Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Nationals Claim Top Spot, Rays Climb into Top 10
As we move closer to the month of September, teams continue to tinker with their rosters as they prepare for the season's always-important stretch run.
The playoff race promises to be a great one this season, with two wild cards in each league up for grabs, and over half of the teams in the league are still legitimately in contention at this point in the season.
With that, 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 (38-78, Previous: 30)
1 of 30Last Week's Record: 2-5
Team Outlook
The Astros lineup is exactly what most people thought it would be come August, with a mishmash of low-cost minor league veterans and minor league prospects.
Brett Wallace has looked good in August, hitting .333 with a .983 OPS on the month, as he continues to play for a lineup spot next season. Expect a bevy of call-ups when rosters expand, as top pitching prospect Jarred Cosart could get a look down the stretch.
Current Lineup
2B Jose Altuve
SS Marwin Gonzalez
1B Brett Wallace
RF Steve Pearce
3B Scott Moore
CF Brian Bogusevic
LF Fernando Martinez
C Carlos Corporan
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Armando Galarraga
CL Wilton Lopez
29. Chicago Cubs (44-69, Previous: 28)
2 of 30Last Week's Record: 1-6
Team Outlook
The Cubs will open next week with a riveting three-game series against the Astros before taking on the Reds in Cincinnati.
Thus far, prospects Brett Jackson (2-for-17, 11 Ks) and Josh Vitters (2-for-16, 2 RBI) have not provided the spark the Wrigley faithful hoped they would. Brooks Raley, a 24-year-old right-hander, also made his big league debut on Tuesday and allowed seven runs in four innings of work.
Current Lineup
RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Starlin Castro
3B Luis Valbuena
CF Brett Jackson
C Steve Clevenger
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Travis Wood
SP Justin Germano
SP Chris Volstad
SP Brooks Raley
CL Carlos Marmol
28. Colorado Rockies (41-71, Previous: 29)
3 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The Rockies held their own this past week, as they faced off against division foes in the Giants and Dodgers on the road.
A torn labrum in his right hip ended veteran Todd Helton's season, moving Tyler Colvin back into a starting role. Eric Young Jr. has seen extended time as a result, and he's hitting .406 with a .988 OPS in August.
Current Lineup
RF Eric Young Jr.
SS Josh Rutledge
CF Dexter Fowler
LF Carlos Gonzalez
1B Tyler Colvin
C Ramon Hernandez
3B Jordan Pacheco
2B Jonathan Herrera
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Tyler Chatwood
SP Alex White
CL Rafael Betancourt
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27. Minnesota Twins (49-65, Previous: 25)
4 of 30Last Week's Record: 2-4
Team Outlook
The Twins' solid offense continues to be held back by a weak pitching staff that has little to speak of beyond breakout ace Scott Diamond (10-5, 2.91 ERA).
The offense has averaged 4.49 runs per game, which is good enough to put them in the upper half among all MLB teams. Josh Willingham and Ryan Doumit rank among the best offseason acquisitions of the year, and Joe Mauer is healthy and performing once again.
Current Lineup
CF Denard Span
RF Ben Revere
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
DH Ryan Doumit
2B Alexi Casilla
SS Brian Dozier
3B Jamey Carroll
Current Rotation
SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Samuel Deduno
SP Brian Duensing
CL Glen Perkins
26. Kansas City Royals (49-65, Previous: 27)
5 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-3
Team Outlook
The Royals played solid baseball last week against a pair of playoff hopefuls in the Orioles and White Sox, as their starting pitching enjoyed one of their better weeks of the season.
The starters tallied four quality starts on the week, and Greg Holland has looked solid replacing Jonathan Broxton as the team's closer. Offensively, Salvador Perez looks the part of a future star and Billy Butler continues to rank among the best sluggers in the AL.
Current Lineup
LF Alex Gordon
SS Alcides Escobar
RF Lorenzo Cain
DH Billy Butler
3B Mike Moustakas
C Salvador Perez
1B Eric Hosmer
2B Chris Getz
CF Jarrod Dyson
Current Rotation
SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Will Smith
SP Jeremy Guthrie
CL Greg Holland
25. Miami Marlins (52-63, Previous: 24)
6 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The Marlins sold big at the deadline, and they will be lucky to play .500 baseball down the stretch. A team that was expected to be in contention instead finds itself riding out the year with a hodgepodge roster.
