Defying odds, Cardinals are in first place in National League Central

St. Louis Cardinals are in first place in the National League Central for the first time since April 25. The Milwaukee Brewers are on a nine-game losing streak. Miles Mikolas and Dakota Hudson have stepped up in rotation and Tommy Edman has emerged as a key piece offensively. Paul Goldschmidt has also emerged and is an early MVP candidate.

St. Louis Cardinals are in first place in the National League Central for the first time since April 25. They have a 1.5 game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals have had some key contributions throughout the season, especially of late, that allowed them to close the deficit rather quickly. Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Tyler O'Neill, Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz are all playing well.

The Cardinals are in first place in the National League Central. John Mozeliak has a dilemma about whether to make a big-ticket trade at the deadline. He will probably focus on the current season with Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright and Albert Pujols' final seasons. The Cardinals have a 1-5 starting line-up with Flaherty, Wainscott, Mikolas, Matz and Hudson.