Updated MLB Power Rankings: Undefeated Week Launches A's into the Top 5

With the MLB season entering its final month, playoff races around the league are beginning to heat up.

Remaining schedules are starting to figure more prominently, as contenders look to make up ground by beating up on some of the lowly teams, and those teams in turn look to play spoiler.

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 (41-93, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

It was another rough week for the Astros, as they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs before September 1, and are on pace to lose 113 games.

Their September call-ups could see as much action as any in baseball, and third baseman Matt Dominguez is certainly auditioning for an everyday job next season. The biggest headline grabber right now, however, is the potential return of 50-year-old Roger Clemens to the team.

Current Lineup

2B Jose Altuve
SS Tyler Greene
1B Brett Wallace
C Jason Castro
RF Jimmy Paredes
LF Fernando Martinez
3B Matt Dominguez
CF Brandon Barnes
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Fernando Abad
SP Edgar Gonzalez
CL Wilton Lopez

29. Chicago Cubs (51-82, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

The season's final month will be all about talent evaluation for the Cubs, as guys like Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters and Wellington Castillo will be playing for a shot at an everyday job next season.

The rotation could change on a weekly basis from here on out, as Brooks Raley has been shut down and ace Jeff Samardzija could be headed that way. Chris Rusin will make his second start of the season on Tuesday and will be auditioning for a role next year as well.

Current Lineup 

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

Current Rotation

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

28. Cleveland Indians (56-78, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record

1-6

Team Outlook

The Indians have gone a dismal 17-40 since July 1, as they went from fringe contenders to arguably the worst team in the American League.

They have a lot of work to do this offseason, as their rotation is full of holes and their lineup, which has a solid base of young talent, needs some serious help at key positions as well. With a weak farm system and little tradeable veteran talent, the rebuilding process in Cleveland could be a long, slow one.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

27. Minnesota Twins (55-79, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Twins offense remains a strength, but it is the development and transition of their pitching staff that will determine how quickly they return to contention. Scott Diamond looks like a keeper, and Samuel Deduno has been solid in 10 starts, but there's not much else to like about their rotation.

Offensively, 24-year-old slugger Chris Parmelee will be one to watch down the stretch as he will see everyday at bats in right field until Denard Span returns, but is auditioning to be the long-term answer at first base once Justin Morneau's contract is up after next season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP Brian Duensing
SP Liam Hendriks
SP P.J. Walters
CL Glen Perkins

26. Colorado Rockies (55-77, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

Its been a lost season for the Rockies, as the team has been unable to overcome a consistently ineffective starting rotation, despite a solid offensive attack.

Jhoulys Chacin has looked sharp in three starts since missing over three months because of an injury, going 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA. That, coupled with the impending return of superstar Troy Tulowitzki, who has a rehab plan mapped out for the coming week (h/t Denver Post), should at least give fans some cause for optimism.

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Josh Rutledge 
LF Carlos Gonzalez
C Wilin Rosario
RF Tyler Colvin
1B Jordan Pacheco
3B Chris Nelson
2B DJ LeMahieu
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

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

25. Miami Marlins (59-75, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record

1-4

Team Outlook

The Marlins have a number of spots up for grabs in 2013, as they look to rebuild just one year after spending big in free agency before blowing things up at the deadline with the team struggling.

Catcher Rob Brantly, who was acquired from the Tigers in the Anibal Sanchez/Omar Infante deal, has taken over as the everyday catcher, and the 23-year-old has a good chance of serving in that role moving forward, even with John Buck on the books for $6 million next season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

24. Toronto Blue Jays (60-73, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays fall out of contention this season was a swift one, as their roster was absolutely decimated by injury and still has 11 players currently on the disabled list.

While the injuries clearly hurt them this season, guys like Anthony Gose, Moises Sierra and Adeiny Hechavarria have all gained valuable experience this season, which should only help the team moving forward.

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

23. Kansas City Royals (60-73, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The 2012 campaign has been a disappointing one for the Royals, as the club has seemingly taken a step back after it appeared to be heading in the right direction last year.

It is looking more and more like top prospect Wil Myers won't get the call-up this year, but 26-year-old David Lough has been promoted and taken over as the everyday right fielder and lead-off hitter.

Current Lineup

RF David Lough
SS Alcides Escobar 
LF Alex Gordon
DH Billy Butler
C Salvador Perez
3B Mike Moustakas
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
2B Tony Abreu

Current Rotation

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

22. Boston Red Sox (62-73, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record

1-6

Team Outlook

What's left of the Red Sox following their blockbuster deal with the Dodgers is a team that could very well struggle to stay out of the cellar in the AL East this season.

However, they will get a long look at Jose Iglesias down the stretch and could decide if he is the answer at shortstop for next season. It'll be an interesting off-season for a team that has freed up over $60 million in salary for next year.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP Aaron Cook
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
CL Andrew Bailey

21. San Diego Padres (62-73, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Padres have played well of late, as they went 18-10 in the month of August and have a legitimate shot at pulling ahead of the Diamondbacks for third place in the division.

