Around the Wild Card Race: September 18 Edition

News and notes from the Wild Card teams:

• In Atlanta, Brian McCann has been dealing with tendinitis in his right hamstring. While he played through the pain in Milwaukee, he has missed the last few games with it. He was available to pinch-hit on Monday and hopes to return to the lineup soon.
• St. Louis should be getting stronger soon. They announced that they expect Chris Carpenter to start on Friday, making his 2012 debut. This will be his first start since Game 7 of the 2012 World Series. He had been dealing with a nerve issue in his neck and shoulder.
• In Philadelphia, the Phillies have started thinking about the future of Chase Utley. They are willing to give him some time at third base this season, but only if he feels comfortable there and the Phillies are out of contention.

Here are yesterday's results:

• Lately, the Braves have been able to beat anyone other than the Brewers. Last night, it was the Marlins turn. Atlanta jumped out to an early first inning lead, built it up to 6-0 before holding off a late Miami rally for a 7-5 win. (Box Score)
• Coming off a disappointing series in Houston, the Phillies needed to bounce back in a good way. Cliff Lee delivered that as he outdueled R.A. Dickey in a battle of NL East aces, and Philadelphia beat the NY Mets 3-1. (Box Score)
• A few weeks ago, the Brewers and Cardinals played a game after a two hour and thirty-two minute rain delay to avoid a double-header. Not to be outdone, the Pirates ended their series in Chicago against the Cubs with a game that was delayed three hours and forty-eight minutes. The game started around 11 pm, and finished about two and a half hours later. The Pirates scored three in the third inning, and that was all they needed as they won 3-0. They get about sixteen and a half hours to travel, rest, and prepare for their next game. (Box Score)
• The Cardinals, Dodgers, Brewers, Diamondbacks, and Padres were all off yesterday.

Here are the current Wild Card standings:

The top three teams for the second Wild Card (St. Louis, Los Angeles, Milwaukee) were all off yesterday, so there were no big changes in the standings. Pittsburgh won to tie with Milwaukee again, and Philadelphia also won to get to a game back in the standings.

With the wins from the Phillies and Pirates yesterday, the Brewers playoff chances took a slight hit. Here's today's update on the Brewers playoff standings from CoolStandings.com:

It's back to a full day of action today, as everyone is playing. Here are the games on tap for today: