Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox Climb, Pittsburgh Pirates Fall

As we wrap up the month of August and the season enters the stretch run, playoff races around the league are beginning to heat up.

There are currently 16 teams still legitimately in contention, and there are a number of division races along with both wild-card races that are shaping up to be down-to-the-wire battles.

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 (40-88, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

The Astros continue to stagger their way towards the end of the season, as their roster is made up largely of minor league veterans right now and they have gone 8-45 over their last 53 games as a result.

One bright spot has been starter Lucas Harrell, as the 27-year-old has managed to go 10-9 with a 3.92 ERA over his 26 starts this season. Aside from his performance and the hitting of second baseman Jose Altuve, it's been a long season in Houston.

Current Lineup

2B Jose Altuve
3B Scott Moore
1B Brett Wallace
CF Justin Maxwell
C Jason Castro
RF Steve Pearce
LF Fernando Martinez
SS Tyler Greene
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Fernando Abad
CL Wilton Lopez

29. Chicago Cubs (49-77, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Cubs will use the final months of the season to evaluate some of their internal talent, with Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson filling everyday spots in the team's lineup.

On the pitching end of things, Brooks Raley and Chris Rusin have looked solid at times in a spot starting role and could get an extended look alongside Justin Germano down the stretch.

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
3B Josh Vitters
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Starlin Castro
CF Brett Jackson
C Steve Clevenger
2B Darwin Barney
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Travis Wood
SP Justin Germano 
SP Chris Volstad
SP Brooks Raley
CL Carlos Marmol

28. Minnesota Twins (52-75, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

Last week saw the Twins send down under-performing Nick Blackburn and Tsuyoshi Nishioka, while the team also moved Pedro Florimon Jr. into the starting shortstop role.

The 25-year-old Florimon played for the Orioles last season and was claimed off waivers by the Twins this past December. He's gone 9-for-32 with five runs scored in 10 games with the big league club as he has proven a better option than incumbent Alexi Casilla.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP Brian Duensing
SP Liam Hendriks
CL Glen Perkins

27. Colorado Rockies (51-75, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

It's been a long season for the Rockies, as the combination of the Troy Tulowitzki injury and lack of starting rotation has been too much for the team to overcome.

Jhoulys Chacin looked good in his return after having not pitched since May 1, as he went six innings and allowed just one earned run this past Tuesday against the Mets. The 24-year-old will be a big part of the team's future, and getting him back at full strength would mean a lot down the stretch.

Current Lineup

RF Charlie Blackmon
SS Josh Rutledge 
CF Dexter Fowler
LF Carlos Gonzalez
C Wilin Rosario
1B Tyler Colvin
3B Jordan Pacheco
2B D.J. LeMahieu
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Tyler Chatwood
SP Alex White
SP Jhoulys Chacin
CL Rafael Betancourt

26. Cleveland Indians (55-72, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

The Indians are mired in a 5-23 slide that has dropped them from fringe competitor to one of the worst teams in all of baseball as they have fallen behind the Royals in the AL Central.

The team has recalled Matt LaPorta in what could be one last shot for him to claim an everyday spot for next season. Also looking ahead, Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona) looked much better in his last start, allowing four runs in six innings of work.

Current Lineup

2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
RF Shin-Soo Choo
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
DH Matt LaPorta
1B Casey Kotchman
3B Jack Hannahan
LF Ezequiel Carrera 

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Zach McAllister
SP Corey Kluber
SP Roberto Hernandez 
CL Chris Perez

25. Toronto Blue Jays (56-70, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record

0-5

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays have been devastated by injuries this season, as they have fallen well out of contention in the wake of a number of their top players hitting the DL.

Ace Brandon Morrow returned from injury on Saturday, and 23-year-old Moises Sierra (.283 BA, 2 HR, 5 RBI) has made an impact in right field with Jose Bautista injured once again. The team still has a chance to finish the season on a strong note.

Current Lineup

LF Rajai Davis
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
RF Moises Sierra
C Jeff Mathis 
3B Adeiny Hechavarria 

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP J.A. Happ
CL Casey Janssen

24. Miami Marlins (58-71, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Marlins wrapped up an 11-game road trip against the NL West with a 5-6 record; they have played better baseball of late but won't be able to climb out of the hole they dug earlier this season.

