Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Streaking Cincinnati Reds Claim Top Spot

As we enter the final hours leading up to the trade deadline, there are still a number of major trade chips on the market and plenty of contenders looking to fill holes in their rosters.

The moves that are made in the next two days could go a long way toward determining the playoff picture, as have the many moves that have already been made.

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 (35-68, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Armando Galarraga
CL Francisco Cordero

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Team Oulook

The Astros continued dealing this past week, as Wandy Rodriguez was sent to the Pirates for a trio of prospects led by Robbie Grossman, and third baseman Chris Johnson was dealt to the Diamondbacks for a pair of minor leaguers.

The Johnson trade could mean an extended look for former Marlins prospect Matt Dominguez at third base down the stretch as the team continues to evaluate its internal talent and move forward with the rebuilding process.

29. Colorado Rockies (37-63, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Josh Rutledge 
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
C Ramon Hernandez
3B Jordan Pacheco
2B DJ LeMahieu 
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

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

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The return of Todd Helton from the disabled list means a return to the bench for Tyler Colvin (.278 BA, 13 HR, 41 RBI), but he figures to be a big part of the Rockies future as they'll look for a way to get his bat in the lineup every day moving forward.

Shortstop Josh Rutledge has also looked terrific in 14 games since being called up, going 20-for-54 and recently being bumped to the No. 2 spot in the lineup. The Rockies have some good young talent, they just need to address their rotation.

28. Kansas City Royals (41-60, Previous: 27)

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: 1-6

Team Outlook

The Royals continue to struggle, and while they were wary of moving closer Jonathan Broxton earlier this month as they hoped to string together some wins in the second half, there is now a 60-to-70 percent chance he is moved, according to a tweet from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

Meanwhile, Billy Butler (.306 BA, 20 HR, 63 RBI) continues to post fantastic numbers, and shortstop Alcides Escobar (.304 BA, 15 SB) has shown why he was a key piece in last year's Zack Greinke trade.

27. Minnesota Twins (43-58, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP Brian Duensing
CL Glen Perkins

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Twins finally dealt starter Francisco Liriano on Sunday, sending him to the division rival White Sox for a pair of solid prospects—infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-hander Pedro Hernandez—who should be able to contribute right away. 

Third baseman Trevor Plouffe (19 HR, .855 OPS) had his breakout season interrupted by a thumb injury, and the Twins recalled Danny Valencia to take his place. 

26. Milwaukee Brewers (45-56, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
SP Mark Rogers
CL Francisco Rodriguez

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Team Outlook

A terrible week finally pushed the Brewers to become sellers, and they shipped ace Zack Greinke to the Angels on Friday for a trio of highly regarded prospects in shortstop Jean Segura (No. 55 prospect overall, No. 2 Angels prospect) and right-handers John Hellweg (No. 4 Angels prospect) and Ariel Pena (No. 9 Angels prospect).

They also dealt backup catcher George Kottaras to the A's for reliever Fautino De Los Santos, as they look to replenish a thin farm system and set themselves up for a return to contention sooner rather than later.

25. San Diego Padres (43-60, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

2B Logan Forsythe
RF Will Venable
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: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Padres opted against selling two of their biggest trade chips, instead extending left fielder Carlos Quentin (three years, $27 million) and closer Huston Street (two years, $14 million).

Third baseman Chase Headley, on the other hand, is very much available, but his asking price is high and the Padres could hold onto him if they don't get the offer they're looking for, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

24. Chicago Cubs (42-58, Previous: 28)

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: 4-2

Team Outlook

As of Sunday, the Cubs had yet to pull the trigger on any trades at the deadline, as starter Matt Garza was recently shut down until sometime in August, and Ryan Dempster rumors run rampant.

The team took two-of-three from the Pirates and Cardinals last week, capping things off with a walk-off home run from first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who continues to impress (.333 BA, 7 HR, 17 RBI) since being called up in late June.