Outfielder Justin Ruggiano (.348 BA, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 1.047 OPS) has been the breakout star of 2012 that no one is talking about. The 30-year-old is by no means a prospect, but his offensive skills appear to be the real deal.
Current Lineup
LF Bryan Petersen
CF Justin Ruggiano
SS Jose Reyes
1B Carlos Lee
RF Giancarlo Stanton
3B Greg Dobbs
2B Donovan Solano
C John Buck
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Wade LeBlanc
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Steve Cishek
24. San Diego Padres (51-65, Previous: 26)
7 of 30Last Week's Record: 5-1
Team Outlook
A loss to the Pirates on Sunday snapped a six-game winning streak for the Padres, as they have gone 17-12 since the All-Star break and are playing quality baseball right now.
The Padres twirled three shutouts last week, including complete game efforts from Clayton Richard and Jason Marquis, as they are pitching better than they have all season. Closer Huston Street was shelved with a strained calf, but Dale Thayer (five saves) has proven more than capable in his absence.
Current Lineup
2B Alexi Amarista
SS Everth Cabrera
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
C John Baker
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Ross Ohlendorf
SP Eric Stults
CL Dale Thayer
23. Seattle Mariners (53-63, Previous: 20)
8 of 30Last Week's Record: 2-4
Team Outlook
Tied for the lowest batting average in the majors at .232 and averaging just 3.97 runs per game, the Mariners offense is a work in progress to put things mildly.
The team has a solid core of young players, and there should be plenty more on the way this September as the team has as deep of a farm system as any in the league, and a number of its top prospects are on the cusp of the majors.
Current Lineup
2B Dustin Ackley
CF Michael Saunders
DH Jesus Montero
C John Jaso
3B Kyle Seager
1B Mike Carp
RF Casper Wells
LF Eric Thames
SS Brendan Ryan
Current Rotation
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Kevin Millwood
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP Blake Beavan
CL Tom Wilhelmsen
22. Cleveland Indians (53-62, Previous: 21)
9 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Indians finally snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over the Twins on Wednesday, and they closed out the week splitting a four-game series against the Red Sox.
The pitching staff continues to rank among the worst in baseball, and minor league call-ups Corey Kluber and Chris Seddon have done little to change that. Expect a major overhaul this offseason as the Indians look to get back to contention.
Current Lineup
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
RF Shin-Soo Choo
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
DH Shelley Duncan
1B Casey Kotchman
3B Jack Hannahan
LF Ezequiel Carrera
Current Rotation
SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Zach McAllister
SP Corey Kluber
SP Chris Seddon
CL Chris Perez
21. Philadelphia Phillies (52-62, Previous: 22)
10 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The Phillies continue to limp along with a roster that is a shell of what it once was, and it remains to be seen where the team will go from here.
Domonic Brown will need to show he is capable of assuming one of the vacated starting outfield roles moving forward, and the team needs other prospects beyond him to step forward and provide some hope for the future down the stretch.
Current Lineup
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Domonic Brown
CF John Mayberry Jr.
C Erik Kratz
3B Kevin Frandsen
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Vance Worley
SP Kyle Kendrick
CL Jonathan Papelbon
20. Milwaukee Brewers (52-61, Previous: 23)
11 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-2
Team Outlook
The Brewers opened the week strong, sweeping the division-leading Reds at home, but they dropped two of three to the lowly Astros to close things out.
Jim Henderson moved into the closer's role and had a busy week, saving a pair of games before taking his first loss of the season when he surrendered the lead to the Astros in the 10th. He and shortstop Jean Segura should both make an impact down the stretch after just recently moving into major roles.
Current Lineup
RF Norichika Aoki
CF Carlos Gomez
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
2B Rickie Weeks
C Jonathan Lucroy
SS Jean Segura
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
SP Mark Rogers
CL Jim Henderson
19. Toronto Blue Jays (54-60, Previous: 18)
12 of 30Last Week's Record: 1-5
Team Outlook
The injuries continue to pile up for the Blue Jays, as third baseman Brett Lawrie was the latest significant contributor to land on the shelf. That brought the total to 13 players currently on the MLB disabled list.
