Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Braves Climb into Top 5, Angels Move into Top 10

With just over three weeks remaining in the 2012 MLB season, 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 (44-96, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Astros had a successful week, as they took two of three from the division-leading Reds in Cincinnati and prolonged the inevitable milestone of 100 losses for a bit longer.

They still have a chance to play spoiler, with six games against the Cardinals and three against the Pirates. Right-hander Edgar Gonzalez has been a bright spot in September, going 2-0 with a 1.74 ERA in two starts since joining the rotation.

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
SP Dallas Keuchel
CL Wilton Lopez

29. Chicago Cubs (54-86, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

After being swept by the Nationals, the Cubs turned things around and doled out a sweep of their own in three games against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

The team shut down emerging ace Jeff Samardzija for the season at 174.2 innings, and he'll be replaced in the rotation by Jason Berken, who was claimed off of waivers from the Orioles on Friday after going 5-6 with a 3.50 ERA in 26 Triple-A starts.

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 Travis Wood
SP Justin Germano 
SP Chris Volstad
SP Chris Rusin
SP Jason Berken 
CL Carlos Marmol

28. Colorado Rockies (56-83, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record

1-6

Team Outlook

It's been a long season in Colorado, and things didn't get any better this past week. The team has currently dropped five straight after putting together a nice 11-5 stretch prior to that.

Moving forward, the team has gotten promising contributions from youngsters Josh Rutledge, Tyler Colvin and Wilin Rosario. They still need to sort out their pitching staff, though, if they hope to make their way back to contention.

Current Lineup

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

27. Cleveland Indians (59-81, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

After struggling through a 1-15 stretch, the Indians have righted the ship a bit. They played well this past week, facing the Tigers and Twins on the road.

Rays castoff Russ Canzler has moved into the everyday DH role and gone 10-for-26 in seven games since being called up. The International League MVP last season, he hit .265 BA, 22 HR, 79 RBI in Triple-A this year and could be auditioning for an everyday job next year.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

26. Minnesota Twins (58-82, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Twins enjoyed an offensive explosion in beating the White Sox 18-9 on Tuesday, and they finished the week a game behind the Indians in the AL Central as they try to make their way out of last place.

Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired from the White Sox in the Francisco Liriano trade, has taken over as the starting shortstop. The 23-year-old will look to shore up a position that has been a revolving door in recent years.

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 Eduardo Escobar

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

25. Boston Red Sox (63-78, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

There are few teams more excited for the season to come to an end than the Red Sox, as the 2012 campaign has been a nightmare. The team appears headed for a reload as a result.

Utility infielder Pedro Ciriaco (.306 BA, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 11 SB) has performed well as the everyday third baseman, and career minor leaguer Mauro Gomez (.310 BA, 24 HR, 74 RBI, .960 OPS at Triple-A) has played well in his first taste of big league action. The team is finding production from unexpected sources.

Current Lineup

LF Scott Podsednik
2B Dustin Pedroia
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
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

24. Kansas City Royals (63-77, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Royals took two of three from the division-leading White Sox to close out the week. They have gone a solid 21-17 since the beginning of August and will look to close out this season on a positive note.

The team has opted against calling up top prospects outfield Wil Myers and right-hander Jake Odorizzi down the stretch, but expect the duo to have every chance to win a job in the spring. They've put up terrific numbers in the minors this season.

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 Johnny Giavotella

Current Rotation

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

23. Miami Marlins (63-78, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The Marlins rank as one of baseball's most disappointing teams this season, but there is still talent on their roster. They showed as much in taking two of three from the Nationals to close out the week.

Outfielder Justin Ruggiano (.321/.384/.563, 13 HR, 33 RBI, 12 SB) has been a revelation this season, as the 30-year-old never got a chance in Tampa and joined the Astros as a free agent in the offseason before being dealt to the Marlins for catching prospect Jobduan Morales in May.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

22. New York Mets (65-75, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

The Mets ran into some good competition last week, as they faced playoff hopefuls in Atlanta and St. Louis, and it will be more of the same this coming week when they open things up against the Nationals.

Their second-half collapse was disheartening, but there are certainly still positives to take away from this season, as Matt Harvey (3-4, 3.04 ERA, 8 GS) has pitched well in his debut, and R.A. Dickey (18-4, 2.64 ERA) has emerged as a bona fide ace.

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

21. Toronto Blue Jays (64-75, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

Injuries derailed any hopes the Blue Jays had of contending this season, but they've begun to get healthy and could string together some wins down the stretch, as they've currently won four straight.

Third baseman Brett Lawrie and catcher J.P. Arencibia rejoined the lineup this past week after missing significant time. While it has been a tough season, the experience that young guys like Moises Sierra, Anthony Gose and Adeiny Hechavarria have gained will be invaluable moving forward.

