MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand with 2 Weeks Remaining
There are just two weeks remaining in the 2014 MLB regular season, and this year's playoff race is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.
A handful of teams have started to separate themselves from the pack, but three division races (AL Central, NL Central and NL West) are still very much up for grabs, and the same can be said for three of the four wild-card spots.
When putting the following rankings together on a weekly basis, these four factors are considered:
- Previous week's record
- Recent performance beyond the last week
- Quality of opponents
- Key injuries/trades
With that in mind, here is an updated look at where all 30 MLB teams stand with two weeks remaining. Be sure to check back here every Monday morning for the most recent edition of our MLB power rankings.
30. Texas Rangers (57-92, Previous: 30)
1 of 30
Last Week: 3-3
After a 1-9 start to the month, the Texas Rangers finally won a series over the weekend when they swept a reeling Atlanta Braves team. They will now need to finish the season 6-7 to avoid their first 100-loss season since 1973.
Only one starting pitcher (Colby Lewis) will top 150 innings pitched this season, and only four position players (Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, Leonys Martin and Alex Rios) will play in more than 130 games. Of that group, Beltre is really the only one who has put up above-average numbers.
Mercifully, the 2014 season is almost over for the Rangers. Their offseason will be as interesting to watch as anyone's, as they still have a lot of talent on the roster but clearly have some work to do. That will start with picking a new manager.
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Adrian Beltre (6-for-20, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Colby Lewis (2 GS, W, L, 14 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
29. Colorado Rockies (59-90, Previous: 26)
2 of 30
Last Week: 0-6
We have ourselves a ballgame once again in the battle for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft. An 0-6 week that saw them swept by the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals has the Colorado Rockies just two games up on the Texas Rangers in the standings.
The team has been generally awful in going 19-34 since the All-Star break, but it hasn't been all bad. Left-hander Tyler Matzek (4-6, 3.76 ERA) has looked like a keeper in stringing together five straight quality starts, while budding star Nolan Arenado (.897 OPS, 12 HR, 31 RBI) has come back strong from a fractured finger.
The Rockies still have six games left with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the San Francisco Giants in the NL West by just three games, so there is still a chance for them to have an impact on the playoff race.
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Michael Cuddyer (5-for-20, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Tyler Matzek (1 GS, L, 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K)
28. Arizona Diamondbacks (61-88, Previous: 29)
3 of 30
Last Week: 2-4
The Arizona Diamondbacks rebounded to take a series from the San Diego Padres over the weekend after being swept by the San Francisco Giants to begin the week. They are now two games up on the Colorado Rockies in the push to avoid a last-place finish.
Rookie third baseman Jake Lamb had a nice week at the plate last week, and he's one to watch the rest of the way as he looks to convince the club he can be the everyday guy at the hot corner next season. The 23-year-old is hitting .227/.274/.386 with three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI in 88 at-bats since being called up.
The Diamondbacks still play the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at home over these final two weeks as they too look to shake up the NL playoff race.
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Jake Lamb (6-for-15, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Josh Collmenter (1 GS, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K)
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27. Minnesota Twins (63-86, Previous: 28)
4 of 30
Last Week: 2-4
The Minnesota Twins struggled on the road this past week against a pair of AL Central foes in the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. They now trail the White Sox by five games and look destined for their third last-place finish in the last four years.
Outfielder Oswaldo Arcia has put up impressive run-production numbers in the second half with 12 home runs and 33 RBI, as the 23-year-old looks to establish himself as a key piece of the long-term plans. Strong showings from Kennys Vargas and Danny Santana this year also give plenty of hope for the future.
Phil Hughes figures to get three more starts this year to build his case for AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. After going 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA a year ago, Hughes is 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA and 2.64 FIP that is good for fifth in the AL. His biggest competition figures to be Albert Pujols and Melky Cabrera.
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Oswaldo Arcia (9-for-20, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Phil Hughes (1 GS, L, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 11 K)
26. Chicago Cubs (65-84, Previous: 24)
5 of 30
Last Week: 1-5
The Chicago Cubs tumble back to one of the bottom five slots in the rankings after a tough road trip against contenders saw them get swept by the Toronto Blue Jays and drop two of three to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
For as much attention as the young hitters have received, and rightfully so, the biggest surprise of the year has been their bullpen. Hector Rondon (57 G, 24-of-28 SV, 2.72 ERA), Pedro Strop (59 G, 2.29 ERA), Neil Ramirez (45 G, 1.38 ERA) and Justin Grimm (68 G, 3.92 ERA) have led a vastly improved and largely overlooked unit.
