MLB Power Ranking: An Updated Look at Where All 30 Teams Stand
Another week is in the books and another new team moves to the No. 1 spot in this week's MLB power rankings, with the Atlanta Braves taking a tumble after an 0-6 week.
When putting together these rankings on a weekly basis, the following factors are considered:
- Previous week's record
- Quality of opponents
- Key injuries/trades
- Recent performance beyond the last week
At this point, teams have enough games under their belts that preseason expectations no longer play much of a factor in where they are slotted, though the sample size is still small enough that there were some drastic rises and falls.
All that said, here is an updated look at where all 30 MLB teams currently stand. Be sure to check back here every Monday morning for the most recent edition of our MLB power rankings.
30. Houston Astros (10-21, Previous: 26)
1 of 30
Last Week's Results: 1-4
vs. Washington Nationals (0-2)
vs. Seattle Mariners (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Detroit Tigers (4)
at Baltimore Orioles (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Jonathan Villar (6-for-17, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jarred Cosart (1 GS, ND, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K)
Team Analysis
After a nice little climb up the rankings last week, the Houston Astros slide back down to the bottom spot after dropping a pair of series at home this past week.
The offense continues to struggle, as the Astros are hitting just .219 as a team and averaging 3.48 runs per game. It may only be a matter of time before first base prospect Jonathan Singleton (1.038 OPS, 7 2B, 10 HR, 28 RBI in 29 G) gets the call from Triple-A Round Rock.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks (11-23, Previous: 30)
2 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-3
vs. Colorado Rockies (1-2)
at San Diego Padres (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
at Milwaukee Brewers (3)
at Chicago White Sox (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Paul Goldschmidt (11-for-25, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Bronson Arroyo/Brandon McCarthy (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K each)
Team Analysis
At this point, a 3-3 week is no small victory for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and they won just their third series of the year when they took two of three from the San Diego Padres over the weekend.
The most promising takeaway from the past week was no doubt the quality starts turned in by Bronson Arroyo and Brandon McCarthy. The team still has the worst starting pitching ERA in baseball (5.73) by a sizable margin, but getting those two on track would certainly be a step in the right direction.
28. Pittsburgh Pirates (12-19, Previous: 25)
3 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-3
at Baltimore Orioles (0-2)
vs. Toronto Blue Jays (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. San Francisco Giants (3)
vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Pedro Alvarez (8-for-21, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
RP Mark Melancon (2 G, W, SV, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K)
Team Analysis
The slide continues for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as they simply have not been able to overcome their lack of overall offensive production this season with their pitching staff not carrying the load like it did on the way to the postseason last year.
They failed to record a quality start this past week, with no starter pitching more than 5.2 innings, and with the bullpen already missing closer Jason Grilli, the Pirates are being stretched very thin here in the early going. How long before they pull the trigger on promoting outfield prospect Gregory Polanco (.378 BA, 13 XBH, 25 RBI, 28 G) in an effort to spark the offense?
.png?w=256)
27. San Diego Padres (14-18, Previous: 23)
4 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
at San Francisco Giants (1-2)
vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Kansas City Royals (3)
vs. Miami Marlins (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
C Rene Rivera (4-for-11, 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 1 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Andrew Cashner (1 GS, L, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K)
Team Analysis
The offensive woes continued for the Padres this past week, and they wrapped things up by dropping two of three to the Diamondbacks over the weekend. They are currently last in the MLB in team batting average (.216) and runs per game (2.63), and the pitching has taken a step back as well.
With Chase Headley landing on the DL with a calf strain, prospect Jace Peterson (3-for-16) has taken over as the starting third baseman, but he has failed to provide a spark so far. The one bright spot has been the bullpen, which currently leads all of baseball with a 1.71 ERA, as closer Huston Street (10-of-10 SV, 1 ER, 12 IP) is off to a great start.
26. Chicago Cubs (11-18, Previous: 29)
5 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-2
at Cincinnati Reds (1-1)
vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Chicago White Sox (2)
at Chicago White Sox (2)
at Atlanta Braves (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Anthony Rizzo (5-for-14, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jake Arrieta (1 GS, ND, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K)
Team Analysis
It was a solid week for the Chicago Cubs, as they closed things out by taking two of three from the rival St. Louis Cardinals at home, beating Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha in back-to-back games before the bullpen let one slip away late Sunday.