Current Lineup

3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
C J.P. Arencibia
RF Moises Sierra
LF Rajai Davis

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Aaron Laffey
CL Casey Janssen

20. Seattle Mariners (67-74, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Mariners have been a different team in the second half, going 31-23 since the All-Star break. Their young players have improved throughout the course of the season, and they are a franchise heading in the right direction.

They have as tough a schedule as anyone to close out the season, with six games against the Rangers, three against the A's, three against the Orioles and three against the Angels. They'll certainly be in a position to play the role of spoiler.

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
SP Erasmo Ramirez
CL Tom Wilhelmsen

19. San Diego Padres (66-75, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

The Padres have played their best baseball of the season down the stretch, as they've gone 14-5 in their last 19 games and quickly closed on the Diamondbacks for third place in the NL West.

After keeping Carlos Quentin, Huston Street and Chase Headley at the deadline, and with one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, they are a team to watch in 2013. Their return to contention could be a quick one.

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

18. Arizona Diamondbacks (69-72, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks are still on the fringe of contention, but their role down the stretch is more likely to be that of spoiler. They took two of three from the NL West-leading Giants this past week and have six games remaining against them.

It's been a disappointing season after winning the division last year, but they have a terrific young core and should be right back in the thick of things next season and for many years beyond that.

Current Lineup

CF Chris Young
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
3B Chris Johnson
SS John McDonald
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

17. Philadelphia Phillies (69-71, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Phillies have been a huge disappointment this season, but there is some reason for optimism, as they've gone 23-14 since the beginning of August.

There is no question the team has gotten old, and they will have some work to do as far as rebuilding, but they may not be as bad off as they appeared early in the year. With a terrific rotation and veteran stars on offense, they could be back in contention next season.

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

16. Milwaukee Brewers (69-71, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The Brewers offense has been solid all season, as they rank third in the majors in runs scored and have been led by the trio of Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart.

The pitching staff is another story, and with Zack Greinke gone and Shaun Marcum set to hit free agency, the team will have some decisions to make moving forward.

Michael Fiers (9-7, 3.05 ERA) has been great, and youngsters Mark Rogers and Wily Peralta are also in a good position 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 Shaun Marcum
SP Wily Peralta
CL John Axford

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (72-67, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

They are still just 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot, but the Pirates are mired in a rough patch right now and have gone 5-13 over their past 18 games. With that, the Cardinals have passed them to move into second place in the NL Central and into a wild-card spot.

Second base prospect Brock Holt (12-for-29) has been fantastic in replacing the injured Neil Walker, and Starling Marte is once again in the everyday lineup with Travis Snider shelved. They're still very much in the playoff hunt, but they need to turn things around fast.

Current Lineup

2B Brock Holt
LF Starling Marte
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
3B Pedro Alvarez
RF Alex Presley
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
SP Kevin Correia
CL Joel Hanrahan

14. Detroit Tigers (73-66, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

It was a tough week for the Tigers, as they now trail the White Sox by two games in the AL Central and have a huge series coming up against Chicago to open this week.

The team's final 13 games of the season are against the Twins and Royals, and they meet the struggling Indians for three games to close out this coming week, as they are still in a great position to make the playoffs.

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

13. Los Angeles Dodgers (74-67, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Dodgers dropped two of three from the NL West-leading Giants to close out the week, and they failed to gain any ground in the division, as they were swept by the Padres to open the week and currently sit 5.5 games back in the division and 1.5 games back for a wild-card spot.

Matt Kemp is currently battling a sore shoulder, and ace Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his Sunday start with a hip issue. If those two players miss any significant amount of time, the team will have its work cut out for it down the stretch.

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. Chicago White Sox (75-64, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The White Sox open next week with an incredibly important four-game series against the Tigers, who they currently hold a two-game lead over in the AL Central.

Rookies Jose Quintana and Hector Santiago have made a major impact in the rotation, and the White Sox will need their starting pitching to continue to perform at the level it has if they hope to hold on and capture a division title.

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

11. St. Louis Cardinals (75-65, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

While they have managed to pass the sliding Pirates in the NL Central, the Cardinals themselves have not played great of late, going 4-8 in their last 12 games.

They are currently 1.5 games up on the Dodgers for the final wild-card spot, but they have a tough road ahead with series against the Dodgers, Nationals, Reds and vastly improved Padres. This is where the team's postseason experience could pay dividends as they look to defend their title.

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

10. Tampa Bay Rays (77-63, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

The Rays have gone 21-11 since Evan Longoria returned to the lineup. Their entire season has turned around, and they are now pushing the Yankees for the AL East title just two games back.

They have a huge week coming up as they face the Orioles and Yankees on the road, and where they are by the end of those two series could go a long way towards determining whether they make the playoffs.

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 Chris Archer
CL Fernando Rodney

9. Los Angeles Angels (77-63, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record

6-0

Team Outlook

The Angels swept a pair of playoff hopefuls in the A's and Tigers this past week, and they are back in the playoff picture, just a game out of the final wild-card spot, which currently belongs to the Orioles.

