NL Central Stays Tight as Cubs Lead and Pirates’ Sweep Exposes Reds’ Flaws

Overview

• The Pirates completed a three-game sweep of the Reds over the weekend, outscoring them 27-8 and contributing to Cincinnati’s drop in Bleacher Report’s power rankings from No. 5 to No. 9, according to The Sporting News.
• Every NL Central team is over .500, with the Cubs on top at 22-12 and the Pirates in last at 19-16 despite their winning record, as Yahoo Sports noted.
• Cincinnati’s strong 20-14 record masks weak indicators that point to regression, including a 90 wRC+ on offense, a negative run differential, and rotation and bullpen expected ERAs over 5, per SB Nation’s Bleed Cubbie Blue.
• Injuries have thinned the Reds’ pitching, with Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo sidelined and Brandon Williamson on the injured list, which pushed rookie Chase Petty into Monday’s start and has strained a bullpen with the worst walk rate in MLB.
• A week after being swept by St. Louis and then sweeping Cincinnati, the Pirates rose to No. 8 in Bleacher Report’s rankings, highlighting how quick swings inside a balanced division can reshuffle perceptions.