American League Rotation Rankings (Week Six)

1. Los Angeles Angels (15-7, 3.83)

Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders pilot this well-balanced, yet injury-riddled rotation. The 26-year-old Weaver has surrendered one run or less in four of seven starts, while Saunders has paralyzed Oakland hitters in 13.1 innings (1.35 ERA) and racked up five wins.

Career minor-leaguer Matt Palmer, once an interchangeable piece, is now locked into a starter's role until he cools down from his 4-0 start. Oh, and 16 game winner Ervin Santana returned May 14th. Not too shabby, Angels.

2. Detroit Tigers (15-11, 3.92)

Arguably Detroit's ace thus far, Edwin Jackson leads the Tigers in ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched. This winter steal represents the second fist of the Tigers one-two punch—Justin Verlander rounds out the electric duo.

Verlander's recent surge has produced 44 strikeout casualties in his last 29.1 innings (0.92 ERA), helping Detroit lead the category in the AL with 180. Add rookie phenom Rick Porcello into the equation, recent winner of his last three games, and you're talking about steam few bats can catch up to.

3. Kansas City Royals (15-14, 3.88)

With Zach Greinke dominating the free world, more people lined up around theaters to see Gigli than predicted the Royals to set the starting pitching standard. Their success likely won't last forever, but the statistics are inexplicably impressive with Brian Bannister back in the mix.

A team 3.63 ERA paces both leagues, as their relievers have been equally superb.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (18-10, 4.20)

The Jays possess one of the AL's most dominant arms in Roy Halladay. Halladay ranks second to Greinke in quality starts with seven, and sits at 8-1 with 57 punchouts.

Behind him lies several talented youngsters, as Brett Cecil has made quite the impact in his first three big league starts (2-0, 1.80, three quality starts). It's safe to say they don't miss overpriced free agent A.J. Burnett.

5. Texas Rangers (17-9, 4.37)

Though statistically mediocre, Texas pitching ranks first in the "Wait, They're Not Giving Up Nine Runs A Game Anymore?" race. Maybe team president Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy is beginning to sink in.

Ryan recently commented on his team's pitching at The Ballpark in Arlington, "People are saying they can't pitch in this ballpark...they can pitch in this ballpark if you keep the ball down and change speeds and move the ball in and out." Kevin Millwood's resurgence is proof Ryan's philosophy holds legitimacy; he has posted a 2.10 ERA in 30 innings.

6. Seattle Mariners (11-13, 4.49)

While it's not earth-shattering Seattle's staff ranks in the middle, it just goes to show how strong the Big Three have been despite frequent sabotage attempts by Chris Jakubauskas (31.1 IP, 7.47 ERA) and Carlos Silva (28.2 IP, 8.48 ERA).

Felix Hernandez, Eric Bedard, and Jarrod Washburn are each pitching like it's their contract years (It is for Bedard and Washburn). In 140 innings, the Big Three boasts a 3.08 ERA with 129 strikeouts.

7. Oakland Athletics (7-14, 4.78)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?