Cue in Drake's "Started from the Bottom" and you have the story of the Los Angeles Dodgers as the MLB standings show they're just 2.5 games from first place in the N.L. West. A lot has to do with Yasiel Puig's play since making his MLB debut on June 3. Since then, the Dodgers are 20-13 and working on getting to .500 baseball. Here are the current standings with teams the top teams in each division and others in the hunt.
N.L. West: Arizona Diamondbacks (47-43), L.A. Dodgers (44-45) 2.5 GB
Right, so even though the Dodgers have been playing better baseball in a little over a month, they are still under .500. However, look for the addition of Ricky Nolasco to make the team true contenders as the Dodgers have averaged a little over four runs per game since Puig became a part of their everyday lineup. The D'Backs have managed to hold on to the lead, but if the Dodgers continue surging, then the D'Backs might fall to second place for the first time since May 16.
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox (55-37), Tampa Bay Rays (51-40) 3.5 GB
The Red Sox are winning with their great pitching and offense. The rest of the division continues to play musical chairs and the Rays have surfaced as true competitors. They got their ace, David Price, back in the rotation and they look to stay within striking distance as they face the Sox in the upcoming weeks.
A.L. Central: Detroit Tigers (49-40), Cleveland Indians (47-43) 2.5 GB
As Justin Verlander continues to struggle, the Tigers are attempting to remain on top of the division. Their lead is far from safe, but they have stronger pitching than the Indians, which is significant, especially during the stretch run after the All-Star break.
A.L. West: Oakland A's (54-37), Texas Rangers (53-37) 0.5 GB
Speaking of the game of musical chairs in the A.L. East, the A's and Rangers have perpetually exchanged spots for almost the entire season. Both are keeping pace with one another as they have won three straight games. Fans will have to wait about a month before the two teams lock up in what will be a three-day division altering series from August 2-4.
N.L. East: Atlanta Braves (52-38)
Inconsistency has been the Braves' only constant. The hitters are inconsistent, the pitching is unreliable, but wait, they are still in first place as the key for the Braves has been winning at the right time. At the end of the weekend, the Washington Nationals were just four games back. With help from the third-place Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves have increased their lead back to six games. Justin Upton seems to be catching fire again, which isn't a good sign for the competition.
N.L. Central: St. Louis Cardinals (54-34), Pittsburgh Pirates (53-36) 1.5 GB
The Pirates have gone terribly cold as the Cardinals are heating up with the weather. Both teams are going in different directions. The Pirates are losers of four straight while the Cardinals have regained first place after winning four straight games.
