Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Surging Athletics Sweep Yankees, Move into Top 10

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and so far it has been an unusually quiet year for trades. That is likely to change in the days to come, though, as more teams than ever are looking to buy with two wild-card spots up for grabs.

It was an interesting week at the top, as the White Sox and Mets plummeted, while the Reds, Tigers and Pirates continued to climb. The story of the week (and really of the second half), however, is the Oakland A's, as they closed the week with a sweep of the Yankees, a team with a payroll nearly three times their own.

So 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. Houston Astros (34-62, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

2B Jose Altuve
SS Marwin Gonzalez
1B Scott Moore
LF J.D. Martinez
RF Brian Bogusevic
3B Chris Johnson
CF Jordan Schafer
C Chris Snyder
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Dallas Keuchel
CL Francisco Cordero

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Team Outlook

The Astros pulled off a massive 10-player trade with the Blue Jays, with J.A. Happ and Brandon Lyon heading to Toronto for some solid prospects, outfielder Ben Francisco and closer Francisco Cordero (h/t ESPN.com).

They also unloaded closer Brett Myers, shipping him to the White Sox for a pair of minor leaguers and a player to be named (h/t ESPN.com). They still have one major trade chip in Wandy Rodriguez, and they will have officially dealt all of their veteran pieces over the past three years in their commitment to rebuilding.

29. Colorado Rockies (36-58, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
1B Michael Cuddyer
RF Tyler Colvin
C Ramon Hernandez
3B Jordan Pacheco
SS Josh Rutledge
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Christian Friedrich
SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Jonathan Sanchez
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Rockies and Royals swapped disappointing starters, with Jeremy Guthrie going to Kansas City for Jonathan Sanchez. Both are free agents at the end of the year, so it was little more than a change of scenery move between struggling teams.

There is some reason for excitement in Colorado despite the team's struggles, as the outfield trio of Carlos Gonzalez (.974 OPS, 19 HR, 66 RBI), Dexter Fowler (.910 OPS, 12 HR, 39 RBI) and Tyler Colvin (.910 OPS, 13 HR, 41 RBI) has been among the best in all of baseball.

28. Chicago Cubs (38-56, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup 

CF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
RF Bryan LaHair
C Geovany Soto
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

As of Sunday, the fire sale had yet to begin in Chicago, but with Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Alfonso Soriano, Bryan LaHair, Paul Maholm, Reed Johnson and Jeff Baker all drawing some level of interest, it is seemingly only a matter of time.

Meanwhile, looking to the future, Anthony Rizzo (.329 BA, 4 HR, 10 RBI) has looked great through 21 games and shown flashes of being the middle-of-the-order slugger the Cubs hope he'll be for years to come.

27. Kansas City Royals (40-54, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
SS Alcides Escobar 
DH Billy Butler
3B Mike Moustakas
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
RF Jeff Francoeur
2B Chris Getz
C Salvador Perez

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Will Smith
SP Jeremy Guthrie
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Team Outlook

The season has been a disappointing one for the Royals, and while the team has been reluctant to sell, they have a big decision to make regarding closer Jonathan Broxton, who is one of the more sought-after arms in the market (h/t Danny Knobler, CBSSports.com).

Once the deadline passes and we move into August, expect to see top prospects Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi called up as they will get an opportunity to play their way into a significant role next season.

26. Minnesota Twins (40-55, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Francisco Liriano
SP Cole De Vries
SP Scott Diamond
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP Nick Blackburn
CL Glen Perkins

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Team Outlook

The Twins will need to decide soon if they are going to trade left-hander Francisco Liriano, who has turned things around in a big way since an early-season demotion to the bullpen. Liriano has gone 3-4 with a 2.84 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 63.1 innings of work over his last 10 starts.

Moving forward, the team needs to find some answers in the starting rotation. Their offense has been good enough to win this season, but their AL-worst 4.88 team ERA has kept that from happening.

25. Seattle Mariners (42-55, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Kevin Millwood
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP Blake Beavan
CL Tom Wilhelmsen

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Team Outlook

The Mariners offense has been nothing short of awful this season, as they have only one player with an OPS over .800 (John Jaso, .861). The evaluation period should begin shortly, as they'll start to take a long look at some of their young talent.

As for trade chips, pitchers Jason Vargas and Kevin Millwood could both be on the move, potentially opening up a rotation spot for top prospect Danny Hultzen down the stretch.