The Cubs' remaining series include the Dodgers, Cardinal and Brewers, three teams they have gone a combined 18-17 against on the year, so they could certainly help shake things up down the stretch.
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Javier Baez (5-for-22, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Felix Doubront (1 GS, W, 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)
25. San Diego Padres (68-80, Previous: 22)
6 of 30
Last Week: 2-4
After pulling to within five games of .500 at 66-71 earlier this month, the San Diego Padres have gone just 2-9 in their last 11 games, leaving them in a distant third place in the NL West standings.
They look like a safe bet to finish last in the league in both team batting average (.225) and runs per game (3.25). With a solid pitching staff to build around, they will have to find a way to add some punch to their lineup in the offseason.
The Padres have seven games left against the Giants, who they have split the season series with at 6-6 so far this year, so that at least gives them something to play for over the final two weeks.
Silver Slugger of the Week
C Yasmani Grandal (7-for-22, 3 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Andrew Cashner (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K)
24. Boston Red Sox (66-84, Previous: 25)
7 of 30
Last Week: 3-4
The Boston Red Sox are still making some noise despite being well out of contention themselves. They took three of four from the Kansas City Royals over the weekend to knock them out of the top spot in the AL Central standings.
Things have not gone as many expected for rookie Xander Bogaerts after he entered the season as perhaps the favorite to take home AL Rookie of the Year honors. He's finishing with a flourish, though, hitting .368/.383/.649 with four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI in 57 at-bats this month.
The Red Sox take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles on the road this coming week, where they will look to avoid reaching the 90-loss mark for just the 17th time in the franchise's storied 114-year history.
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Xander Bogaerts (11-for-29, 1 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Allen Webster (1 GS, W, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K)
23. Houston Astros (66-83, Previous: 23)
8 of 30
Last Week: 3-3
The Houston Astros have been surprisingly competitive against their division this season, going 33-37 against fellow AL West teams. That trend continued last week when they took a series from the Seattle Mariners on the road.
Slugger Chris Carter enters the week with 36 home runs, leaving him just three behind AL leader Nelson Cruz. He's been one of the biggest surprises of the second half.
As far as surprises go, though, it's hard to top waiver pickup Collin McHugh (23 GS, 9-9, 2.79 ERA, 9.1 K/9), who could push for a top-five finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Add in Dallas Keuchel and veteran Scott Feldman, and the Astros have themselves the makings of a decent rotation heading into next year.
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Robbie Grossman (10-for-29, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Collin McHugh (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K)
22. Chicago White Sox (68-81, Previous: 27)
9 of 30
Last Week: 5-2
The Chicago White Sox put together a nice four-game winning streak before losing Sunday, matching their longest streak of the season, as they took series from the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins at home.
Chris Sale moved into the AL ERA lead with eight shutout innings his last time out, and he's now 12-3 with a 1.99 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 192 strikeouts in 163 innings of work. Felix Hernandez still looks like the clear favorite for AL Cy Young honors, but Sale is at least making it interesting.
"I have thought about it. I have thought about winning a World Series and a Cy Young, all that stuff ever since I was a kid," Sale told Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago. "I would be lying if I said I didn't. As quickly as it pops into my mind, it goes right back out. I don't play the game for that. I play for everyone in here and to win games. That is numero uno."
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Jose Abreu (9-for-25, 3 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Chris Sale (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K)
21. Miami Marlins (72-76, Previous: 17)
10 of 30
Last Week: 3-4
Everything the Miami Marlins did in the win-loss department took a back seat to the injury suffered by the team's star outfielder, Giancarlo Stanton. His season has likely come to an end, and with it the Marlins' slim playoff hopes have seemingly been extinguished.
Stanton took a Mike Fiers fastball to the face Thursday, requiring stitches for a laceration and suffering facial fractures and dental damage as a result. He left the field on a stretcher in what was a scary scene all-around.
If Stanton is in fact done for the year, he'll finish the season with a .288/.395/.555 line to go along with 31 doubles, 37 home runs and 105 RBI. He's still very much in the NL MVP discussion, but him missing the final two weeks seems to only strengthen the case for Clayton Kershaw, provided he continues to dominate.
