Updated MLB Power Rankings: Undefeated Week Propels Yankees to Top Spot

A return to interleague play this past week brought some out-of-the-ordinary matchups, but it was a fairly uneventful week as MLB's top teams played up to expectations.

The Yankees and Reds each turned in undefeated weeks and moved up the rankings as a result. Meanwhile, the Braves and Indians struggled with 1-5 weeks and fell accordingly. There was plenty more movement beyond those four teams, though.

Here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to check back here each Monday morning for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts.com

30. Chicago Cubs (22-44, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup 

CF Tony Campana
SS Starlin Castro
RF David DeJesus
LF Alfonso Soriano
1B Bryan LaHair
C Steve Clevenger
2B Darwin Barney
3B Luis Valbuena
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Paul Maholm
SP Travis Wood
CL Carlos Marmol

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Cubs had a tough draw in facing the Tigers and Red Sox this past week, and they managed to take one game in each series. Carlos Marmol was returned to the closer's role, and Ian Stewart hit the disabled list with wrist soreness, moving Luis Valbuena into a starting role.

29. Colorado Rockies (25-40, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
3B Jordan Pacheco
C Wilin Rosario
2B Chris Nelson
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Alex White
SP Christian Friedrich
SP Josh Outman
SP Jeff Francis
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The Rockies snapped an eight-game losing streak with a win on Friday, but they've got things going again as they've dropped their past two. Their pitching continues to be atrociously bad, as no starter has an ERA under 4.50, and they have an MLB-worst 5.35 ERA as a team.

28. Minnesota Twins (26-39, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

CF Denard Span
RF Ben Revere
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
DH Ryan Doumit
3B Trevor Plouffe
SS Brian Dozier
2B Jamey Carroll

Current Rotation

SP Nick Blackburn
SP Scott Diamond
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Liam Hendriks
SP TBD
CL Matt Capps

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

After a solid 4-2 performance two weeks ago in which they won a pair of series, the Twins returned to their standard level of play and rejoined the bottom of the heap. Utility man Trevor Plouffe enjoyed an unexpected power surge this past week, as he hit .391 BA, 5 HR, 7 RBI and now leads the team with 14 long balls.

27. San Diego Padres (24-43, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
2B Logan Forsythe
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
CF Cameron Maybin
C Nick Hundley
SS Everth Cabrera
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Anthony Bass
SP Jason Marquis
SP Ross Ohlendorf
CL Huston Street

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Padres continue to search for answers in the starting rotation, as Ross Ohlendorf made his first start of the season on Saturday and earned a no-decision. The team is better than it was a month ago and swept the Mariners last week, but San Diego still ranks among the worst teams in the NL.

26. Houston Astros (27-39, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
2B Jose Altuve
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Carlos Lee
LF J.D. Martinez
3B Chris Johnson
RF Brian Bogusevic
C Jason Castro
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Dallas Keuchel
CL Brett Myers

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The Astros suffered through a tough week as they faced off against the Giants and Rangers and managed just one win. First baseman Carlos Lee is back from the disabled list, and Dallas Keuchel (5-4, 4.26 ERA at Triple-A) will make his big league debut this week starting in place of injured Bud Norris.

25. Seattle Mariners (29-39, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Dustin Ackley
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
1B Justin Smoak
LF Michael Saunders
C Miguel Olivo
CF Franklin Gutierrez
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Hector Noesi
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Kevin Millwood
CL Tom Wilhelmsen 

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Mariners snapped a six-game losing streak by winning back-to-back games against a good Giants team, but they continue to struggle to string together consistent performances. Franklin Gutierrez made his season debut last week, but the most interesting move has to be the team calling up former Mets flop Oliver Perez (22 G, 4.65 ERA, 12.2 K/9 at Triple-A) to pitch out of the bullpen.