24. Philadelphia Phillies (42-54, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
C Carlos Ruiz
RF Hunter Pence
LF Juan Pierre
3B Placido Polanco
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Vance Worley
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

With Roy Halladay back, the Phillies are at full strength for the first time all season, but it will be too little too late. They dug far too big of a hole early on.

It remains to be seen if Cole Hamels will be dealt, as the team is ready to offer him a six-year, $130 million extension (h/t SI.com). However, Shane Victorino is almost certainly on his way out, as he is set to hit free agency at season's end and has struggled through a down season.

23. San Diego Padres (41-56, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Kip Wells
SP Ross Ohlendorf
CL Huston Street

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Team Outlook

The Padres have opted to hold onto some of their most appealing trade chips. They signed outfielder Carlos Quentin to a three-year, $30 million extension (h/t C. Trent Rosecrans, CBSSports.com) and are looking to re-up with closer Huston Street as well (h/t Scott Miller, CBSSports.com).

With a strong farm system and a solid group of young players already making an impact, the Padres appear to be looking to turn things around sooner rather than later in the rebuilding process. That could be due in part to improved play of late, as they've gone 14-7 in their last 21 games.

22. Miami Marlins (44-51, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
CF Emilio Bonifacio
1B Carlos Lee
LF Logan Morrison
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Greg Dobbs
2B Omar Infante
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: 2-5

Team Outlook

For a team that entered the season with playoff aspirations after an expensive offseason, it has been a tough year for the Marlins. As a result, they could be sellers in the days to come and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for anyone (h/t Buster Olney, ESPN.com).

Starter Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante look like the most likely players to be moved. The Marlins will look to bolster their farm system while remaining in a position to make a run at the postseason next year.

21. Milwaukee Brewers (44-50, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
2B Rickie Weeks
C Martin Maldonado
SS Cesar Izturis 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
CL Francisco Rodriguez

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

A sweep at the hands of the Reds this weekend could be the final push the Brewers need to be sellers at the deadline, and there is no question Zack Greinke is their most intriguing trade chip.

The team has reportedly offered Greinke an extension in the neighborhood of $100 million, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports, and Greinke confirmed that that was the case. If he declines their offer, there is no shortage of teams interested, and even as a rental player he could net a big return.

20. Cleveland Indians (47-48, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Josh Tomlin
SP Zach McAllister
CL Chris Perez

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Team Outlook

While they are still only 4.5 games out of first in the AL Central, the Indians are sliding fast, having lost four straight and going 4-9 in their last 13 games.

With the Tigers finally playing up to their potential and the White Sox solid all season, the Indians have their work cut out for them if they hope to make a postseason push. Adding a right-handed bat to a lineup that features seven left-handed hitters and two switch-hitters would be a step in the right direction.

19. Boston Red Sox (48-48, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Carl Crawford
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez 
RF Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
3B Will Middlebrooks
DH Daniel Nava
SS Mike Aviles  

Current Rotation

SP Josh Beckett
SP Jon Lester
SP Felix Doubront
SP Aaron Cook
SP Clay Buchholz
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Team Outlook

Just as the Red Sox were getting back to full strength with the returns of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Dustin Pedroia and Clay Buchholz, slugger David Ortiz was lost to an Achilles tendon injury.

Big picture, though, is pitching has been their biggest issue and they remain in the market for a starter as the deadline approaches. They're currently in last place in the AL East, but they could make some late-season noise if they are able to bolster their pitching staff.

18. Arizona Diamondbacks (47-48, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
C Miguel Montero 
RF Justin Upton
1B Paul Goldschmidt
CF Chris Young
3B Ryan Wheeler
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Joe Saunders
SP Josh Collmenter
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Team Outlook

A solid week has kept the Diamondbacks in the playoff picture, and they could look to make up even more ground this coming week as they take on the lowly Rockies and sliding Mets.

You can't say enough about what Jason Kubel (.300 BA, 21 HR, 71 RBI) has meant to the team this year, as he and Aaron Hill (.308 BA, 13 HR, 45 RBI) have carried the offense. Now they will look for 23-year-old Ryan Wheeler to make an impact at third base after he posted a .351 BA, 15 HR, 90 RBI line at Triple-A.

17. Toronto Blue Jays (48-47, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

RF Anthony Gose
3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
LF Travis Snider
C J.P. Arencibia

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Aaron Laffey
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Brett Cecil
CL Casey Janssen

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

For all that has been made of the Blue Jays' decimated starting rotation, Aaron Laffey and Carlos Villanueva have stepped in and done a fantastic job. The duo has gone a combined 5-1 with a 2.53 ERA and reached the sixth inning in seven of nine starts.