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Marcell Ozuna (10-for-27, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Henderson Alvarez (1 GS, 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K)
20. Philadelphia Phillies (69-80, Previous: 18)
11 of 30
Last Week: 3-4
The Philadelphia Phillies have two weeks remaining in the long road that has been their 2014 season. There will need to be some significant changes on tap this offseason if they are to have any hope of returning to contention in the near future.
Cody Asche has picked things up at the plate this month, coinciding with Maikel Franco, the team's top prospect and the man gunning for Asche's job next season, being called up. Third base will be just one of a myriad of decisions the Phillies have to make, though, as they work on retooling an aging roster.
They leave on a 10-game road trip to start this coming week that features series with the San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins as they eye third place in the NL East standings.
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Cody Asche (5-for-14, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Cole Hamels (1 GS, 7 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
19. Tampa Bay Rays (72-78, Previous: 19)
12 of 30
Last Week: 3-3
The Tampa Bay Rays continued to play spoiler last week, winning their weekend series against a Toronto Blue Jays team that needs every win it can get if it hopes to climb back into an AL wild-card spot.
Their pitching has certainly made things tough on opponents, and they rank third in MLB with a 2.93 team ERA since the All-Star break. In fact, the Rays need just 79 strikeouts in their final 12 games to surpass the single-season team record of 1,428 set by the Detroit Tigers a year ago.
One pitcher who won't be available to help them push toward that mark is Drew Smyly, who they shut down for the year last week with a career-high 153 innings under his belt already. He was 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in seven starts after coming over in the David Price trade and figures to be a big part of the team's future.
Silver Slugger of the Week
SS Yunel Escobar (9-for-21, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Nate Karns (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K)
18. Cincinnati Reds (71-79, Previous: 21)
13 of 30
Last Week: 4-3
The Cincinnati Reds effectively ended their hopes of contention with a seven-game losing streak in the middle of August, but they are still in a great position to stir things up in the NL Central. They did that last week when they took three of four from the Cardinals.
It's too bad for Johnny Cueto that he pitches in the same league as Clayton Kershaw, because most seasons his numbers would be good enough for serious Cy Young consideration. He's gone 18-8 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 220 strikeouts in 222 innings. That should be good enough for second in the voting and NL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
The Reds close out the season with a series each against their four fellow NL Central opponents, and it's worth noting that they've gone an impressive 35-29 in-division so far this season. With three of those four teams still serious contenders, they will be in a prime position to play spoiler for someone.
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Ryan Ludwick (5-for-15, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Johnny Cueto (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K)
17. New York Mets (72-78, Previous: 20)
14 of 30
Last Week: 4-3
Prior to dropping three of four to the Washington Nationals over the weekend, the New York Mets had quietly put together a nice 7-1 stretch to pull within four games of a .500 record. Getting over that hump will be tricky now, but they can still finish the season on a high note.
With Reds speedster Billy Hamilton hitting just .163 this month, dropping his season slash line to .259/.297/.368, it looks like Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom is the NL Rookie of the Year front-runner at this point. He's gone 8-6 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 121 strikeouts in 127.1 innings of work over 20 starts.
The last Mets player to win Rookie of the Year was Dwight Gooden back in 1984. If deGrom can make even half the impact Gooden did for the team during the 1980s, the Mets will have an awfully good pitcher on their hands.
Silver Slugger of the Week
RF Curtis Granderson (7-for-23, 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jacob deGrom (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K)
16. Atlanta Braves (75-74, Previous: 11)
15 of 30
Last Week: 1-5
The Atlanta Braves have the worst record in the NL this month at 3-9, and they hit rock bottom over the weekend when they got swept by the team with the worst record in baseball in the Rangers. That leaves the Braves four games back in the NL wild-card race entering the week.
Despite the team's record last week, Julio Teheran (8 IP, 3 R, 0 ER), Aaron Harang (7 IP, 1 R, 0 ER) and Alex Wood (7 IP, 1 ER) all threw the ball well. Those three guys will have to finish the year strong if Atlanta is to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs.
The Braves kick off a 10-game homestand against the division-rival Nationals next week. They have had plenty of success at home (40-31) and against the Nationals (10-6) this year, so perhaps that can help them right the ship.
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Freddie Freeman (8-for-20, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Aaron Harang (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K)
15. New York Yankees (76-72, Previous: 15)
16 of 30
Last Week: 3-4
The New York Yankees enter the week five games back for the second AL wild-card spot with three teams to pass, so it's fair to say their playoff hopes are slim at best with two weeks to go.
