with a .588 OPS, leads the majors with 20 steals.
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
They won a game against the Yankees.
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