Atlanta Braves surprisingly have the best record in the NL

If fans were asked before the season who would be leading the National League two weeks into May, very few would have answered the Atlanta Braves. But here we are, entering play on May 14, with the Braves standing as the best team in the National League.

After taking three of four from the Miami Marlins, the Braves have a 24-15 record. They’re a half-game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and a game in front of the Brewers and Phillies. That’s quite impressive considering the Braves haven’t had a winning record since 2013.

On Sunday, it was Sean Newcomb pitching the team to victory. Acquired in the Andrelton Simmons trade with the Angels, the 24-year-old southpaw allowed just one hit over six scoreless against the Marlins. That was his third straight outing where he did not allow a run. He leads the Braves’ staff with 46.2 innings pitched, four wins and a 2.51 ERA. Julio Teheran has also pitched well, as has Mike Foltynewicz. Three of their relievers — Shane Carle, Daniel Winkler and Arodys Vizcaino — have sub-2.00 ERAs.

Offensively, Freddie Freeman has been his usual self and leads the team with a 1.020 OPS. Nick Markakis is on his way to his best season ever and earning his keep in the final season of his four-year contract. He’s batting .344 with 10 doubles and seven home runs. The big surprise has been second baseman Ozzie Albies, who leads the team with 13 doubles, 12 homers and 37 runs scored.

Time will tell whether the Braves can keep it up, but being on top of the NL even a quarter of the way through the season has to feel great for their fans after four straight lean years.