They have done a nice job holding things together through all the injuries, but missing the playoffs for a second straight season, and doing so after spending roughly half a billion dollars in the offseason, just doesn't cut it for this franchise. Expect another busy offseason, with a focus on shoring up the starting rotation with reliable veteran arms.
The Yankees have gone 29-33 in the division on the year, and they close out the season with a series against each of the other four AL East teams. Things will need to turn around quickly if they are to stay in the playoff hunt, starting with a three-game series against the Rays in Tampa Bay.
Silver Slugger of the Week
OF Chris Young (10-for-26, 4 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Brandon McCarthy (1 GS, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)
14. Cleveland Indians (76-72, Previous: 13)
17 of 30
Last Week: 2-5
The Cleveland Indians made a valiant effort to claw back into the AL playoff picture on the strength of an 18-9 month of August, but the Detroit Tigers swept them over the weekend. They now sit five games back for the second AL wild-card spot.
Corey Kluber turned in another terrific start last time out, and he's now 15-9 with a 2.45 ERA and 230 strikeouts in 212.2 innings of work. He should be a lock to finish in the top five in AL Cy Young voting and could end up as high as third if he closes out the year strong.
The Indians face the Astros and Twins this coming week and close out the year against the Rays, so the schedule is certainly in their favor. If they can make up at least a couple of games in the wild-card standings this week, they'll have a chance heading into the final week.
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Carlos Santana (9-for-26, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP T.J. House (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K)
13. Milwaukee Brewers (78-72, Previous: 16)
18 of 30
Last Week: 4-3
The Milwaukee Brewers finally stopped the bleeding with a three-game winning streak last week after a disastrous 3-13 stretch saw them go from 2.5 games up in the NL Central standings to six games back. Despite that slide, they are still just 1.5 games back for the second NL wild-card spot, so their season is far from over.
The Brewers shook up the batting order last week, moving Scooter Gennett up to the No. 2 spot, sliding Jonathan Lucroy down to third and bumping Ryan Braun down to fifth. They have also given September call-up Matt Clark an expanded role at first base, and he's responded with three home runs and six RBI in 17 at-bats.
The only way this team is going to have a chance, though, is if its starting pitching turns things around. Matt Garza (5.54 ERA), Kyle Lohse (5.91 ERA) and Yovani Gallardo (7.36 ERA) have all been knocked around this month after the rotation was a strength for much of the season.
Silver Slugger of the Week
C Jonathan Lucroy (10-for-26, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Wily Peralta (1 GS, 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K)
12. Toronto Blue Jays (77-71, Previous: 14)
19 of 30
Last Week: 4-2
The Toronto Blue Jays really shot themselves in the foot with a 9-17 month of August, but they have done their best to right the ship with an 8-4 start to this month. That leaves them four games back in the AL wild-card picture with two teams to pass.
Rookie right-hander Marcus Stroman appears to be getting a second wind of sorts. After going 6-2 with a 2.12 ERA in his first 11 starts, he had a 6.75 ERA in August. He's started this month off with back-to-back strong starts, though, including a three-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs his last time out.
The Blue Jays still have six games left with the division-leading Baltimore Orioles, as well as a four-game series with one of the teams they're looking to pass in the wild-card race in the Seattle Mariners, so it's not exactly a cakewalk over the final two weeks.
Silver Slugger of the Week
DH Adam Lind (8-for-20, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Marcus Stroman (1 GS, W, 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K)
11. Kansas City Royals (81-67, Previous: 6)
20 of 30
Last Week: 2-5
With a pair of series losses last week, the Kansas City Royals lost three games to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central standings. Rather than leading the division, they are now clinging to a one-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the second AL wild-card position.
Danny Duffy (8-11, 2.42 ERA) is expected to return to the rotation Tuesday, according to Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star. Duffy missed his last start with shoulder inflammation, and the team definitely needs him whole down the stretch.
The Royals face the White Sox to start this coming week before a big three-game series against the Tigers at home. They face the White Sox—a team they are already 8-4 against on the year—again to close out the season, so if they can make it through this week without losing any more ground, they'll be in decent shape.
Silver Slugger of the Week
1B Eric Hosmer (8-for-25, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP James Shields (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)
10. Seattle Mariners (80-68, Previous: 9)
21 of 30
Last Week: 2-4
The Seattle Mariners squandered an opportunity to make up big ground in the AL wild-card standings over the weekend, losing two of three to an Oakland Athletics team that had been struggling mightily. They also dropped a series to the Houston Astros to begin the week and currently trail the Kansas City Royals by a game for the No. 2 wild-card position.
