MLB Standings Update: Nationals Quickly Falling Out Of NL Wild Card Race

In the middle of June, it looked like the Nationals were poised to make a serious run at the NL Wild Card spot. Now, just about a month later, those hopes appear to have vanished. Even just two weeks ago on the first of July the Nats were 6.5 games back, but after dropping two of three to the Braves over the weekend, they are now nine games behind Atlanta.

The Nationals are 5-5 in their last 10 games, while the Braves have bent a 7-3 run around the All-Star Break to start pulling away. In fact, the Braves are starting to gain a little bit of ground on the Phillies who have the best record in the NL. They trail Philadelphia by 3.5 games. If they were in either of the other divisions in the NL, the Braves would have pretty comfortable leads themselves. Just bad luck of the draw, I guess.

We'll be following the standings in this stream, but for more on the Nationals, head over to Federal Baseball.

MLB Standings Update: Nationals Fall To Six And A Half Game Behind Wild Card

Well, since we last spoke, the Nationals have had a pretty difficult week. Last Friday they were just three and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves for the National League wildcard spot. But after being swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the past few days, they fell all the way back to six and a half behind their division rival.

We were pretty excited about the Nats potentially playing some meaningful games down the stretch, but now that is a little bit harder to envision. Those hopes haven't evaporated completely, but the Nats are going to have to play a little bit more up to their potential to make it a reality. But now they are getting back into the comfort zone of the National League. We'll see if that helps them find their game a little bit more.

We'll be following the standings in this stream, but for more on the Nationals, head over to Federal Baseball.

MLB Standings Update: Nationals Just Five Games Back Of Wild Card Leading Braves

CORRECTION: The Nationals are actually 3.5 games behind Atlanta. A previous version of this post said five games.

It wasn't so long ago that the Nationals were in the cellar of the N.L. East, looking up to the Marlins and Mets of all people. so far this month they are as hot as any team in Baseball, and they find themselves just 8.5 games behind the division leading Philadelphia Phillies. But even more importantly, and possible for that matter, they are just three and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves who currently hold the Wild Card spot in the National League.

The Nationals find themselves in an interesting position, because nobody expected them to be in the race this season. It might change their approach as the trade deadline nears. They probably figured to be sellers this year, but if they are still within striking distance of the Wild Card, maybe that changes their approach? Or maybe it is one in the same. Maybe they'll ditch pieces like Pudge Rodriguez for help at positions that don't currently enjoy quite as much depth.

We'll be following the Nationals' place in the standings in this stream all season long.