Braves Applying Pressure on Division-Leading Phillies at Perfect Time

Over two months into the 2019 MLB season, the NL East division is essentially a two-team race. The Philadelphia Phillies lead the way in the division, but they have to worry about the Atlanta Braves, who are pressing hard on their heels.

Last year's defending divisional champions have now snuck up on the Phillies, trailing one game behind first place. Atlanta has now applied pressure on Philadelphia at the best possible time...during their rivals' west coast trip.

The Phillies just completed the first half of their road excursion, and it wasn't pretty. They were swept at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who outscored Philadelphia 18-6. On Monday, they move down to San Diego to face a Padres team that are no longer the doormat of the NL West and could prove a formidable challenge to a slumping team.

As for Atlanta, they received the benefit of an easier schedule. The Braves took two-of-three games against the lowly Detroit Tigers. To begin the work week, Atlanta faces a Pittsburgh Pirates team that is 3-7 in their last ten games.

Atlanta had a slow start to the season, but are now gaining momentum in the divisional race, and it's thanks to the Phillies recurring struggles on the west coast.

Pair that with the strong pitching performances from Max Fried and Mike Soroka, and the many of the Braves' early season questions are being answered. The emergence of Austin Riley has added another layer of power to the lineup, and as of now, the Braves appear to be the team to beat in the NL East.