The suddenly slumping Cardinals, trying to stay in contention in the NL Central, expect to get a boost from within just before the trade deadline. 

The suddenly slumping Cardinals, trying to stay in contention in the NL Central, expect to get a boost from within just before the trade deadline. 

MEDICAL WATCH: OF Chris Duncan (pinched nerve in neck) went on the 15-day disabled list July 22. 

Right-hander Mitchell Boggs was a little better, but only a little, against the New York Mets Friday night than he had been in his last big-league start -- against the Mets on July 3. 

--RHP Chris Carpenter, on the rebound from last year's "Tommy John" elbow surgery, is getting closer to rejoining the rotation. 

Mike Pelfrey looks nearly unbeatable right now, and so do the New York Mets. 

The New York Mets are playing like they're ready to take complete control of the NL East. 

Mike Pelfrey looks nearly unbeatable right now, and so do the New York Mets. 

Top Two-Start Pitchers of the Week 

MEDICAL WATCH: OF Chris Duncan (pinched nerve in neck) went on the 15-day disabled list July 22. 

--RHP Ryan Franklin extended the Cardinals' major league high in blown saves to 24. 

Manager Tony La Russa managed Thursday's game against the Brewers much like an NBA playoff game as he desperately tried to pull out one win in the four-game series. 

It's been a little more than three months since the New York Mets played a game while sitting alone atop the NL East standings. 

Ryan Braun and the Milwaukee Brewers are on quite a roll. 

Ryan Braun and the Milwaukee Brewers are on quite a roll.