Call-ups Andrew Werner (1-1, 3.00 ERA) and Casey Kelly (1-0, 3.86 ERA) have both looked good in making two starts each, as the team looks for long-term answers in their rotation behind Edinson Volquez and Clayton Richard.

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
SP Andrew Cashner
CL Luke Gregerson

20. Philadelphia Phillies (64-70, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Phillies have gone 10-5 in their last 15 games, as they actually played better since dealing off several pieces of their roster at the deadline.

Tyler Cloyd has joined the rotation with Vance Worley on the disabled list, and he's likely pitching for a rotation spot next year. The team has also opted to stick with Kevin Frandsen at third base instead of Placido Polanco.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Tyler Cloyd
CL Jonathan Papelbon

19. New York Mets (64-70, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Mets put together a solid week last week on the road against Phillies and Marlins, as they look to close out what has been a rough second half to the season on a positive note.

Kelly Shoppach (.303 BA, 3 HR, 9 RBI) has been a solid pickup at catcher and the team could opt to bring him back next season as he's set to hit free agency. The team has also added 25-year-old Collin McHugh to the rotation for the final month, as he looks to earn a spot in the team's future plans.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

18. Seattle Mariners (65-70, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The Mariners went 16-13 in August to pull themselves into respectability, as they currently stand just five games under .500 after suffering through a terrible start to the year.

The offense needs a complete overhaul and the rotation is thin, but reinforcements are on the way as the team has one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. Things should only get better from here in Seattle.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (66-69, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

A 4-10 skid has all but pushed the Diamondbacks out of the playoff picture, as they are 11.5 games out in the NL West and 7.5 games back in the NL Wild Card.

Rookies Wade Miley, Pat Corbin and Tyler Skaggs have all made an impact this year and Trevor Bauer will likely be brought back up again soon. It'll be interesting to see how the team sorts out their rotation next year as those four join Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill and Daniel Hudson.

Current Lineup

CF Chris Young
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

16. Milwaukee Brewers (65-68, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record

6-1

Team Outlook

The Brewers are among the hottest teams in all of baseball right now, as they are 11-2 in their last 13 games and are averaging over six runs per game during that span.

The trio of Corey Hart, Aramis Ramirez and Ryan Braun is among the most potent in baseball, and catcher Jonathan Lucroy continues to enjoy a breakout year offensively. With Mark Rogers being shut down for the year, the team will need to decide on a fifth starter for the season's final month.

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 Shaun Marcum
SP TBD
CL John Axford

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (70-63, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

An 11-17 performance in August has been a major blow to the Pirates' postseason hopes, and while they are still just 2.5 games back in the NL wild-card race, they are now behind the Cardinals, Braves and Dodgers.

Veteran Erik Bedard was released and his rotation spot has been filled by pitching prospect Jeff Locke, who went 10-5 with a 2.48 ERA in 24 starts at Triple-A this season. The 24-year-old entered the season as the team's No. 10 prospect, and he could provide a major impact down the stretch.

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 A.J. Burnett
SP James McDonald
SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Jeff Karstens
SP Jeff Locke
CL Joel Hanrahan

14. Chicago White Sox (72-61, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record

1-6

Team Outlook

A sweep at the hands of the Tigers pulled them even with Chicago in the AL Central, but the White Sox are in a great position to bounce back facing the Royals and Twins this week.

With Gavin Floyd landing back on the DL, reliever Hector Santiago will slide into the fifth starter spot. The White Sox have gotten a boost all season from Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.17 ERA, 17 GS), and they will now look to Santiago to give them a similar contribution in the rotation.

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 Francisco Liriano
SP Hector Santiago
CL Addison Reed

13. Los Angeles Dodgers (72-63, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The overhauled Dodgers are currently just a half game out of the final wild-card spot in the National League. They have a huge three-game series with the Giants in San Francisco this coming weekend.

Josh Beckett was terrific in his second start with the team, but Adrian Gonzalez has gone just 9-for-42 since the trade. He'll need to pick up the production if the team wants to make a serious run at the NL pennant.

Current Lineup

2B Mark Ellis
LF Shane Victorino
1B Adrian Gonzalez
CF Matt Kemp
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

12. Tampa Bay Rays (73-61, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

After making a significant climb up the rankings and standings since Evan Longoria returned from injury, the Rays have struggled to a 3-6 record in their past nine games and have fallen behind Baltimore for the final wild-card spot.

They face off against the Yankees and Rangers this coming week, so things aren't going to get any easier from here. Still, with a fantastic pitching staff led by AL Cy Young candidate David Price (17-5, 2.54 ERA), they have plenty of time to get back on track.

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
3B Evan Longoria
SS Ben Zobrist
DH Luke Scott
1B Carlos Pena
2B Ryan Roberts
C Jose Molina

Current Rotation

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

11. Los Angeles Angels (71-63, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

Despite a 5-1 week, the Angels were unable to make up any ground as the A's were an even more impressive 7-0 on the week and are now 4.5 games ahead in the AL Wild Card.