24. Kansas City Royals (29-35, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
2B Chris Getz
DH Billy Butler
1B Eric Hosmer
RF Jeff Francoeur
3B Mike Moustakas
SS Alcides Escobar
CF Jarrod Dyson
C Humberto Quintero 

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Vin Mazzaro
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Jonathan Sanchez
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Royals did some damage in the NL Central this past week, sweeping the Brewers before taking 2-of-3 from the Cardinals, and they are just five games out of first place in the AL Central now. Jonathan Sanchez looked sharp in his first start in more than a month, as he came off the DL and allowed just one earned run over five innings against the Brewers—perhaps he can give the rotation a boost.

23. Philadelphia Phillies (31-37, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
RF Hunter Pence
C Carlos Ruiz
CF Shane Victorino
1B Ty Wigginton
3B Placido Polanco
2B Michael Martinez
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Vance Worley
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Phillies continue to sputter through the season with a roster that is a shell of what it has been the past several seasons. If they continue to struggle over the next month and decide to become sellers, how intriguing a trade chip would free-agent-to-be Shane Victorino be?

22. Milwaukee Brewers (30-36, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

1B Corey Hart
RF Norichika Aoki
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Cody Ransom
CF Carlos Gomez
C Martin Maldonado
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Michael Fiers
CL John Axford

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

Matched up against the cellar-dwellers of the AL Central in the Royals and Twins, the Brewers managed only a 2-4 record on the week, and they continue to struggle offensively. With Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum both free agents at season's end, the Brewers could be a major player at the deadline if they decide to blow things up.

21. Oakland Athletics (31-36, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

2B Jemile Weeks
CF Coco Crisp
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
DH Seth Smith
3B Brandon Inge
1B Brandon Moss
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Cliff Pennington 

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Travis Blackley
CL Ryan Cook

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The A's took care of business against the bottom of the NL West, sweeping the Rockies and taking 2-of-3 from the Padres. Their offense flexed its muscles this past week, outscoring opponents 43-23, with first baseman Brandon Moss leading the way with a .348 BA, 5 HR, 10 RBI week.

20. Cleveland Indians (33-32, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
2B Jason Kipnis
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
LF Johnny Damon
1B Casey Kotchman
DH Jose Lopez
3B Jack Hannahan

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Jeanmar Gomez
SP Josh Tomlin
CL Chris Perez

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The Indians struggled mightily this past week. They were swept by the Reds in Cincinnati before dropping 2-of-3 to the Pirates at home. Second baseman Jason Kipnis (.284 BA, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 17 SB) continues to enjoy a breakout season and has carried the offensive load.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks (32-34, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
CF Chris Young
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Ryan Roberts
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Joe Saunders
SP Wade Miley
SP Daniel Hudson
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks had a tough draw this past week as they faced the Rangers and Angels on the road, and in the end they managed to come away with one win from each series. The offense has disappointed all season, and guys such as Justin Upton (.711 OPS), Miguel Montero (.751 OPS) and Chris Young (.767 OPS) need to step up their game if the team hopes to contend.

18. Boston Red Sox (33-33, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

LF Scott Podsednik
2B Dustin Pedroia
RF Adrian Gonzalez 
DH David Ortiz
1B Kevin Youkilis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
3B Will Middlebrooks
CF Ryan Kalish
SS Mike Aviles 

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
SP Franklin Morales
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Red Sox took 2-of-3 each from the Marlins and Cubs on the road, as they pulled to .500 on the season and are now 7.5 games out in the AL East. Josh Beckett and Ryan Sweeney both hit the disabled list last week and will be replaced by Franklin Morales (23 G, 3.14 ERA) and Ryan Kalish (.378 BA, 4 HR, 10 RBI in nine Triple-A games), respectively.

17. Toronto Blue Jays (34-32, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
RF Jose Bautista
DH Edwin Encarnacion
1B David Cooper
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
C J.P. Arencibia
LF Rajai Davis 

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Brett Cecil
SP TBD
SP TBD
CL Casey Janssen

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

It was a week of injuries for the Blue Jays, as starting pitchers Brandon Morrow (strained oblique), Kyle Drabek (sprained elbow) and Drew Hutchinson (sprained elbow) all hit the disabled list. Brett Cecil (4-2, 3.47 ERA in minors) will take one of their spots, but how they fill out the rotation from there is a question mark as of now.

