Unless these Cardinals are going to become just the fifth Cardinals team since 1930 to turn a deficit of seven-plus games on Aug. 1 into the best record in the National League by the regular season's end, they will need to reach the postseason by seizing one of two wild card spots.
The Cubs, Nationals and Giants sit atop their respective divisions in the National League. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are one of the six teams jostling for the two wild cards. The Dodgers (+2.5) and the Marlins would claim them right now.
The Cardinals, half a game behind the Marlins, join the Mets (-2.