Pitching prospect Jacob Turner, who was acquired from the Tigers in the Anibal Sanchez/Omar Infante deal, made his Marlins debut on Wednesday and went six strong innings.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Jacob Turner
CL Steven Cishek

23. Kansas City Royals (56-70, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Royals are 14-10 in August and have played their best baseball of late. They have a total of 16 games left against the White Sox and Tigers, and as a result they could play a big role in shaping the playoff picture.

The rotation remains a major question now, and moving forward and it will be interesting to see who they call up once rosters expand in September. Top pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi could get a look as the team decides whether he's ready to start next season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Will Smith
SP Jeremy Guthrie
CL Greg Holland

22. New York Mets (59-69, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

After a strong first half, the Mets are 13-29 since the All-Star break and have fallen to fourth place in the NL East behind the Phillies.

The team has a good offensive core and some good young pitching talent in the minors, but they lack a true impact star alongside David Wright. Prospect Matt Harvey has been sharp in six big league starts, and Zack Wheeler could join him in the rotation soon.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jeremy Hefner
SP Chris Young
SP Matt Harvey
SP Jon Niese
CL Frank Francisco

21. San Diego Padres (59-70, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record

6-0

Team Outlook

The Padres are 13-6 in their last 19 games, and their decision to hold on to the likes of Carlos Quentin, Chase Headley and Huston Street is looking smart, as they have the makings of a team that could compete sooner than later.

Prospect Casey Kelly (3 GS, 0-1, 3.78 ERA, 18 Ks, 16.2 IP at Triple-A) will make his big league debut on Monday. He was acquired from the Red Sox in the Adrian Gonzalez deal prior to the 2011 season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Eric Stults
SP Andrew Werner
SP Casey Kelly
CL Luke Gregerson

20. Milwaukee Brewers (59-67, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Brewers went 5-1 in series against the Pirates and Cubs this past week, and they will again face off against those two teams next week.

The team released Randy Wolf this past week with Shaun Marcum returning from injury, and it will be interesting to see how guys like Michael Fiers, Marco Estrada and Mark Rogers perform down the stretch as they compete for a rotation spot next season.

Current Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
SP Mark Rogers
SP Shaun Marcum
CL John Axford

19. Philadelphia Phillies (61-67, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

The Phillies continue to play adequate baseball with a roster made up of overpriced stars and low-cost veterans as their roster is headed for a major upheaval.

Ace Cole Hamels (14-6, 2.99 ERA) has been a bright spot, but beyond his play this season there has not been much to get excited about in Philadelphia. There is a lot of work to be done to get the roster back in a position to sustain success.

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Domonic Brown
CF John Mayberry Jr.
3B Placido Polanco
C Erik Kratz
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Vance Worley
SP Kyle Kendrick
CL Jonathan Papelbon

18. Boston Red Sox (61-67, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Red Sox pulled off arguably the biggest blockbuster trade of all time, as they unloaded roughly $270 million in salary when they moved high-priced veterans Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.

Along with the salary dump, they also acquired top pitching prospect Allen Webster, first baseman James Loney and a number of other solid pieces in the deal. Where the Red Sox head from here will be interesting to see, as they are a franchise in need of a major culture change. This trade was a big step in that direction.

Current Lineup

LF Scott Podsednik
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
RF Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B James Loney
SS Mike Aviles
3B Pedro Ciriaco

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Franklin Morales
SP Aaron Cook
SP Felix Doubront
CL Alfredo Aceves

17. Seattle Mariners (61-67, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The offensively inept Mariners continue to find ways to win games of late, as they have gone 25-16 since the All-Star break.

Their farm system is among the best in baseball, and there are a number of players nearing the majors. Until the lineup is upgraded they won't be serious contenders, but they are a franchise headed in the right direction.

Current Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
CF Michael Saunders
3B Kyle Seager
C John Jaso
DH Jesus Montero
RF Eric Thames
1B Justin Smoak
LF Trayvon Robinson
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

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

16. Arizona Diamondbacks (64-64, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

A down week pushed the Diamondbacks back to .500 on the season, and that leaves them seven games out of first place in the division and 6.5 games back in the wild-card race.