Logan Morrison made some noise last week, going 5-for-15 with two doubles and two home runs. If he can stay hot for the next couple of weeks, that would be a huge boost for the offense. On the pitching side of things, Hisashi Iwakuma needs to snap out of his recent funk, as he has a 7.50 ERA in his last four starts.
The Mariners' next 11 games are on the road, including series against the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays, before a three-game series with the Angels at home to finish out the year. They are actually 7-5 against the Angels on the season, and locking down the season series could mean a postseason berth.
Silver Slugger of the Week
2B Robinson Cano (7-for-21, 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Felix Hernandez (2 GS, 13 IP, 12 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 16 K)
9. Pittsburgh Pirates (79-70, Previous: 12)
22 of 30
Last Week: 5-2
The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken advantage of a 10-game stretch against non-contenders, going 8-2 to climb into the second wild-card slot in the NL and trimming the Cardinals' lead in the division to just 3.5 games.
Francisco Liriano is again looking like a bona fide ace, going 2-0 with a 0.67 ERA in his last four starts. He could again take the ball in the Wild Card Game after picking up the win a year ago. Charlie Morton is also back after missing a month with a sports hernia, and he will replace Vance Worley in the rotation, according to Tom Singer of MLB.com.
The team will look to pad its 1.5-game lead in the wild-card standings this week with series against the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers at home.
Silver Slugger of the Week
C Russell Martin (9-for-23, 3 2B, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Francisco Liriano (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K)
8. Oakland Athletics (83-66, Previous: 10)
23 of 30
Last Week: 3-4
It's fair to say that the Oakland Athletics' weekend series against the Seattle Mariners was as close to must-win as it gets in mid-September. The team had just dropped three of four against the Chicago White Sox and was in danger of surrendering the top wild-card spot. The A's managed to take two of three from the M's, though, and will now look to finish strong.
The starting pitching looked sharp once again last week, and the team also welcomed back All-Star closer Sean Doolittle, so there is reason to think it could finally be turning things around. The offense is still something of a question mark, but the pitching is capable of carrying the A's when it performs up to its potential.
The A's have a nice draw this coming week, with series against the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies at home. The team is 45-27 on the year at home, compared to 38-39 on the road, so securing that No. 1 wild-card spot is important.
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Josh Donaldson (8-for-31, 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jon Lester (2 GS, 2 W, 14 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, 6 BB, 15 K)
7. St. Louis Cardinals (83-67, Previous: 5)
24 of 30
Last Week: 4-3
The St. Louis Cardinals dropped three of four to the Cincinnati Reds to start last week, but they bounced back to sweep the Colorado Rockies over the weekend. They enter the week with a 3.5-game lead in the NL Central.
With Michael Wacha still trying to shake off the rust and John Lackey reportedly dealing with "dead arm," the team currently has Marco Gonzales slotted in the rotation. He allowed just four hits and one run while striking out 10 in 6.2 innings his last time out and could pitch his way into a postseason roster spot if he keeps it up.
After a three-game series with the Brewers to start this coming week, the Cardinals close out the season with nine games against non-contenders, so the NL Central title appears to be theirs to lose with two weeks to go.
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Matt Holliday (10-for-25, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Adam Wainwright (1 GS, W, 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K)
6. San Francisco Giants (82-67, Previous: 7)
25 of 30
Last Week: 4-2
Despite dropping two of three to the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, leaving them three games back in the division race, the San Francisco Giants still look like a lock to make the playoffs at this point. They have a three-game lead over the Pirates for the No. 1 wild-card spot and 4.5 games of wiggle room altogether for a postseason berth.
The duo of Madison Bumgarner (5 GS, 5-0, 1.80 ERA) and Jake Peavy (5 GS, 4-1, 1.08 ERA) has been lights-out over the past month. Over that same span, Buster Posey (.422 BA, 1.166 OPS, 7 HR, 26 RBI) has been the hottest hitter in all of baseball.
The Giants face the Diamondbacks and Padres on the road this coming week as they look to make up some ground before taking on the Dodgers for three games at the beginning of next week.
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Angel Pagan (8-for-22, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Madison Bumgarner (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K)
5. Detroit Tigers (83-66, Previous: 8)
26 of 30
Last Week: 5-1
The Detroit Tigers took care of business with a series win against a Kansas City Royals team they're battling for first place last week. They followed that up by sweeping the Cleveland Indians, and the final result is a 1.5-game lead in the AL Central standings.
