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15. Atlanta Braves (61-56)
Previous Rank: 8
Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL, 1-2 @ COL
The Braves are 3-7 in August with a minus-25 run differential and fresh off a series loss to the middling Rockies at Coors Field, and they enter the week clinging to a half-game lead over the Mets for the third wild-card spot. Offensive production has been sorely lacking with Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II all watching from the sidelines.
14. New York Mets (61-57)
Previous Rank: 11
Last Week: 1-0 @ STL, 2-1 @ COL, 0-3 @ SEA
The Mets scored one run in three games against the Mariners over the weekend, squandering a golden opportunity to overtake the slumping Braves in the NL East standings and in the wild-card race. Home series against the Athletics and Marlins this week should give them a chance to make a push of the standings,
13. Boston Red Sox (61-55)
Previous Rank: 12
Last Week: 2-1 @ KC, 0-3 vs. HOU
The Red Sox pitching staff has served up an MLB-worst 6.21 ERA since the All-Star break, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see how they would avoid a quick exit from the postseason if they do manage to punch their ticket. They will play 24 of their final 46 games against AL East rivals, including a four-game series on the road against the Orioles this coming weekend.
12. Seattle Mariners (63-56)
Previous Rank: 14
Last Week: 1-2 vs. DET, 3-0 vs. NYM
The Mariners have the 22nd-most difficult remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, and they enter the week in a virtual tie atop the AL West standings. They also welcomed back center fielder Julio RodrÃguez from the injured list on Sunday, while shortstop J.P. Crawford has started playing catch as he works his way back from a fractured pinky finger.
11. Houston Astros (62-55)
Previous Rank: 16
Last Week: 2-1 @ TEX, 3-0 @ BOS