16. Detroit Tigers (32-34, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
RF Brennan Boesch
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
SS Jhonny Peralta
LF Ryan Raburn
C Gerald Laird
2B Danny Worth

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Doug Fister
SP Jacob Turner
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Tigers continue to muddle along as an average team with the potential to be something more, as they took series from the lowly Cubs and Rockies this past week. Doug Fister looked strong in his return from the disabled list (6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER), and top prospect Jacob Turner (11 GS, 3-3, 2.83 ERA in minors) will make his season debut this week, so things are looking up in the rotation.

15. Miami Marlins (33-33, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
1B Gaby Sanchez
CF Scott Cousins
C John Buck
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Heath Bell

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

After jumping to No. 1 on these rankings a few weeks back, the Marlins have returned to the middle of the pack, mired in a 2-10 stretch. It has not been a matter of injuries but simply inconsistency, as they have all the pieces to be a very good team but have been unable to put it all together with the offense struggling of late.

14. Atlanta Braves (35-31, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chipper Jones
RF Jason Heyward
SS Andrelton Simmons
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Randall Delgado
SP Jair Jurrjens
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The Braves have been as wildly inconsistent as any team in baseball this season, and they struggled through another rough week last week against the Yankees and Rays.

The team was dealt a blow when NL ERA leader Brandon Beachy hit the DL with a sore elbow, and now Jair Jurrjens (3-4, 5.27 ERA at Triple-A) will get a chance to win his spot back on the big league roster after being demoted.

13. St. Louis Cardinals (34-33, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
2B Daniel Descalso
CF Shane Robinson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

Injuries continue to be what keeps the Cardinals from contending; they have not been at full strength at any point this season. Still, they find ways to win, getting a boost offensively from Allen Craig (.336 BA, 8 HR, 28 RBI in 28 games) since he has come back from injury, while Joe Kelly (2 GS, 2.89 ERA, 9.1 IP) has looked good in spot starts.

12. New York Mets (35-32, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
1B Ike Davis
LF Scott Hairston
C Josh Thole
SS Omar Quintanilla
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Johan Santana
SP Dillon Gee
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
CL Frank Francisco

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Mets swept a very good Rays team in Tampa to open the week, but were then swept by the Reds to break even at 3-3.

The end of the road could be here for Jason Bay, who returned from the disabled list and struggled at the plate to the tune of 2-for-25 before hitting the DL again with a concussion. Luckily they have a solid everyday replacement in Scott Hairston (.280 BA, 9 HR, 26 RBI).

11. Pittsburgh Pirates (34-31, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Presley
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
3B Pedro Alvarez
RF Jose Tabata
C Rod Barajas
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Kevin Correia
SP Brad Lincoln
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

A great week shot the Pirates up the rankings last week, and although they struggled this past week in getting swept by the Orioles, they still have the look of a solid team. It remains a question of whether they can hit enough (.228 team BA) to back a very good pitching staff (3.51 team ERA).

10. Chicago White Sox (35-31, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
2B Gordon Beckham
DH Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
RF Alex Rios
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Dayan Viciedo
SS Alexei Ramirez
3B Orlando Hudson

Current Rotation

SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Phil Humber
SP Jose Quintana
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The White Sox dropped a pair of series on the road to the Dodgers and Cardinals, but they remain in first place in the AL Central by 1.5 games over the Indians. For as well as they have played this season they have plenty of room to improve, having received virtually no offensive production from any infield position outside of first base.

9. San Francisco Giants (37-30, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Santiago Casilla

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Giants came up with a less-than-stellar week against the Astros and Mariners, but they remain comfortably in second place in the NL West. Matt Cain's perfect game against the Astros on Wednesday was no doubt the highlight of the week, and he has proven to be worth every penny of his offseason extension with an 8-2 record and 2.18 ERA.