Starlin Castro is hitting .375 in eight games since moving to the cleanup spot, and Anthony Rizzo continues to product out of the three hole. The rotation also got a boost with the return of Jake Arrieta, who threw the ball great in his first start of the year Saturday after starting the season on the DL with shoulder inflammation.
25. Chicago White Sox (15-17, Previous: 21)
6 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
vs. Tampa Bay Rays (1-0)
vs. Detroit Tigers (0-2)
at Cleveland Indians (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Chicago Cubs (2)
vs. Chicago Cubs (2)
vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Jose Abreu (6-for-25, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Scott Carroll (1 GS, L, 6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K)
Team Analysis
The hits just keep coming for rookie Jose Abreu, who currently leads all of baseball with 12 home runs and is pacing the AL with 34 RBI. However, as the rest of the offense starts to cool down, the Chicago White Sox could be in trouble given its struggles on the mound.
The White Sox currently sit at 28th with a starter's ERA of 5.21, and with ace Chris Sale still a ways from returning form a flexor strain, they will need guys like Jose Quintana and John Danks to step up. They also lost center fielder Adam Eaton to a strained hamstring this past week.
24. Cleveland Indians (13-18, Previous: 22)
7 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
at Los Angeles Angels (0-3)
vs. Chicago White Sox (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Minnesota Twins (4)
at Tampa Bay Rays (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Carlos Santana (6-for-23, 1 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Corey Kluber (2 GS, L, ND, 12.2 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 18 K)
Team Analysis
The starting rotation continues to be an issue for the Cleveland Indians, though Opening Day starter Justin Masterson finally picked up his first win of the season this past week when he threw 7.1 shutout innings against the White Sox Saturday.
Consistency remains an issue, though, as Corey Kluber is the only starter with an ERA under 3.75 on the year. Offensively, it was great to see a big week from Carlos Santana (.152 BA on the season), though second baseman Jason Kipnis landed on the DL with a strained oblique.
23. Minnesota Twins (14-15, Previous: 20)
8 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (0-3)
vs. Baltimore Orioles (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
at Cleveland Indians (4)
at Detroit Tigers (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
IF Eduardo Escobar (7-for-15, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Kevin Correia (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K)
Team Analysis
The Minnesota Twins were one of the biggest surprises of the first month of the season, thanks to what was the league's highest-scoring offense. However, as their offensive performance starts to level off, the starting rotation will have to turn things around after a terrible start.
They team did get a very good start from Kevin Correia and a complete-game effort in a loss from Ricky Nolasco. The Twins also saw Mike Pelfrey land on the DL with a strained groin, and he'll be replaced in the rotation by Samuel Deduno. They head on the road to take on a pair of division foes this coming week as they look to get back on the right side of .500.
22. Toronto Blue Jays (14-17, Previous: 15)
9 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
at Kansas City Royals (1-2)
at Pittsburgh Pirates (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Philadelphia Phillies (2)
vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2)
vs. Los Angeles Angels (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Colby Rasmus (8-for-25, 2 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Dustin McGowan (2 GS, W, ND, 13 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 7 K)
Team Analysis
A pair of series losses drop the Toronto Blue Jays, who climbed as high as No. 10 in these rankings a few weeks ago, down into the bottom third. The pieces are still there for them to make a run at contention, but they are currently mired in a 4-8 stretch and have lost four consecutive series.
A big week from No. 5 starter Dustin McGowan was certainly a plus, though overall consistency behind Mark Buehrle remains an issue for the rotation. The always streaky Colby Rasmus is in the middle of one of his hot streaks, while Brett Lawrie has also gotten things going of late after a rough start to the year. Top prospect Marcus Stroman also joined the team last week, making his debut out of the bullpen.
21. Kansas City Royals (14-16, Previous: 16)
10 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
vs. Toronto Blue Jays (2-1)
vs. Detroit Tigers (0-3)
This Week's Opponents
at San Diego Padres (3)
at Seattle Mariners (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
DH Billy Butler (8-for-21, 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Yordano Ventura (1 GS, ND, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K)
Team Analysis
It's hard to figure out where the Kansas City Royals are heading this season, as they have the talent to contend and are coming off of their first winning season since 2003. But they have been plagued by offensive inconsistency once again here in the early going.
It was a rough week all around. Billy Butler is the only player who hit over .300, and the team failed to record a quality start, with the bullpen throwing a lot of innings of late. The Royals head out to the West Coast this coming week for a pair of series against two beatable teams in the Padres and Seattle Mariners as they look to get their season on track and keep pace with the streaking Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.
