Braves lead NL East while Nationals surprise in second place
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
As of June 2, the Atlanta Braves hold a commanding lead in the NL East with a 40-20 record. The Braves have excelled despite significant injuries in their starting rotation, thanks in part to strong performances from Chris Sale and rookie Drake Baldwin. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals, unexpectedly in second place at 31-29, have outperformed preseason expectations. Both the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets have struggled, trailing behind the Nationals as they seek to improve their standings. The dynamics in the division are causing shifts in playoff ambitions as the season progresses.
- •Braves lead NL East with a 40-20 record as of June 2.
- •Chris Sale leads Braves’ pitching with an 8-3 record and 2.01 ERA.
- •Rookie Drake Baldwin paces Braves' offense with 13 home runs.
- •Nationals currently sit in second place with a surprising 31-29 record.
- •Phillies and Mets struggle in the standings, affecting their postseason outlook.
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — MLB End-of-May Check-in: NL Central
- 6:30 PMYahoo Sports — MLB End-of-May Check-in: NL East
"The Braves are in a class of their own while the Mets finally extricated themselves from last place.
"Milwaukee and their baby-faced assassin of a pitcher have taken control of the division.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 8:00 PMMLB End-of-May Check-in: NL Central
Milwaukee and their baby-faced assassin of a pitcher have taken control of the division.
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 6:30 PMMLB End-of-May Check-in: NL East
The Braves are in a class of their own while the Mets finally extricated themselves from last place.
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