The trio of David Price, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello all looked good last week, and they could be joined by Anibal Sanchez before the year is over. He is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time Monday, according to James Schmehl of MLive.com.
One final series with the Royals in Kansas City this coming weekend is the Tigers' only remaining series against a contender as they look to lock down their fourth straight division title. From there, this still looks like a team that is built for the postseason, and it could be a tough matchup for the Baltimore Orioles.
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF J.D. Martinez (6-for-21, 1 3B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP David Price (1 GS, W, 7.2 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K)
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (85-64, Previous: 4)
27 of 30
Last Week: 4-2
The Los Angeles Dodgers staked their claim to NL West supremacy with a series win over the San Francisco Giants this past weekend, and they enter the week with a three-game lead over them in the division.
With Giancarlo Stanton hurt, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has a very good chance of winning the NL RBI title; his contributions have been huge here in the second half with Yasiel Puig slumping badly. He currently trails Stanton by just two (105 to 103), with the next-closest total being 96 from Justin Upton.
The injury also makes Clayton Kershaw the front-runner for NL MVP with two weeks to go, as he's turning in a season for the ages on the mound.
He's currently 19-3 with a 1.70 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 185.1 innings of work, and if those numbers aren't impressive enough, he's 16-1 with a 1.26 ERA since the beginning of June. He's simply been the definition of dominant every time he takes the ball.
Silver Slugger of the Week
LF Carl Crawford (12-for-20, 5 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Clayton Kershaw (2 GS, 2 W, 16 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 17 K)
3. Washington Nationals (85-63, Previous: 3)
28 of 30
Last Week: 5-2
Props to the Dodgers for a big series win against the Giants, but the Washington Nationals still look like the best team in the NL with two weeks to play. With series wins against the Braves and Mets last week, they now hold a 10.5-game lead in the NL East.
For all the attention that Clayton Kershaw/Zack Greinke get as a dominant duo, the Nationals have an awfully good one as well this year in Doug Fister (14-6, 2.55 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (12-5, 2.83 ERA). Throw in Tanner Roark (13-10, 2.96 ERA) and Stephen Strasburg (11-11, 3.46 ERA), and you can make a case that the Nats have the best staff top to bottom in baseball.
The magic number to clinch the NL East currently sits at four games, and they will have a chance to cut into that with a three-game series against the second-place Braves to begin this coming week.
Silver Slugger of the Week
3B Anthony Rendon (12-for-24, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Doug Fister (2 GS, 2 W, 13 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K)
2. Baltimore Orioles (89-60, Previous: 2)
29 of 30
Last Week: 6-1
The Baltimore Orioles have been atop the AL East standings since July 5, but they have really been rolling of late, going 29-13 since the beginning of August. That includes a sweep of the Boston Red Sox and taking three of four from the New York Yankees this past week to build their division lead to 11.5 games.
With Matt Wieters and Manny Machado already lost for the year to injury, the team suffered another blow last week when Chris Davis was suspended for 25 games for a positive amphetamine test. The slugger was hitting just .196 on the season, but he did have 26 home runs, and he had also been the primary third baseman since Machado went down.
"I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans," Davis said in a statement (via ESPN). "I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption this year. I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately."
Kelly Johnson, Jimmy Paredes and Ryan Flaherty could all see time at third base down the stretch and on into the playoffs. The team's magic number to clinch the division is at three games entering the week.
Silver Slugger of the Week
OF Alejandro De Aza (10-for-29, 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Bud Norris (1 GS, W, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K)
1. Los Angeles Angels (93-56, Previous: 1)
30 of 30
Last Week: 6-1
Is there really any question who the best team in baseball is right now?
The Los Angeles Angels are now 25-7 in their last 32 games, opening up a 10-game lead in the AL West and putting themselves in a great position to earn home-field advantage with the best record in baseball.
The rotation has stepped up big after ace Garrett Richards went down, the bullpen has turned into a legitimate strength since the Angels acquired Huston Street and the offense is the best in baseball at 4.89 runs per game.
The Angels take on the Mariners and Rangers at home this coming week, with their magic number to clinch the division currently at four games.
Silver Slugger of the Week
CF Mike Trout (10-for-25, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 10 R)
Top Pitcher of the Week
SP Jered Weaver (2 GS, 2 W, 13 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 14 K)
Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and cover games from Monday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 14. All injury information comes via MLB Depth Charts team pages, per Baseball Prospectus.
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