Former top prospect Travis Snider (.325 BA, 13 HR, 57 RBI in minors) has been called up in what could be his last chance to prove himself. Snider, now 24, was in the majors as a 20-year-old and looked to be a future star.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (49-47, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Team Outlook

Getting back Matt Joyce (.277 BA, 11 HR, 35 RBI) is a big addition for the offensively challenged Rays, but now Luke Scott is on the DL and has been replaced by Hideki Matsui (.147 BA, 2 HR, 7 RBI).

The team has a big decision to make regarding James Shields, as he represents one of the best arms on the market if he is made available, and with two option years he has the team control that teams covet. Moving him could help the team shore up their middle infield or catcher situations in the short term.

15. New York Mets (47-48, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
RF Lucas Duda
LF Jason Bay
CF Andres Torres
C Josh Thole
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
SP Jeremy Hefner
SP TBD
CL Bobby Parnell

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The slide that many Mets fans had feared appears to be in full effect, as they are 1-9 in their last 10 games and have fallen 8.5 games behind the Nationals in the NL East. 

Making matters worse, a sprained ankle has landed Johan Santana on the DL, and ineffective veteran Miguel Batista was designated for assignment on Sunday (h/t C. Trent Rosecrans, CBSSports.com). That could open the door for top prospect Matt Harvey to make his debut, and if he can pitch well and the team can make a move (or three) to upgrade their bullpen, they still have a shot.

14. Chicago White Sox (50-45, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Team Outlook

The White Sox have dropped five straight, as they were swept and subsequently passed for first place in the AL Central by the Tigers to close out the week.

They'll get starter Gavin Floyd back on Monday, and they traded for Astros closer Brett Myers to bolster their bullpen, so they're still in a good position. Things are shaping up for a good battle between the Tigers and White Sox over the final two months.

13. Baltimore Orioles (51-44, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

RF Nick Markakis
SS J.J. Hardy
DH Jim Thome
CF Adam Jones 
1B Mark Reynolds
LF Chris Davis
C Matt Wieters
3B Wilson Betemit
2B Ryan Flaherty

Current Rotation 

SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Chris Tillman
SP Zach Britton
SP Tommy Hunter
CL Jim Johnson 

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Team Outlook

The Orioles have managed to right the ship after a rough patch leading up to the All-Star break, as their starting rotation has looked better sans Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta.

Despite that, they will still likely try to add a low-cost starter at the deadline, as they look to claim one of the two wild-card spots and make the postseason for the first time since 1997.

12. Los Angeles Dodgers (52-44, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

LF Bobby Abreu
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
3B Adam Kennedy
1B James Loney
SS Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Dodgers have yet to make the splash that many expected them to at the deadline, but there is still time. With Chad Billingsley hitting the DL with shoulder soreness, the team has more reason than ever to add a starting pitcher.

The left side of their infield, currently made up of Luis Cruz and Adam Kennedy, could also be upgraded, as the team also looks to bolster its lineup alongside star outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Expect the silence in Los Angeles to be broken in the days ahead.

11. St. Louis Cardinals (50-45, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
CF John Jay
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
1B Lance Berkman
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
2B Skip Schumaker
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: 4-2

Team Outlook

With the Cardinals' improved starting pitching of late and positive signs from Jaime Garcia on the comeback trail, the team is not as set on adding a starter at the deadline as they were a few weeks ago (h/t Derrick Goold, stltoday.com).

The team has dealt with significant injuries all season and always found someone to step up. With the entire offense healthy and their rotation close to being as healthy as it's going to get, they find themselves in a good position heading into August.

10. Oakland Athletics (51-44, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bartolo Colon
SP A.J. Griffin
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Travis Blackley
CL Ryan Cook

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The A's closed out their week with a four-game sweep of the Yankees in the latest David versus Goliath matchup of the payroll spectrum.

There is no hotter team in all of baseball right now than the A's, as they have gone 14-2 in their last 16 games to pull within six games of the Rangers despite an MLB-worst .228 team batting average, as pitching and timely hitting have carried them to this point. Can they keep it up?