Starter Joe Saunders was traded to the Orioles for reliever Matt Lindstrom, as Tyler Skaggs pitched well in his major league debut and will likely be the team's fifth starter for the remainder of the season.

Current Lineup

CF Gerardo Parra
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
3B Chris Johnson
SS Jake Elmore
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Patrick Corbin
SP Tyler Skaggs
CL J.J. Putz

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (68-59, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

The Pirates took a hit this past week, dropping five of six against the Padres and Brewers to drop eight games behind the Reds and two games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central.

They meet the Cardinals and Brewers next week in what may very well be their biggest week of the season. They'll need to right the ship quickly if they hope to make the postseason this year, and a series win against the Cardinals would be huge.

Current Lineup

LF Jose Tabata
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

14. Los Angeles Angels (66-62, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

The Angels swept the Red Sox this past week before dropping two of three against the Tigers, and they are currently four games behind the A's for a wild-card spot and second place in the AL West.

The acquisition of Zack Greinke has not proven to be the difference maker they hoped it would, as he has struggled to a 5.22 ERA in six starts with the team. However, he was good his last time out, and if they can get hot, they can certainly still make the postseason.

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 Chris Iannetta

Current Rotation

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

13. Oakland Athletics (69-57, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

The A's keep winning games despite an underwhelming offense, and they finally filled the biggest hole on their roster by acquiring Stephen Drew from the Diamondbacks to be the everyday shortstop.

Losing Bartolo Colon (10-9, 3.43 ERA) to a PED suspension certainly hurts them, but they have the horses with a staff ERA of 3.49 to overcome the loss and hold on for a postseason berth. The return of Brett Anderson could not have come at a better time.

Current Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
SS Stephen Drew
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Chris Carter
DH Seth Smith
3B Josh Donaldson
C Derek Norris
2B Cliff Pennington

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Brett Anderson
SP TBD
CL Grant Balfour

12. Los Angeles Dodgers (69-59, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

Any questions as to whether or not the Dodgers were all-in on this season were put to rest last week when the team acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto along with the $270 million in salary they are owed.

Gonzalez represents a major upgrade over James Loney, and while Beckett has struggled this season, he has a history as a big-game pitcher. They face the Giants for six more games in what should be an exciting finish to the NL West race.

Current Lineup

LF Shane Victorino
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Hanley Ramirez
RF Andre Ethier
3B Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Aaron Harang
SP Chris Capuano
SP Josh Beckett
SP Joe Blanton
CL Kenley Jansen

11. Baltimore Orioles (69-57, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record

3-2

Team Outlook

The Orioles refuse to let up and remain in the second wild-card position as of now. They are in for a tough week, as they'll face off against the White Sox and Yankees.

The starting rotation was finally addressed this past week when the team acquired Joe Saunders from the Diamondbacks. It cost them a reliable reliever in Matt Lindstrom, but it certainly helps their chances moving forward.

Current Lineup

RF Nick Markakis
SS J.J. Hardy
LF Nate McLouth
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
DH Chris Davis
1B Mark Reynolds
2B Omar Quintanilla
3B Manny Machado

Current Rotation 

SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Chris Tillman
SP Zach Britton
SP Steve Johnson 
SP Joe Saunders
CL Jim Johnson 

10. Detroit Tigers (69-58, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Tigers had a solid week against the Blue Jays and Angels, but they wound up losing a game in the standings to the White Sox, who went 6-0 on the week.

Those two teams meet up seven more times this season, but the Tigers also have 13 games left against the Royals and Twins and are in a good position to enjoy some late-season success. 

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Andy Dirks
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
C Alex Avila 
DH Delmon Young
RF Brennan Boesch 
SS Jhonny Peralta 
2B Omar Infante 

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Drew Smyly
CL Jose Valverde

9. Tampa Bay Rays (70-57, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Rays have been among the hottest teams in baseball since Evan Longoria returned from injury, jumping from fringe contender to the No. 1 wild-card spot in the American League.

Getting Luke Scott back is another boost to the offense, and if the team can continue to get good starting pitching led by ace David Price (16-4, 2.28 ERA), they should be able to find their way into the postseason.

