The Philadelphia Phillies have taken the lead in the NL East following a significant win against the New York Mets, capitalizing on the struggles of their division rivals. The Atlanta Braves, once in contention, faced a major setback as ace pitcher Chris Sale was placed on the injured list due to a ribcage fracture. Despite a strong start to the season, with a 2.52 ERA, Sale's injury could derail the Braves' hopes of a postseason run, leaving them 11 games behind the Phillies.

The Braves were gaining momentum in the division, but losing their top pitcher is a severe blow. With Aaron Nola also dealing with injury, the Phillies are set to face a less formidable Braves lineup. This injury not only affects the Braves' immediate prospects but could significantly impact their long-term season outlook. The Phillies are now positioned to compete primarily with the Mets for the division title.