23. Philadelphia Phillies (45-57, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

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

Following a sweep at the hands of the Braves this weekend, the Phillies could look to sell off guys like Shane Victorino, Juan Pierre and Joe Blanton with the possibility that Hunter Pence could also be moved, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.

The Phillies gave Cole Hamels a massive six-year, $144 million extension early last week, and while they fall under the category of seller right now, they are still expected to contend next season.

22. Miami Marlins (47-54, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

2B Emilio Bonifacio
3B Donovan Solano 
SS Jose Reyes
1B Carlos Lee
RF Greg Dobbs
CF Justin Ruggiano
LF Bryan Petersen
C John Buck
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Steve Cishek

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

Once the Marlins decided to sell, they sold big. They started by dealing starter Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante to the Tigers for a package headlined by right-hander Jacob Turner.

The big move, however, was dealing Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers for Nathan Eovaldi and Scott McGough. The former batting title winner has been a disappointment the past few seasons, and in moving him the Marlins dumped the two years and $31.5 million remaining on his contract.

Will Josh Johnson get dealt next?

21. Seattle Mariners (47-57, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
LF Casper Wells
C John Jaso
DH Jesus Montero
3B Kyle Seager
CF Michael Saunders
1B Mike Carp
RF Carlos Peguero 
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 pulled off the surprise move of the deadline so far when they sent Ichiro to the Yankees for a pair of prospects. The 38-year-old has spent his entire 12-year career with the Mariners, and he'll now have a chance to win his first ring.

Meanwhile, the team continues to search for answers offensively, as they optioned first baseman Justin Smoak (.189 BA, 13 HR, 38 RBI) to the minors and activated Mike Carp from the DL. The team is looking for controllable hitters on the trade market, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.

20. New York Mets (49-53, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Team Outlook

The Mets have been mired in a free fall since the All-Star break, going 3-13 in the second half and all but falling out of the playoff picture. They are currently 8.5 games out of the second wild-card spot in the National League.

Top prospect Matt Harvey made his big league debut on Thursday and showed why he has a bright future, allowing just three hits and striking out 11 in 5.1 innings of work to earn the win.

19. Cleveland Indians (50-52, Previous: 20)

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: 3-4

Team Outlook

With the Tigers getting hot and the White Sox playing well all season, the Indians find themselves on the outside looking in in the AL Central, although they are just five games out of the final wild-card spot in the AL.

The Indians could still look to add a player before the deadline, but anything they do will be designed to help them in 2013. On the selling side of things, Shin-Soo Choo has drawn some interest (from MLB Trade Rumors).

18. Boston Red Sox (51-51, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Carl Crawford
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez 
DH Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
3B Will Middlebrooks
RF Ryan Sweeney
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: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Red Sox are on the fringe of contention, as they are 10.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East but just 4.5 games out of the second wild-card spot in the AL.

However, despite not technically being out of the playoff race, the team does not look to be in a position to buy and is actually shopping right-hander Josh Beckett, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports. Beckett has full 10-and-5 rights, so he'd have to OK any trade that was made.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (51-51, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
C Miguel Montero 
RF Justin Upton
1B Paul Goldschmidt
CF Chris Young
3B Chris Johnson
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: 4-3

Team Outlook

For as much as the Giants and Dodgers have owned the headlines in the NL West this season, the defending division champion Diamondbacks are just 4.5 games off those two for the division lead.

They filled their biggest hole, third base, by acquiring Chris Johnson (.279 BA, 8 HR, 41 RBI) from the Astros on Sunday. Now they will look to make a late-season push and return to the postseason, as they look to build off of the experience they gained last season.

16. Toronto Blue Jays (51-50, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

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

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

The injuries just keep coming for the Blue Jays. Catcher J.P. Arencibia was shelved this past week with a fractured hand and will miss significant time, and shortstop Yunel Escobar is battling back problems.

The Jays remain active on the trade market, and have most recently been linked to Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt (Jeff Pasan, Yahoo! Sports) and remain in on Marlins starter Josh Johnson as well (Jayson Stark, ESPN).