20. Seattle Mariners (14-15, Previous: 28)
11 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-1
at New York Yankees (2-0)
at Houston Astros (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
at Oakland Athletics (4)
vs. Kansas City Royals (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Michael Saunders (8-for-18, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Roenis Elias (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K)
Team Analysis
There are still a number of question marks for the Mariners, but the combination of a 4-1 week on the road and a number of mid-level teams dropping down moves them up eight spots in this week's rankings. They have a busy week ahead of them, with eight games in seven days thanks to a makeup game Wednesday.
Solid outings from Roenis Elias and Chris Young were certainly a positive sign for the rotation, but the return of Hisashi Iwakuma (6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER) was by far the biggest news of the week, and he should only get better with a few more starts under his belt. A shaky bullpen remains a concern, though, and the M's have more than a few holes in the lineup.
19. Philadelphia Phillies (15-14, Previous: 18)
12 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-2
vs. New York Mets (0-1)
vs. Washington Nationals (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Toronto Blue Jays (2)
at Toronto Blue Jays (2)
at New York Mets (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Marlon Byrd (5-for-15, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Roberto Hernandez (2 G, 1 GS, W, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K)
Team Analysis
The Philadelphia Phillies are off to a nice start this season, thanks in large part to their starting rotation, which currently sits at 11th in the MLB with a 3.69 ERA and 17 quality starts. That's despite the fact Cole Hamels (4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER) got shelled his last time out.
Their bullpen had a nice week last week as well, giving up just four runs in 11 innings of work, with three of those coming from Mike Adams in one outing in which he failed to record an out. With an offense that is about league average and a bullpen that remains a wild card, the rotation will have to continue to carry the team.
18. Tampa Bay Rays (15-17, Previous: 24)
13 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-3
at Chicago White Sox (0-1)
at Boston Red Sox (2-1)
at New York Yankees (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Baltimore Orioles (3)
vs. Cleveland Indians (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Desmond Jennings (11-for-31, 3 2B, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 3 SB)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP David Price (1 GS, ND, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K)
Team Analysis
After sliding down to No. 24 in last week's rankings, the Tampa Bay Rays turned in a solid week on the road as they look to make their way back to the ranks of the AL contenders. The rotation remains an issue, though, and with Alex Cobb and Jeremy Hellickson still a ways off from returning, the team will need to sort it out with the incumbent group.
A terrific week from Erik Bedard (11 IP, 2 ER) was certainly a major positive, and the team would be in much better shape if he keeps it up. Chris Archer has just one quality start in his last four outings, though, and Jake Odorizzi has not had one since his first start of the year.
17. Los Angeles Angels (15-15, Previous: 19)
14 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-2
vs. Cleveland Indians (3-0)
vs. Texas Rangers (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
vs. New York Yankees (3)
at Toronto Blue Jays (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Erick Aybar (9-for-26, 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP C.J. Wilson (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)
Team Analysis
An improved pitching staff may be the biggest change for the Los Angeles Angels this season, but having the highest-scoring offense in the American League at 5.30 runs per game has definitely helped them stay in the thick of things in the early going.
Third baseman David Freese joined Josh Hamilton on the DL this past week, and the team called up slugging prospect C.J. Cron (.971 OPS, 12 2B, 6 HR, 26 RBI in 28 G) from Triple-A to serve as the primary DH. In the bullpen, Joe Smith (3-of-3 SV, 3 IP, 0 ER) had a nice first week as the team's closer after replacing Ernesto Frieri.
16. New York Mets (16-14, Previous: 12)
15 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-3
at Philadelphia Phillies (1-0)
at Colorado Rockies (1-3)
This Week's Opponents
at Miami Marlins (3)
vs. Philadelphia Phillies (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
2B Daniel Murphy (10-for-24, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jon Niese (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)
Team Analysis
It was a rough week for the New York Mets rotation, as Bartolo Colon (4.2 IP, 7 ER), Zack Wheeler (4 IP, 6 ER) and Jenrry Mejia (4.1 IP, 8 ER) were all hit hard. The Mets will need the rotation to get back on track quickly, as it is the biggest reason for their early-season success.
A healthy Juan Lagares should help things offensively, while Curtis Granderson (7-for-19, 1 HR, 5 RBI) may finally be heating up after a dreadful start. The Mets wrap up their road trip with a three-game series against a red-hot Marlins team as the top-to-bottom NL East battle continues here in the early going.