He was replaced by prospect Adeiny Hechavarria for the time being, and the Jays now have two players who will play a significant part in their future in him and Anthony Gose. The injuries appear as though they will be too much for the team to overcome, but it has a great core to build around moving forward.
Current Lineup
LF Rajai Davis
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
2B Kelly Johnson
SS Yunel Escobar
DH David Cooper
C Jeff Mathis
RF Anthony Gose
3B Adeiny Hechavarria
Current Rotation
SP Ricky Romero
SP Aaron Laffey
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP J.A. Happ
CL Casey Janssen
18. New York Mets (55-60, Previous: 19)
13 of 30Last Week's Record: 2-4
Team Outlook
The Mets' free-fall continues, as they are now 9-20 since the All-Star break and have slipped to 16.5 games back in the NL East and 10 games back in the wild card.
Top prospect Matt Harvey (3.63 ERA, 10.5 K/9) has looked good in four starts and fellow top prospect Zack Wheeler may not be far behind, as there is plenty of reason to be excited about the Mets' future despite their recent struggles.
Current Lineup
SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Scott Hairston
RF Mike Baxter
CF Andres Torres
C Josh Thole
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Matt Harvey
SP Johan Santana
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
CL Frank Francisco
17. Boston Red Sox (57-59, Previous: 17)
14 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Red Sox continue to hang on the fringe of contention, as they are 5.5 games out of the wild card but two games under .500 on the season.
Rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks was recently shelved with a fractured wrist, as Pedro Ciriaco will take over in his place for the time being. Meanwhile, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been tearing the cover off the ball of late with a .422 BA, 3 HR, 18 RBI line in 12 August games.
Current Lineup
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Carl Crawford
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez
RF Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
DH Ryan Lavarnway
SS Mike Aviles
3B Pedro Ciriaco
Current Rotation
SP Josh Beckett
SP Jon Lester
SP Felix Doubront
SP Aaron Cook
SP Clay Buchholz
CL Alfredo Aceves
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (58-57, Previous: 16)
15 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
While they did not make up any ground on the Dodgers and Giants this past week, the Diamondbacks remain just five games back in the NL West.
Chris Johnson has proven to be a terrific pickup at third base, as he has hit .286 BA, 5 HR, 18 RBI with a .920 OPS in 13 games with the team. In the rotation, Patrick Corbin has looked good in two starts since being recalled at the beginning of August, with a 1.50 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 12 innings.
Current Lineup
SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
3B Chris Johnson
CF Gerardo Parra
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Joe Saunders
SP Patrick Corbin
CL J.J. Putz
15. Los Angeles Dodgers (62-53, Previous: 11)
16 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The Dodgers came away from what should have been a home run week in which they faced the Rockies and Marlins with a 3-3 record, and that has left them one game behind the Giants in the NL West and 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot.
As new acquisitions Shane Victorino, Hanley Ramirez and Joe Blanton gel with the team, the Dodgers could hit their stride down the stretch. However, they'll need to play better than they did last week moving forward.
Current Lineup
LF Shane Victorino
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
SS Hanley Ramirez
1B James Loney
3B Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Aaron Harang
SP Chris Capuano
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Joe Blanton
CL Kenley Jansen
14. Oakland Athletics (61-53, Previous: 10)
17 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The A's have come back to Earth after pushing their way into contention in the AL West, as they've gone 5-7 in their last 12 games. Despite that, they are still 1.5 games ahead of the Angels for second place in the AL West and just a half-game out of the wild card.
The team got shortstop Cliff Pennington and ace Brandon McCarthy back last week, and that should give them a boost of sorts. The A's next three series are against the Royals, Indians and Twins, so they have a great chance to improve their postseason standing.
Current Lineup
CF Coco Crisp
2B Jemile Weeks
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
DH Chris Carter
1B Brandon Moss
3B Brandon Inge
C Derek Norris
SS Cliff Pennington
Current Rotation
SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Daniel Straily
CL Grant Balfour
13. Detroit Tigers (61-54, Previous: 12)
18 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Tigers escaped a tough week in which they faced the Yankees and Rangers with a 3-4 record, as they are currently just two games behind the White Sox in the AL Central.