15. Baltimore Orioles (53-49, Previous: 13)

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 Omar Quintanilla

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: 2-5

Team Outlook

While they are currently eight games behind the Yankees in the AL East, the Orioles are still in the thick of the postseason race, just two games back in the wild card.

Chris Tillman (4 GS, 3-1, 1.66 ERA, 17 Ks) has given the rotation a big boost, while Nick Markakis is finally healthy and hitting his stride with a .362/.413/.478 line in July.

14. Tampa Bay Rays (53-49, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
2B Ben Zobrist
RF Matt Joyce
DH Jeff Keppinger
1B Carlos Pena
3B Ryan Roberts
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: 4-2

Team Outlook

Preparing for the worst regarding the slow comeback of Evan Longoria, the Rays acquired Ryan Roberts from the Diamondbacks to help get them by for the time being.

Still, the Rays are a mess offensively, and even with their terrific pitching staff, they will need to pick things up with the bat if they want to remain in the playoff hunt. The team continues to listen to offers on starter James Shields, who could be moved before the deadline.

13. St. Louis Cardinals (54-48, 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: 4-3

Team Outlook

With the improved performance of their starting rotation and a lineup that is as healthy as it has been all season, the Cardinals are in a good position to make a late-season push without making a deal of any sort before the deadline.

Rookie Joe Kelly (1-4, 2.96 ERA) has been a big reason for the new-found confidence in the starting rotation, despite what his record may indicate. He has recorded a quality start in each of his past seven starts.

12. San Francisco Giants (55-46, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup 

RF Nate Schierholtz
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
1B Brandon Belt
3B Marco Scutaro
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Giants filled one major need in trading for Marco Scutaro, who was immediately forced into a starting role with Pablo Sandoval hitting the DL with a hamstring injury.

They are still looking for bullpen help though, and according to Jim Bowden of ESPN, the team has shown serious interest in Royals closer Jonathan Broxton, who would likely take the closer's role from struggling Santiago Casilla.

11. Detroit Tigers (54-48, Previous: 7)

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 Omar Infante

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Doug Fister
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Tigers filled their two biggest needs with one trade, dealing top pitching prospect Jacob Turner and two other prospects to the Marlins for right-hander Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante.

After claiming the AL Central division lead last week, they dropped two of three to the Indians and Blue Jays and were once again passed by the White Sox. The Tigers and White Sox will likely battle it out right down to the wire for the division title.

10. Los Angeles Dodgers (56-47, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Aaron Harang
SP Chris Capuano
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Stephen Fife
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Team Outlook

The Dodgers looked poised to make a big move since the beginning of July, and they did just that in landing Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez, who is under contract for the next two years and will be a big part of the Dodgers' efforts moving forward.

So far he is 7-for-21 with one home run and seven RBI, as the change of scenery looks to have done him good. Now the Dodgers will look to add a starter to round out their rotation before the deadline.

9. Oakland Athletics (55-46, Previous: 10)

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 Eric Sogard

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: 4-2

Team Outlook

While it wasn't Hanley Ramirez, the A's made a nice under-the-radar move on Sunday in acquiring Brewers backup catcher George Kottaras for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. Kottaras has a .409 OBP on the season in 86 at-bats, and he provides decent power for the position.

Shortstop remains a black hole in Oakland, and with Ramirez and Marco Scutaro now off the market, there doesn't appear to be much in the way of options for the A's to improve the position. Still, they look primed to make a run at a wild-card spot.

8. Chicago White Sox (55-46, Previous: 14)

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 Francisco Liriano
SP Jose Quintana
SP Phil Humber
SP Gavin Floyd
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

Having already acquired Kevin Youkilis and Brett Myers, the White Sox landed one of the better starters on the market in Francisco Liriano on Sunday. 