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
3B Evan Longoria
SS Ben Zobrist
1B Carlos Pena
DH Luke Scott
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

8. San Francisco Giants (71-57, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

The Giants were dealt a blow in losing Melky Cabrera, and that was followed by the Dodgers' blockbuster deal with the Red Sox, but they remain atop the NL West standings by two games.

With a starting rotation that ranks among the best in all of baseball and an offense that is still significantly better than it was last season, the Giants are going to be tough to catch in the NL West. 

Current Lineup 

CF Angel Pagan
2B Marco Scutaro
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
1B Brandon Belt
LF Gregor Blanco
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Sergio Romo

7. St. Louis Cardinals (70-57, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

Despite standing pat at the deadline, the Cardinals are making a solid late-season push with a veteran roster chock full of postseason experience.

All-Star starter Lance Lynn has been moved to the bullpen with Jaime Garcia back and Joe Kelly proving more than capable of holding down a rotation spot. The lineup is as deep as any in baseball, and the Cardinals are once again in a great position to enjoy October success.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte

6. Chicago White Sox (71-55, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record

6-0

Team Outlook

The White Sox held onto their lead in the AL Central despite a 5-1 week from the Tigers, as they swept the Yankees and Mariners at home.

They have a tough week ahead of them, facing the Orioles and Tigers on the road, and they will need to avoid a slip-up if they want to keep pace in the AL Central. They appear to be in a great position to be playing in October, and DeWayne Wise (.321 BA, 3 HR, 10 RBI) has been one of the biggest surprise contributors of the second half.

Current Lineup

CF DeWayne Wise
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 Gavin Floyd
SP Francisco Liriano
CL Addison Reed

5. Atlanta Braves (73-55, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Braves had a tough week facing off against the Nationals and Giants, but they have a cushy stretch in their schedule coming up as they will next face the Padres, Phillies, Rockies, Mets and Brewers.

The rotation has benefited from the return of Tommy Hanson, as Ben Sheets is now sidelined with shoulder inflammation. They are not without weakness, but top to bottom, the Braves look to be in a great position to make the playoffs.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Mike Minor
SP Kris Medlen
SP Paul Maholm
SP Tommy Hanson
CL Craig Kimbrel

4. New York Yankees (74-53, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

Starting pitching continues to be an issue in New York, as Ivan Nova became the latest arm to hit the disabled list, going down with rotator cuff inflammation.

The slow return of Andy Pettitte is moving ever closer to New York, but for now the team will have to rely on Freddy Garcia and David Phelps. Their offense is impressive and has gotten a boost from Ichiro Suzuki (.296 BA, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R with Yankees).

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Freddy Garcia
SP David Phelps
CL Rafael Soriano

3. Texas Rangers (75-52, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

The Rangers enjoyed a solid week against the Orioles and Twins, and they'll take on the Rays next week before kicking off a 10-game road trip.

The team continues to be carried by its potent offense, as Adrian Beltre (.433 BA, 5 HR, 9 RBI) and Mitch Moreland (.360 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI) both had big weeks.

Current Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
DH Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
LF David Murphy
C Geovany Soto
1B Mitch Moreland
CF Craig Gentry 

Current Rotation

SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
SP Ryan Dempster
CL Joe Nathan 

2. Cincinnati Reds (77-52, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Reds lost two of three to the Cardinals in a big weekend series, and their NL Central lead has been trimmed to six games. 

Just 12 of their 34 remaining games are against teams with a winning record, so they are in great shape to capture the division title. The pending return of Joey Votto should only boost their status, and they could enter October with more momentum than any team in baseball.

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Drew Stubbs
2B Brandon Phillips
LF Ryan Ludwick
RF Jay Bruce
1B Todd Frazier
3B Scott Rolen
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

1. Washington Nationals (77-50, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Nationals had a down week, but they maintained the best record in baseball and a 4.5-game lead over the Braves. 

After two games with the Marlins to kick off the week, they have a big four-game series against the streaking Cardinals at home. With the best ERA in baseball and offense that produces more than enough, they still have to be considered favorites in the NL.

Current Lineup

RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B 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