Miguel Cabrera (.324 BA, 29 HR, 98 RBI) has to be considered an MVP front-runner, as he currently ranks in the top five in all three Triple Crown categories. Cabrera and Prince Fielder (84 RBI) rank second and third in the AL in RBI.
Current Lineup
CF Austin Jackson
LF Andy Dirks
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
RF Brennan Boesch
DH Delmon Young
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
12. Los Angeles Angels (60-55, Previous: 8)
19 of 30Last Week's Record: 2-4
Team Outlook
The Angels dropped two of three to the A's and Mariners this past week, as they fell eight games behind the Rangers in the division, although they are still just two games out of a wild-card spot.
Their regular season play has no doubt been inconsistent, but the offensive trio of Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and Albert Pujols coupled with a terrific rotation led by Jered Weaver could be as dangerous as any team if and when they reach the postseason.
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
C Chris Iannetta
Current Rotation
SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Dan Haren
SP Zack Greinke
SP Ervin Santana
CL Ernesto Frieri
11. Baltimore Orioles (62-53, Previous: 14)
20 of 30Last Week's Record: 5-2
Team Outlook
The Orioles have gone 7-2 in their last nine games and are now 5.5 games out of first place in the AL East and in possession of the second AL wild-card spot.
Calling up Manny Machado (6-for-16, 3 HR, 7 RBI) has proven a stroke of genius, as he has bolstered the offense and filled a void at third base. Whether the 20-year-old can keep it up remains to be seen, but for the time being he has given it a spark.
Current Lineup
RF Nick Markakis
SS J.J. Hardy
DH Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
1B Wilson Betemit
LF Nate McLouth
3B Manny Machado
2B Omar Quintanilla
Current Rotation
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Chris Tillman
SP Tommy Hunter
SP TBD
CL Jim Johnson
10. San Francisco Giants (63-52, Previous: 13)
21 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-3
Team Outlook
The Giants managed to hold onto their lead in the NL West with a 4-3 week, but their cushion over the Dodgers stands at just one game in what is shaping up to be a fantastic late-season battle.
Buster Posey has been on a tear of late, hitting .444 BA, 6 HR, 15 RBI in 11 games this month, as he has carried the offense alongside Melky Cabrera. Deadline pickup Marco Scutaro has also provided a boost, with a .313 BA, 1 HR, 15 RBI line in 16 games with the team.
Current Lineup
CF Angel Pagan
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
3B Marco Scutaro
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 Sergio Romo
9. St. Louis Cardinals (62-53, Previous: 9)
22 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Cardinals had a tough week, as they dropped two of three to the Phillies to close things out. They currently stand at seven games back in the NL Central but just 2.5 games back in the wild card.
The offense is hitting .276 as a group and averaging 4.88 runs per game, as the lineup is solid top to bottom and without a doubt the best in the National League. However, the rotation remains shaky, and Joe Kelly getting shelled in his last start could be reason for concern.
Current Lineup
SS Rafael Furcal
1B Allen Craig
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
CF John Jay
2B Skip Schumaker
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte
8. Tampa Bay Rays (62-52, Previous: 15)
23 of 30Last Week's Record: 6-0
Team Outlook
Call it a coincidence, but the Rays are 6-0 since superstar Evan Longoria returned on August 7 after he missed all of June and July, and they have the look of a postseason contender once again.
Getting Luke Scott back from a strained oblique should help as well, as the team appears to be in a decent position to make a late-season push. The Rays may not catch the Yankees in the AL East, but they should be right in the thick of things for a wild-card spot.
Current Lineup
LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
DH Evan Longoria
SS Ben Zobrist
1B Carlos Pena
3B Jeff Keppinger
2B Ryan Roberts
C Jose Molina
Current Rotation
SP David Price
SP James Shields
SP Alex Cobb
SP Matt Moore
SP Jeremy Hellickson
CL Fernando Rodney
7. Chicago White Sox (62-51, Previous: 7)
24 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-3
Team Outlook
The White Sox maintain a two-game lead in the AL Central, and they hit the road for seven games with the Royals and Blue Jays next week as they will look to cushion their advantage over the Tigers.
Paul Konerko is on the seven-day concussion DL right now, and in his absence Dayan Viciedo has moved to DH and former White Sox outfielder DeWayne Wise, who is best known for his catch that preserved Mark Buehrle's perfect game, steps into a starting role.
