MLB: The National League Playoff Picture

This is how the National League playoff picture looks as we head into play on Friday:

National League 1: Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have been the hottest team in the National League. Their starting pitching looks great, their lineup is producing, and they keep flip flopping with Cubs in the Central. The 2 teams will be battling it out the rest of the way.

National League 2: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have one of the best rosters in the league. They should be getting some injured SPs back soon, and should still be considered favorites in the NL, regardless of their playoff seeding.

National League 3: New York Mets

As I mentioned with the Phillies, they and these Mets have been flip-slopping for top spot in the NL East for most of the season. The Mets have dealt with key injuries to their rotation, and Juan Soto started the season slowly, but the Mets have gotten some starters back on the mound and Soto has been raking. 

NL Wild Card 1: Chicago Cubs

The Cubs started the season strong and have played well all year. While they have been swapping in and out of first with the Brewers recently, this is a very good team and who could finish anywhere between the one seed and six seed in the NL.

NL Wild Card 2: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies and Mets have been flip-flopping in the division since the early going this season. It is a race that could come down to the final few games of the season. This is a loaded team who has been one of the best in the league for 3-4 seasons now. 

NL Wild Card 3: San Diego Padres

The Padres currently control this final wild card spot, but they are in striking distance of the two or one seed in the wild card standings and even close enough to run down the Dodgers in the West. Getting back ace Michael King at fill health could give the Padres the shot in the arm that they need.