15. Miami Marlins (16-15, Previous: 27)
16 of 30
Last Week's Results: 5-1
vs. Atlanta Braves (3-0)
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. New York Mets (3)
at San Diego Padres (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Giancarlo Stanton (8-for-23, 2 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jose Fernandez (2 GS, W, ND, 15 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 6 BB, 18 K)
Team Analysis
The Miami Marlins are the biggest risers in this week's rankings, climbing 11 spots after taking series from two of the top teams in the National League, including a sweep of last week's No. 1 team in the Braves. They are now 14-5 at home on the year, compared to an abysmal 2-10 on the road, and that split keeps them from climbing any higher for the time being.
Giancarlo Stanton (10 HR, 36 RBI) continued his terrific start, as he now leads the majors in RBI, and the offense as a whole remains infinitely more productive than it was a year ago. Jose Fernandez saw his scoreless innings streak snapped at 25 his last time out, and his 1.74 ERA on the year trails only Johnny Cueto (1.31) in the NL.
14. Boston Red Sox (15-17, Previous: 14)
17 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-3
vs. Tampa Bay Rays (1-2)
vs. Oakland Athletics (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Cincinnati Reds (2)
at Texas Rangers (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
C A.J. Pierzynski (7-for-17, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jon Lester (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 15 K)
Team Analysis
The Boston Red Sox's title defense has gotten off to a relatively slow start, but perhaps a series win over a good Oakland Athletics team this past weekend can jump-start things. They have another tough slate ahead this coming week, though, as the Cincinnati Reds have been playing much better of late and the Texas Rangers remain one of the AL's top teams.
Ace Jon Lester established a new career high with 15 strikeouts Saturday, and the rotation as a whole threw the ball very well last week. Now the Red Sox just need to get what was the league's highest-scoring offense last year firing on all cylinders.
13. Baltimore Orioles (15-14, Previous: 13)
18 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-2
vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (2-0)
at Minnesota Twins (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Tampa Bay Rays (3)
vs. Houston Astros (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Nelson Cruz (7-for-21, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Ubaldo Jimenez, (1 GS, W, 7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K)
Team Analysis
The Baltimore Orioles had a chance to claim first place in the AL East over the weekend, but they instead dropped two of three to the Twins in Minnesota. They currently trail the New York Yankees by a half game and will have a chance to overtake them this coming weekend when they square off against a struggling Astros team at home.
Ubaldo Jimenez finally turned in his first quality start in an Orioles uniform, and it was a good one against a solid offensive team in the Twins. He has been a notoriously slow starter throughout his career, and if he can provide the team with a front-line arm moving forward, it would be a huge boost. Speaking of offseason additions, not many have been better so far than Nelson Cruz (.965 OPS, 9 HR, 29 RBI).
12. Washington Nationals (17-14, Previous: 11)
19 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-2
at Houston Astros (2-0)
at Philadelphia Phillies (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (3)
at Oakland Athletics (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Adam LaRoche (5-for-13, 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jordan Zimmermann (1 GS, W, 6.1 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K)
Team Analysis
A terrible week by the Braves closed the gap in the NL East to just half a game for the Washington Nationals, but they will have their work cut out for them in the week ahead, with series against a pair of top-10 teams in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics.
Doug Fister is expected to make his first start of the season at some point this coming week. He was originally scheduled for Wednesday but could be pushed back to Friday, per The Washington Post's Adam Kilgore. Catcher Wilson Ramos could be back later this week as well, though the team will still be without Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman.
11. Cincinnati Reds (15-16, Previous: 17)
20 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-2
vs. Chicago Cubs (1-1)
vs. Milwaukee Brewers (3-1)
This Week's Opponents
at Boston Red Sox (2)
vs. Colorado Rockies (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
C Brayan Pena (8-for-19, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Johnny Cueto (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 10 K)
Team Analysis
A big series win over the first-place Milwaukee Brewers at home could be exactly what the Reds needed to jump-start their season, and they will get another boost with the return of closer Aroldis Chapman at some point during their upcoming six-game homestand.
There are still some concerns, namely starter Tony Cingrani landing on the DL with shoulder tendinitis and Mat Latos still not set to return, though the Reds won't need to use a fifth starter for the next two weeks. Now if they can just get their offense kicked into gear, that would take a lot of pressure off the staff.