Current Lineup
CF Alejandro De Aza
3B Kevin Youkilis
1B Adam Dunn
RF Alex Rios
C A.J. Pierzynski
SS Alexei Ramirez
DH Dayan Viciedo
LF DeWayne Wise
2B Gordon Beckham
Current Rotation
SP Jake Peavy
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Francisco Liriano
CL Addison Reed
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (64-50, Previous: 6)
25 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Pirates kept pace with the Reds this past week, as they remain 4.5 games back in the NL Central and currently hold the second wild-card spot in the NL.
Second baseman Neil Walker has given the team a second, consistent producer alongside Andrew McCutchen in the lineup and Travis Snider has proven to be a good pickup so far. As always though, their postseason hopes hinge on whether their pitching staff can keep it up.
Current Lineup
LF Starling Marte
RF Travis Snider
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
2B Neil Walker
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
5. Atlanta Braves (66-48, Previous: 5)
26 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-2
Team Outlook
Facing off against the lowly Phillies and struggling Mets, the Braves had a solid week but they still fell behind the streaking Nationals. They currently hold the top wild-card spot in the NL and have the fifth-best record in all of baseball.
The trio of Ben Sheets (6 GS, 4-2, 2.13 ERA), Paul Maholm (2 GS, 1-1, 1.69 ERA) and Kris Medlen (3 GS, 2-0, 1.62 ERA) have given the team's rotation a huge boost and will be counted on to keep it up down the stretch.
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 Mike Minor
SP Kris Medlen
SP Ben Sheets
SP Paul Maholm
CL Craig Kimbrel
4. New York Yankees (67-47, Previous: 3)
27 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-3
Team Outlook
After splitting a four-game series with the Tigers, the Yankees took two of three from the Blue Jays on the road as their lead in the AL East currently stands at five games.
Ace CC Sabathia hit the DL with elbow inflammation this past week, and the team signed Indians cast-off Derek Lowe to provide some depth. It remains to be seen who will fill his rotation spot, as the team will likely use Lowe in long relief rather than starting him.
Current Lineup
SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
DH Raul Ibanez
RF Nick Swisher
3B Eric Chavez
LF Ichiro Suzuki
C Russell Martin
Current Rotation
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Freddy Garcia
SP Ivan Nova
SP Phil Hughes
SP TBD
CL Rafael Soriano
3. Cincinnati Reds (69-46, Previous: 1)
28 of 30Last Week's Record: 3-4
Team Outlook
The Reds stumbled this past week, enduring a five-game losing streak, but they still hold a 4.5-game lead over the Pirates in the NL Central.
First baseman Joey Votto suffered a setback in his recovery from knee surgery, as he had to go under the knife again and will be on the shelf for another 7-10 days. The Reds have proven capable of winning without him, but there is no question they need him back sooner rather than later.
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
2. Texas Rangers (67-46, Previous: 4)
29 of 30Last Week's Record: 4-2
Team Outlook
A solid week saw the Rangers extend their lead in the AL West to 6.5 games over the A's and eight games over the Angels. Despite a shaky pitching staff, the Rangers continue to win and there is no reason not to consider them AL favorites.
Ryan Dempster looked solid in his second start with the team, and Derek Holland put together his first good start in a while on Saturday in going 7.2 innings and allowing just one earned run. If those two can find their groove down the stretch, the team will be uncatchable.
Current Lineup
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
DH Michael Young
LF David Murphy
C Geovany Soto
1B Mitch Moreland
Current Rotation
SP Ryan Dempster
SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
CL Joe Nathan
1. Washington Nationals (71-44, Previous: 2)
30 of 30Last Week's Record: 6-1
Team Outlook
The Nationals swept a four-game series from the lowly Astros and won eight in a row before losing on Sunday. They have gone 18-5 over their last 23 games. There is no hotter team in baseball right now and they continue to look like legitimate title contenders.
Their starting rotation has shown no signs of letting up, and their offense has hit more than enough to back the staff. That offense should get a boost in the near future, too, as All-Star shortstop Ian Desmond swung a bat for the first time on Saturday on the rehab trail from a torn oblique.
Current Lineup
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
CF Jayson Werth
SS Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
Pitcher
Current Rotation
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Tyler Clippard
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