Liriano will slide into Chris Sale's rotation spot, as the White Sox will reportedly (Matt Snyder, CBSSports) shut down the All-Star temporarily while he deals with what they are deeming "dead arm" in his first year in the starting rotation.

7. Los Angeles Angels (55-47, 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 Maicer Izturis
C Chris Iannetta

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Dan Haren
SP Zack Greinke
SP Ervin Santana
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Angles landed the prize of the deadline in Zack Greinke, and the acquisition is even bigger when you consider that the Rangers were among the other teams pursuing the right-hander.

On Saturday, the team also got back catcher Chris Iannetta, who had not played since May 8 after suffering a fractured wrist. In his absence, the duo of Bobby Wilson (.226 BA, 2 HR, 9 RBI) and John Hester (.212 BA, 3 HR, 4 RBI) brought little in the way of offensive production.

6. Atlanta Braves (57-44, Previous: 9)

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 Ben Sheets
SP Mike Minor
SP Kris Medlen
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Braves have now missed out on Zack Greinke and Ryan Dempster (assuming he does not change his mind) and remain in the hunt for a starting pitcher to bolster their staff down the stretch.

That said, they are playing as well as anyone right now, having won five straight and with a 16-8 record in July. Ben Sheets (3-0, 0.50 ERA) has done better than anyone could have hoped through his first three starts. He could be the answer to Atlanta's pitching problems.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates (58-43, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

LF Starling Marte
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 Jeff Karstens
SP Wandy Rodriguez
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Team Outlook

The Pirates showed they are committed to making a playoff push this season by acquiring Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros for three prospects. However, the search continues for offensive help, although top prospect Starling Marte could provide a spark.

Kevin Correia, who was bumped from the rotation with the acquisition of Rodriguez, is reportedly asking for a trade, and perhaps the team can use him to acquire some offensive help before the deadline passes.

4. Texas Rangers (59-41, Previous: 4)

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 Martin Perez
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Rangers remain in the hunt for a starting pitcher as the deadline approaches, and they were dealt a blow when Neftali Feliz was scratched from his rehab start on Sunday with discomfort in his throwing arm (ESPN).

Zack Greinke landing with the Angels undoubtedly closes the gap between the two teams in the AL West, although both look poised for a postseason trip. In the end, the Rangers' unwillingness to move top prospects Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar (and justifiably so) will likely mean going on with the roster they have.

3. New York Yankees (60-41, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
1B Mark Teixeira
2B Robinson Cano
RF Nick Swisher
DH Raul Ibanez
C Russell Martin
LF Ichiro Suzuki
3B Jayson Nix

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Yankees made a splash last week, acquiring Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners to fill the void in left field with Brett Gardner likely out for the season. He's not the player he was in his prime, but Ichiro has only played in one postseason in his career, so he's no doubt hungry for a chance to play for a title.

The team lost Alex Rodriguez to a fractured hand when he was hit by a Felix Hernandez pitch, and as a result, the team has made a long list of potential replacements, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports—one of which they will likely acquire before the deadline.

2. Washington Nationals (61-40, Previous: 2)

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: 6-1

Team Outlook

The Nationals released veterans Rick Ankiel and Xavier Nady this past week, as they will apparently go young with their bench down the stretch and rely on the likes of Tyler Moore and Corey Brown to provide a spark.

Their pitching continues to be what carries them, but their offense is solid in its own right. Michael Morse is starting to heat up coming off of a .321 BA, 3 HR, 9 RBI week that was capped with a game-tying, two-run home run in the ninth inning and game-winning, two-run double in extra innings on Sunday.

1. Cincinnati Reds (61-40, Previous: 3)

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: 6-0

Team Outlook

Winner of 10 straight and 17-2 in their last 19 games, the Reds are the hottest team in baseball right now without question, and they have a big three-game series with the Pirates coming up this weekend.

The scariest part for opponents is the fact that the Reds have rattled off their current winning streak without superstar first baseman Joey Votto. They will be that much better once he returns from knee surgery.