16. New York Mets (76-80) (LW 19) – The future looks bright for Mets pitching, which includes Jacob deGrom, who is on track to be the N.L. Rookie of the Year. He has nine wins in 22 starts and is averaging more than a strikeout an inning.
17. Tampa Bay Rays (75-81) (LW 18) –The Rays’ loss on Sunday was their 81st of the season, meaning they will finish no better than .500. The last time Tampa finished with a losing record was in 2007.
18. San Diego Padres (74-81) (LW 21) – The Padres haven’t been truly in the playoff race for several weeks, but they are playing well down the stretch. During their string of six wins in seven games, San Diego swept the Giants in three games, and they have a chance to do it again as they close the year with four in San Francisco.
19. Atlanta Braves (76-79) (LW 16) –The Braves’ disappointing stumble to the finish is coming to a close. Atlanta was officially eliminated from the playoffs with a loss on Sunday. At the All-Star Break, the team was nine games over .500 and tied for first place. Now, changes could be coming in the front office.
20. Miami Marlins (74-81) (LW 17) –The Marlins have been dealing with some tough injury news lately with Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna being knocked out. But they are now getting some good news on the injury front. Jose Fernandez has been cleared to begin throwing next month as he returns from Tommy John surgery.
