Both the NL and AL East titles were clinched over the weekend, with the Braves and Yankees outlasting the rest of the teams in their divisions. While they both got there through different paths, both teams clinched early enough to take the last week of the season to rest their players and get their rotations in order.
The Yankees did it on their 100th win of the season, as Aroldis Chapman struck out Albert Pujols to finish the game and start the celebrations. The Yankees, who surprisingly haven’t won the division since 2012, dominated the AL East this season and have been in sole possession of first place since June 15.
Despite a record-setting number of injuries to key players this year, younger players have stepped up in their absence and shown the depth of the Yankees both on the mound and in the lineup.
The Braves were predicted to finish 3rd or 4th in the talented NL East this year, but found themselves pulling ahead and not looking back since the beginning of June. Led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman, their lineup kept up with the best in the NL. Mike Foltynewicz has been looking more like his All-Star self, which is good news for the Brave’s rotation come the playoffs.
The Braves are looking to win their first postseason series since the 2001 NLDS, and with the other teams in their division on the rise, this year might be their best chance to make a run for the World Series.