8. Tampa Bay Rays (37-29, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
RF Matt Joyce
CF B.J. Upton
DH Hideki Matsui
2B Ben Zobrist
1B Carlos Pena
3B Sean Rodriguez
C Jose Molina
SS Elliot Johnson

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Alex Cobb
CL Fernando Rodney

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

Swept by the Mets to open the week, the Rays salvaged things by taking 2-of-3 from the Marlins.

Their offense continues to make due without superstar Evan Longoria, who is on the rehab trail, and their pitching staff continues to carry the load, as they turned in a pair of shutouts this past week with Alex Cobb fanning 10 and allowing just two hits through seven in the best start of his young career on Sunday.

7. Los Angeles Angels (36-31, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
RF Torii Hunter
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
LF Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Alberto Callaspo
SS Erick Aybar
C Hank Conger

Current Rotation

SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Jerome Williams
SP Garrett Richards
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Angels have slowly clawed their way up the rankings after a horrible start, going 18-6 after an 18-25 start. Their 20-year-old phenom, Mike Trout (.324 BA, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 16 SB), continues to make a monumental impact atop the lineup, and the team has gone 30-17 since he was first called up.

6. Baltimore Orioles (39-27, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

2B Brian Roberts
SS J.J. Hardy
DH Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
1B Mark Reynolds
3B Wilson Betemit
LF Steve Pearce
RF Ryan Flaherty

Current Rotation 

SP Jason Hammel
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Tommy Hunter
SP Brian Matusz
CL Jim Johnson 

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Orioles looked to have hit the wall on their impressive season a few weeks back when they lost six straight, but they have rebounded to go 10-4 since then, and they are once again among baseball's top teams. Brian Roberts made his season debut Tuesday, going 3-for-4, and he has hit .318 in five games since coming off the DL.

5. Washington Nationals (38-26, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jesus Flores
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Chien-Ming Wang
CL Tyler Clippard

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Nationals swept the Blue Jays to start the week, but were then swept by the Yankees at home to close things out. Their offense has fallen off a bit since the start of the season, but their pitching continues to pick up the slack with an MLB-best 3.00 ERA as a group.

Reliever Brad Lidge (9.64 ERA) has been designated for assignment after a pair of rough outings this past week.

4. Cincinnati Reds (38-27, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Chris Heisey
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
3B Todd Frazier
LF Ryan Ludwick
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CL Aroldis Chapman

Last Week's Record: 6-0

Team Outlook

The Reds have struggled to play at a consistently high level this season, but when everything is clicking, they are among the best teams in baseball, as evidenced by their sweeps of the Mets and Indians this past week. First baseman Joey Votto leads the majors in hitting with a .366 average to go along with 12 HR, 44 RBI and a .489 OBP.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-25, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
3B Elian Herrera
RF Andre Ethier
LF Bobby Abreu
2B Jerry Hairston Jr.
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Dodgers dropped 2-of-3 to the L.A. Angels before taking 2-of-3 from the White Sox to close out the week. It was announced that both Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp will join the team on their road trip this coming week, so they should be nearing a return, meaning the offense is in for a huge boost.

2. Texas Rangers (40-27, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
DH Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
LF David Murphy
C Mike Napoli
1B Mitch Moreland

Current Rotation

SP Colby Lewis
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
SP Justin Grimm
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Rangers took care of business against the Diamondbacks and Astros this past week, and they remain the cream of the crop in the AL West.

They currently have two starters on the DL in Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland, and Alexi Ogando joined them this past week, leading to 23-year-old Justin Grimm (6 IP, 3 ER) making his big league debut in the rotation. Also, they had to deal with superstar Josh Hamilton being temporarily hospitalized, yet they continue to win.

1. New York Yankees (40-25, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Nick Swisher
DH Eric Chavez
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Andy Pettitte
CL Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Record: 6-0

Team Outlook

There is no hotter team in baseball than the Yankees, who sat at 21-21 on May 21 but have gone 19-4 since then. They enter this week with a nine-game winning streak, and they should get Brett Gardner back sometime in the near future, so there is no reason anyone but them should be No. 1 here.