The Miami Marlins are one game behind the New York Mets for fourth place in the NL East division. The Marlins finish a three-game series with the second-place Atlanta Braves on Wednesday while the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. The only NL East team playing an intra-division game is the NL East-leading Washington Nationals playing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Nationals' magic number to clinch the division is down to 10. The Braves are trailing the Nationals by 5.5 games for the division lead, but hold the first wild card spot. The Philadelphia Phillies are the only NL East team still in reasonable playoff contention. They trail the St. Louis Cardinals by four games for the final wild card spot in the National League.
NL East Standings:
1. Washington Nationals, 89-57
2. Atlanta Braves, 85-64, 5.5 games back, 1st Wild Card
3. Philadelphia Phillies, 74-74, 16 games back, 4 games back of second wild card
4. New York Mets, 66-81, 23.5 games back
5. Miami Marlins, 66-83, 24.5 games back
The Marlins play the Braves at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday night on Fox Sports Florida.
For more on this series be sure to check out Fish Stripes. For the other dugout's perspective, check out Talking Chop. For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.