Seven of the team's next ten games are against Oakland, and that span will go a long way toward determining whether the Angels will be playing in October. They'll need their starting rotation, behind Jered Weaver, to step up in the days and weeks ahead.

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

10. Detroit Tigers (72-61, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Tigers pulled off a big sweep of the White Sox last week, and with 13 more games against the Royals and Twins, they are in a good position to edge out Chicago for the AL Central title.

Max Scherzer (15-6, 3.93 ERA, 204 Ks, 162.2 IP) continues to serve as a second ace alongside Justin Verlander, and he will be as important as anyone on the roster down the stretch.

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Andy Dirks
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

9. St. Louis Cardinals (72-62, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

They took a step back last week, but the Cardinals remain in possession of the second wild-card spot in the National League. They'll square off against the Mets and Brewers this coming week, two teams that are fresh off of solid weeks themselves.

Lance Berkman is back from injury, but he'll remain in a reserve role as Allen Craig (.311 BA, 20 HR, 73 RBI in 360 AB) has put up phenomenal numbers in his absence and has to be used in an everyday capacity at this point. 

Current Lineup

CF Jon Jay
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
2B Skip Schumaker
SS Pete Kozma 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

8. Baltimore Orioles (74-59, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

Another solid week by the Orioles has them just two games behind the Yankees in the AL East and 1.5 games up on the Rays for the second wild-card spot in the American League.

Zach Britton, who has won his last three starts, will be recalled to fill the fifth rotation spot on Tuesday, and another strong start should be enough to lock him into a rotation spot for the remainder of the season. If not, the Orioles have plenty of pitching depth with Randy Wolf, Tommy Hunter and Steve Johnson in the bullpen all capable of starting.

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 Joe Saunders
SP Zach Britton
CL Jim Johnson 

7. Atlanta Braves (75-59, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Braves have a firm grasp on the first wild-card spot in the NL right now, as it would take quite a slide to keep them out of the postseason at this point.

Struggling second baseman Dan Uggla (.208 BA, 17 HR, 64 RBI) has been benched, with the team shifting Martin Prado in from left field to play second and going with a Jose Constanza/Reed Johnson platoon in his place.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

6. New York Yankees (76-57, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Yankees have dropped eight of their last 12 games, as the Orioles are closing on them quickly in the AL East with the Rays not far behind either.

Getting back third baseman Alex Rodriguez could give them a spark, but it also means Eric Chavez (.289 BA, 13 HR, 33 RBI) heads to the bench, and he has been one of the team's most productive hitters of late. Meanwhile, the team could also have Andy Pettitte back soon after he felt "really good" after his latest bullpen session (h/t Newsday).

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

5. San Francisco Giants (76-58, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Giants remain atop the NL West, as another good week extended their lead over the Dodgers to 4.5 games. The two teams meet up for a big three-game series in San Francisco this weekend.

Catcher Buster Posey continues to lead the offensive charge, as he's hitting .396 BA, 9 HR, 40 RBI since the All-Star break. His .330 BA, 19 HR, 85 RBI line makes him a legitimate NL MVP candidate, and with Andrew McCutchen struggling in August, he could be viewed as the front-runner as of now.

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

4. Oakland Athletics (76-57, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record

7-0

Team Outlook

It's still hard to believe, but it looks as though it is time to consider the A's a legitimate contender as they made a big move in the standings again this past week and are now 33-14 since the All-Star break.

Chris Carter has given the offense a huge boost, hitting 14 HR with 33 RBI in just 51 games and filling what was a glaring hole at first base. Left-hander Brett Anderson has also been a big addition, as he's gone 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA in three starts since returning from injury.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Brett Anderson
SP A.J. Griffin
CL Grant Balfour

3. Texas Rangers (79-54, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

The Rangers have seen their lead in the AL West trimmed to just three games, as the surging A's are closing on them and the Angels are only 8.5 games back.

Jurickson Profar provided the highlight of the week. The 19-year-old phenom homered in his first big league at bat. He'll look to keep providing a spark, as the Rangers attempt to extend their lead with 13 of their next 19 games against teams with losing records before squaring off against the A's seven times in their last 10 games.

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

2. Washington Nationals (81-52, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

Already up 6.5 games in the NL East, the Nationals have a chance to put things out of reach as their next 10 games are against the Cubs, Marlins and Mets. 

Much has been made of how John Lannan will likely step into Stephen Strasburg's rotation spot once he's shut down, but the team could turn to another veteran left-hander in Zach Duke. The former Pirate went 15-5 with a 3.51 ERA at Triple-A this year and was among the team's September call-ups.

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

1. Cincinnati Reds (82-53, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

Up 9.5 games in the NL Central, the Reds hold the biggest division lead in baseball despite the fact that the Cardinals have come on strong of late and the Pirates have played well all season.

With 12 games left (combined) against the Cubs, Marlins, Astros and Phillies, it should be relatively smooth sailing to the NL Central crown as they turn their sights toward a lengthy postseason run. It can't be overstated how well the Reds have played without Joey Votto and how scary his return could make them in October.

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