10. New York Yankees (16-14, Previous: 4)
21 of 30
Last Week's Results: 1-4
vs. Seattle Mariners (0-2)
vs. Tampa Bay Rays (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Los Angeles Angels (3)
at Milwaukee Brewers (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Mark Teixeira (7-for-21, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Masahiro Tanaka (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K)
Team Analysis
The Yankees starting pitching was exposed once again this past week, with CC Sabathia allowing a whopping 19 hits in 8.2 innings of work and Vidal Nuno lasting just 4.2 innings in his third start of the season.
The offense stalled as well, with Derek Jeter, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Alfonso Soriano all struggling last week. And while the team is currently clinging to a half-game lead in the AL East, it may not last long. The Yankees go on the road this coming week against a pair of solid opponents in the Angels and Brewers, so they'll need to turn things around quickly.
9. Atlanta Braves (17-13, Previous: 1)
22 of 30
Last Week's Results: 0-6
at Miami Marlins (0-3)
vs. San Francisco Giants (0-3)
This Week's Opponents
vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3)
vs. Chicago Cubs (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Jason Heyward (8-for-24, 4 2B, 1 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Julio Teheran (1 GS, L, 7 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K)
Team Analysis
After slowly climbing up the rankings to the No. 1 spot last week, the Braves tumble down to the No. 9 spot this week after being swept on the road by the Marlins and at home by the San Francisco Giants. The offense has been inconsistent all year and managed just 10 runs in six games last week.
Mike Minor returned strong this past week, and Gavin Floyd will make his season debut Tuesday against the Cardinals. That leaves the team with some decisions to make about the rotation moving forward, and with the Braves' streaky offense, it's a group that will be counted on to carry the team.
8. St. Louis Cardinals (16-16, Previous: 5)
23 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1-2)
at Chicago Cubs (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Atlanta Braves (3)
at Pittsburgh Pirates (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Allen Craig (8-for-25, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Michael Wacha (2 GS, L, ND, 12.1 IP, 13 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 15 K)
Team Analysis
A subpar week from their starting rotation cost the St. Louis Cardinals, as they dropped back-to-back series for the first time this season, including losing two of three to the rival Cubs, with Adam Wainwright (5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER) and Michael Wacha dropping consecutive starts.
Looking to shake up their struggling offense, the team demoted second baseman Kolten Wong in favor of veteran Mark Ellis and called up outfielder Randal Grichuk. Solid weeks from Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta bode well for the future, as the pitching will look to get back on track against a pair of weak offenses in the Braves and Pirates.
7. Texas Rangers (17-14, Previous: 3)
24 of 30
Last Week's Results: 2-4
vs. Oakland Athletics (0-3)
at Los Angeles Angels (2-1)
This Week's Opponents
at Colorado Rockies (2)
vs. Colorado Rockies (2)
vs. Boston Red Sox (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Alex Rios (7-for-22, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Colby Lewis (1 GS, W, 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
Team Analysis
The Rangers had a chance to take the AL West reins with a series against the Athletics to kick off last week, but instead they were swept at home, as the A's returned the favor for a sweep in Oakland earlier this season. Those two look poised to battle it out all season once again, with the AL West already shaping up to be a tight race.
The offense continues to get by despite a number of injuries, and Prince Fielder (7-for-23, 2 2B) finally showed some signs of life this past week. On the pitching side of things, Matt Harrison (4.1 IP, 10 H, 3 ER) struggled in his second start of the year, and the rotation remains a work in progress.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers (18-14, Previous: 7)
25 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-2
at Minnesota Twins (3-0)
at Miami Marlins (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
at Washington Nationals (3)
vs. San Francisco Giants (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Yasiel Puig (12-for-27, 1 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 3 SB)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Zack Greinke (1 GS, W, 6 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
Team Analysis
After sweeping the Twins to start the week, the Dodgers dropped two of three to the Marlins in Miami, where they are playing as good of baseball as anyone this season.
The team's pitching depth continues to be tested, as Hyun-Jin Ryu landed on the DL with shoulder inflammation this past week. However, ace Clayton Kershaw is slated to return from his own DL stint Tuesday, and with Zack Greinke and Dan Haren both throwing the ball well, the Dodgers should be in good shape.
The team also shook things up at catcher this past week, calling up veteran Miguel Olivo (5-for-12, 3B, 2 RBI) and sending down Tim Federowicz (46 AB, .109 BA).