9. Atlanta Braves (52-43, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Jair Jurrjens
SP Ben Sheets
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Team Outlook

The Braves have looked like geniuses for taking a chance on Ben Sheets so far, as he has not allowed a run over 12 innings through his first two starts. Still, with the struggles of Mike Minor and Jair Jurrjens, the team could look to add a starter.

Shortstop is also an area of concern, as the duo of Tyler Pastornicky and newly acquired Paul Janish provide little in the way of offensive production. However, there is not much on the market, so they will likely just have to wait until Andrelton Simmons is back.

8. San Francisco Giants (53-42, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
3B Pablo Sandoval
CF Angel Pagan
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: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Giants remain the class of the NL West, thanks in large part to an improved offense to back their phenomenal pitching staff.

Tim Lincecum has looked like his old self of late, allowing two runs over 15 innings in his past two starts. If he can return to form, their rotation has four front-line guys.

However, closer now looks like an area of concern, as Santiago Casilla has blown four saves in seven chances since July 1 and has a 6.00 ERA on the month.

7. Detroit Tigers (52-44, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Quintin Berry
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
RF Brennan Boesch
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Alex Avila
2B Ramon Santiago

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 6-1

Team Outlook

The Tigers are finally putting it all together, as they have gone 13-2 in their last 15 games. With a sweep of the White Sox, they have moved into first place in the AL Central.

The pitching staff behind Justin Verlander has begun to round into form (led by a healthy Doug Fister), as they are finally backing the team's potent offense. There is still a hole at second base and the team could look to add a starter, but they are finally looking like the team everyone expected them to be as we close out July.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates (54-40, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Kevin Correia
SP Jeff Karstens
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Pirates offense has slowly rounded into form around MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen (.372 BA, 22 HR, 66 RBI, 14 SB), but glaring holes remain at shortstop and catcher.

The starting pitching has not been quite as good as it was early on. The team could look to add a starter, but they still look like legitimate contenders here in late July. 

5. Los Angeles Angels (52-44, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
RF Torii Hunter
1B Albert Pujols
LF Mark Trumbo
DH Kendrys Morales
3B Alberto Callaspo
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Erick Aybar (Jean Segura if Aybar goes on DL)
C Bobby Wilson

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Dan Haren
SP Garrett Richards
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Team Outlook

The Angels faced as tough a slate of games as anyone this past week, as they dropped three of four to the Tigers before taking two of three from the division rival Rangers to close out the week.

Shortstop Erick Aybar could be headed for a DL stint, and he would be replaced by top prospect Jean Segura. On the flip side, catcher Chris Iannetta is on the comeback trail, and Dan Haren rejoined the rotation on Sunday.

4. Texas Rangers (56-38, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Roy Oswalt
SP Colby Lewis
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 2-3

Team Outlook

The Rangers have looked beatable of late, going 6-9 in in their last 15 games and dropping a series to the rival Angels to close out this past week.

Starters Roy Oswalt and Colby Lewis could both be headed to the DL, as injuries to the pitching staff continue to be a sore spot (h/t Blair Angulo, ESPN.com). That should only ramp up the team's effort to land a starter or two at the deadline, as they look to regain the dominant form they showed earlier this season. 

3. Cincinnati Reds (55-40, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Drew Stubbs
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
LF Ryan Ludwick
3B Scott Rolen
1B Todd Frazier
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: 5-2

Team Outlook

After struggling to stay in first place all season, the Reds have looked dominant of late, winning 11 of 13, yet they still hold only a half-game lead over the Pirates in the NL Central.

The search continues for someone who can get on base in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the lineup, but the team continues to win despite their top-of-the-order struggles and being without Joey Votto as he makes his way back from knee surgery.

2. Washington Nationals (55-39, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Tyler Clippard

Last Week's Record: 4-4

Team Outlook

The Nationals got closer Drew Storen back this past week, although he will remain in a setup role for the time being. However, they lost shortstop Ian Desmond to a torn oblique muscle that could keep him sidelined for an extended period of time (h/t ESPN.com).

The team could potentially add a starter at the deadline, as they look to make what is already a fantastic rotation even better and provide some depth to aid with Stephen Strasburg's innings count situation.

1. New York Yankees (57-38, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Freddy Garcia
SP Ivan Nova
SP Phil Hughes
CL Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Team Outlook

With the improved performance of Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes, along with the continued solid pitching of CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda, the Yankees have a solid one through four in their rotation.

They'll likely continue to search for a replacement for Freddy Garcia on the trade market and possibly a left fielder, but they are in as good a position as anyone entering the season's most important months.