Ace Jered Weaver will miss his next start with shoulder tendinitis, and the team will certainly need him to pitch like he has all season down the stretch if it hopes to make a serious postseason run. If he misses more than one start, the team may consider giving top prospect Nick Maronde a start.

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
RF Torii Hunter
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
2B Howie Kendrick
LF Mark Trumbo
SS Erick Aybar
3B Alberto Callaspo
C Chris Iannetta

Current Rotation

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

8. Baltimore Orioles (78-62, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

The Orioles are 11-5 in their last 16 games, and after splitting a four-game series with the Yankees this past week, they are currently just one game back in the AL East and hold the second wild-card spot.

The team was dealt a blow when Nick Markakis fractured his thumb this past week, and he is expected to be out for six weeks. While he has been a key contributor, Markakis missed time earlier this season and the team kept winning, so it has the pieces to overcome this loss.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation 

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

7. New York Yankees (79-61, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

The Yankees had a chance to extend their lead over the Orioles this past week, but instead, they split a four-game series with them in Baltimore. They maintain a one-game lead in the division over the Orioles and a two-game lead over the Rays.

Mark Teixeira's calf injury has not gotten better to this point, and he'll have an MRI that could result in him missing the upcoming Red Sox series and perhaps the remainder of the season depending on his status (h/t N.Y. Daily News).

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

6. San Francisco Giants (79-61, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Giants took two of three from the division rival Dodgers to close out last week, as they've extended their division lead to 5.5 games. Their next 19 games are against the Rockies, Diamondbacks and Padres before they close out the season with three games against the Dodgers.

Catcher Buster Posey (.327 BA, 20 HR, 87 RBI) is a legitimate MVP candidate this season, and he's been an anchor in the middle of the team's lineup all year. As long as the starting rotation continues to pitch like they have, they'll be tough to catch in the division.

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

5. Oakland Athletics (79-60, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The A's rattled off a nine-game winning streak two weeks ago, but they had that streak snapped when they were swept by the Angels. They bounced back with a three-game sweep of the Mariners and currently hold the top wild-card spot in the American League.

The team lost ace Brandon McCarthy to a gruesome injury when he took a line drive off the head and suffered a fractured skull. He's likely lost for the season, and the team will need what is now an incredibly young rotation to step up in his absence.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Brett Anderson
SP A.J. Griffin
SP Daniel Straily
CL Grant Balfour

4. Atlanta Braves (81-60, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record

6-1

Team Outlook

The Braves used a stellar week to build on an already big lead for the first wild-card spot in the NL, as they have a 5.5-game cushion over the Cardinals for that spot and have pulled within 5.5 games of the Nationals in the NL East.

After a short benching, Dan Uggla has returned to the starting lineup, though he has been moved down the lineup where there will be less pressure on him.

Meanwhile, Kris Medlen has continued his brilliance as a starter, as he's gone 7-0 with an 0.81 ERA in eight starts. He'll be counted on big time 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 Paul Maholm
SP Tommy Hanson
CL Craig Kimbrel

3. Cincinnati Reds (84-57, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Reds had a somewhat easy slate last week as they faced off against the Phillies and Astros, but they dropped two of three in each series. This coming week, they'll take on the struggling Pirates and Marlins as they look to extend their 8.5-game lead in the NL Central.

Zack Cozart (oblique) and Scott Rolen (back) are both battling injuries right now, but that is offset by the return of Joey Votto to the lineup. Todd Frazier actually ranks as a better option than Rolen at third base, even if Dusty Baker doesn't see it. 

Current Lineup

2B Brandon Phillips
SS Zack Cozart
1B Joey Votto
LF Ryan Ludwick
RF Jay Bruce
3B Scott Rolen
CF Drew Stubbs
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 (83-57, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record

4-3

Team Outlook

After taking three of four from the Royals, the Rangers dropped two of three to the Rays as they closed out the week with a 3.5-game lead over the A's and a six-game lead over the Angels. They have a chance to gain some ground this coming week as they face the Indians and Mariners.

The team's pitching continues to be just good enough to win games behind their high-powered offense, and in the end, it's hard to imagine anyone catching them in the AL West. They're still the favorites in the AL in my mind, and they have been all season.

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 

1. Washington Nationals (86-54, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

The Nationals swept a four-game series from the Cubs in dominant fashion last week before dropping two of three to a subpar Marlins team. Still, they have the best record in baseball and a 5.5-game lead over the Braves in the NL East.

Ace Stephen Strasburg has officially been shut down for the season at 159.1 innings with a 15-6 record and 3.16 ERA. In his place, the team will turn to former Opening Day starter John Lannan, who went 9-11 with a 4.30 ERA in 24 Triple-A starts.

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 Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
SP John Lannan
CL Tyler Clippard