5. Colorado Rockies (19-14, Previous: 9)
26 of 30
Last Week's Results: 5-2
at Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1)
vs. New York Mets (3-1)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Texas Rangers (2)
at Texas Rangers (2)
at Cincinnati Reds (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Troy Tulowitzki (13-for-21, 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Juan Nicasio (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K)
Team Analysis
Now winners of six straight series, the Colorado Rockies continue to climb these rankings on the strength of the best offense in the game. They are currently hitting .298/.346/.486 as a team and averaging 5.64 runs per game, with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (.400/.500/.730, 7 HR, 25 RBI) having a monster season.
Their pitching remains a question, as their 4.32 team ERA sits at 24th in the MLB, but it's been good enough given the way the Rockies are hitting. They welcomed back ace Jhoulys Chacin (5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER) this past week, and he could give the staff a shot in the arm in the weeks to come.
4. Oakland Athletics (19-12, Previous: 6)
27 of 30
Last Week's Results: 4-2
at Texas Rangers (3-0)
at Boston Red Sox (1-2)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Seattle Mariners (4)
vs. Washington Nationals (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Yoenis Cespedes (6-for-16, 4 2B, 4 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jesse Chavez (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)
Team Analysis
The Oakland Athletics came away with a huge sweep of the Rangers in Texas to kick off last week, but they followed that up by dropping a series to the Red Sox in Boston. Now they head back home for a 10-game homestand as they look to pad their two-game lead in the AL West.
The one-two punch of Sonny Gray and Jesse Chavez continues to carry the rotation, while the bullpen is still a work in progress, posting a terrific 2.79 ERA but converting just five out of 11 save chances. The offense certainly has holes, but the A's continue to find ways to get it done and are averaging an even five runs per game.
3. Milwaukee Brewers (21-11, Previous: 2)
28 of 30
Last Week's Results: 3-4
at St. Louis Cardinals (2-1)
at Cincinnati Reds (1-3)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (3)
vs. New York Yankees (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Mark Reynolds (5-for-18, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Wily Peralta (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K)
Team Analysis
The Brewers ran into their first real rough patch over the weekend, dropping three of four to the Reds in Cincinnati. But they will have a good chance to get things back on track against a bad Diamondbacks team and a pitching-thin Yankees team at home this coming week.
The early struggles of Matt Garza are a concern, as he lasted just three innings his last time out and is the only starter with an ERA over 4.00. The rest of the staff looks strong, though, and the offense will get a boost once Ryan Braun returns from a strained oblique. Still, he Brewers need to walk away from this upcoming week with a winning record or they could start sliding down the rankings.
2. Detroit Tigers (17-9, Previous: 8)
29 of 30
Last Week's Results: 5-0
at Chicago White Sox (2-0)
at Kansas City Royals (3-0)
This Week's Opponents
vs. Houston Astros (4)
vs. Minnesota Twins (3)
Silver Slugger of the Week
DH Victor Martinez (9-for-18, 3 2B, 5 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Drew Smyly (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K)
Team Analysis
The Tigers took care of business on the road this past week, with a terrific start from Drew Smyly Saturday among the highlights, and their starting rotation is currently pacing the American League with a 2.87 ERA.
The bullpen remains an issue, though, with a collective 5.31 ERA. The team signed Joel Hanrahan to a one-year, $1 million deal that could be worth $3 million with incentives in an effort to shore things up. Miguel Cabrera (8-for-22, 3 2B) had a nice week as he continues to round into form, and the best baseball may still be ahead for this team.
1. San Francisco Giants (20-11, Previous: 10)
30 of 30
Last Week's Results: 5-1
vs. San Diego Padres (2-1)
at Atlanta Braves (3-0)
This Week's Opponents
at Pittsburgh Pirates (3)
at Los Angeles Dodgers (4)
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Michael Morse (8-for-20, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Tim Hudson (1 GS, W, 8.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)
Team Analysis
Winners of nine of their last 10, including a three-game sweep of last week's No. 1 team in the Braves, the Giants climb to the top spot in this week's rankings. They have been perhaps the most complete team in baseball to this point, with a vastly improved offense, a solid rotation and one of the best bullpens in the game.
Michael Morse (.967 OPS, 8 HR, 22 RBI) has been perhaps the best bargain of the offseason, and a healthy Angel Pagan has been a dynamic table-setter. The back of the rotation had been shaky, but with Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong each turning in six-inning, one-run efforts, the only real hole at this point looks to be the lack of production from Pablo Sandoval.
All stats courtesy of MLB.com, unless otherwise noted.
For all things baseball, follow me on Twitter.
.png?w=480)
