The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies' NL East rivalry heats up beyond standings as both target Luis Robert Jr. and key relievers, escalating their trade deadline battle.

Phillies' Rob Thomson Announces Nick Castellanos Update After One Missed Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Right fielder Nick Castellanos is in his thirteenth major-league season and fourth with the Philadelphia Phillies.

New York and Philadelphia are battling for NL East domination. Here's how each can win next week's trade deadline.

Fox Sports recently released their “3 Best Trade Destinations For San Diego Padres RHP Dylan Cease” list, with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies mentioned. All three of those teams have aspirations of a deep, October run, and would likely willingly sacrifice extra for Cease’s services.

While Vientos seemed to take a stoic approach toward trade rumors, he did note that his lack of playing time makes it "extremely difficult" to improve. "No, because there's really no point," he said about taking his concerns to management. "Nobody cares. Nobody really cares, to be honest, how I feel. But it's the business."

The New York Mets are hot, having won seven of ten since the All-Star break. This follows a 7-4 stretch in July before the pause, which was much needed after an

"The Phillies' bullpen ranks 22nd in reliever ERA (4.22) and 14th in strikeout ratio (8.72 K/9). Philly has been employing a closer-by-committee approach to things, but right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano currently leads the team in saves with eight," Gauvain writes.

As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to battle with the New York Mets in the National League East, the trade deadline is also looming large for the franchise.