Latest news with #MLBPowerRankings
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers Positioned to Trade for Sandy Alcantara After Roki Sasaki Setback?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Los Angeles Dodgers made several high-profile acquisitions to ensure they wouldn't find themselves in the same boat as last year. The team added Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and other arms this past winter to avoid limping into the trade deadline without a healthy pitching staff. Instead, it has seen more than a dozen arms hit the injured list in the first half. And it now seems like the Dodgers can no longer count on Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki being a meaningful contributor to the rotation this year after his latest setback. After struggling with his command in his first few starts for the Dodgers, Sasaki was moved to the injured list with a right shoulder issue. The Dodgers then moved him to the 60-day injured list and announced that they "have no timeline" for his return to throwing, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 11: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins in the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/) PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 11: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins in the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/) Vinlove/Getty Since then, they've been encouraged by some progress he has made, but still haven't announced a potential return date. Without a clear return for Sasaki to the rotation, it seems likely that the team is considering a trade to acquire another starter before it's too late. Sports Illustrated's Nick Selbe has predicted that will mean trading for Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins. "The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner has been on a winding path to rediscover his form after making his return from Tommy John surgery," Selbe wrote. "Since the start of June, the results have been much better: a 2.74 ERA and 3.20 FIP in four outings, with a meager 5.3% walk rate. If he can keep that up, interest should be high in the 29-year-old, who has a club option to keep him under contract through 2027." With the Miami Marlins serving as one of the few sure-fire sellers at the upcoming deadline, Alcantara has been seen as a likely trade target all season. He struggled to recapture his previous effectiveness in his first few starts, but now that he's looking more like his old self, the Dodgers could be interested in acquiring him. More MLB: MLB Power Rankings: New Team Rises To Top, Red Sox Dive-Bomb Amid Struggles
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
MLB Power Rankings: New Team Rises To Top, Red Sox Dive-Bomb Amid Struggles
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new but familiar team is back atop the 13th edition of Newsweek Sports' MLB Power Rankings. The Los Angeles Dodgers have overtaken the Detroit Tigers for the No. 1 spot, ending their long run atop the rankings. The Dodgers have won five straight series and tied the Tigers for the best record in all of MLB at 51-31. More news: Veteran Utility Man Elects to Leave Yankees, Sign With Mets Elsewhere around the league, the Los Angeles Angels clawed back to .500 after an impressive series sweep of the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox continue to go in the wrong direction since the Rafael Devers trade, and could end up being forced to sell at the deadline if they continue to falter. Over in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have continued their surprise season, and are yet again a threat in the suddenly crowded NL Central. The Chicago Cubs, Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are all at least three games over .500. DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 26: Teoscar Hernandez #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers showers Shohei Ohtani #17 with seeds as he enters the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies in... DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 26: Teoscar Hernandez #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers showers Shohei Ohtani #17 with seeds as he enters the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning at Coors Field on June 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. MoreMLB Power Rankings 1. Los Angeles Dodgers (51-31) 2. Detroit Tigers (51-31) 3. Chicago Cubs (48-33) 4. New York Mets (48-34) 5. New York Yankees (46-34) 6. Houston Astros (48-33) 7. Philadelphia Phillies (47-34) 8. Tampa Bay Rays (46-35) 9. Milwaukee Brewers (45-36) 10. San Francisco Giants (44-37) 11. San Diego Padres (44-36) 12. St. Louis Cardinals (44-38) 13. Toronto Blue Jays (43-37) 14. Cincinnati Reds (42-39) 15. Seattle Mariners (41-39) 16. Arizona Diamondbacks (41-39) 17. Cleveland Guardians (40-39) 18. Texas Rangers (40-41) 19. Los Angeles Angels (40-40) 20. Boston Red Sox (40-42) 21. Minnesota Twins (39-42) 22. Atlanta Braves (37-43) 23. Kansas City Royals (38-43) 24. Baltimore Orioles (34-46) 25. Washington Nationals (33-48) 26. Miami Marlins (34-45) 27. Pittsburgh Pirates (32-50) 28. Athletics (33-50) 29. Chicago White Sox (26-55) 30. Colorado Rockies (18-63) Biggest Risers Los Angeles Angels (+4) The Angels just don't go away, coming off a sweep of the Red Sox while also taking three of four games from the Yankees in New York. With an upcoming series against the lowly Nationals, the Angels have a real shot of heading into July with a winning record. Biggest Fallers Boston Red Sox (-5) The Red Sox have struggled offensively ever since trading superstar designated hitter Rafael Devers (shocker). After winning three of the first four games following the trade, they've lost five in a row and are closer to the last place Orioles than the first place Yankees in the AL East. Minnesota Twins (-5) Not long ago the Twins were seven games above .500 at 34-27, looking like a surefure Wild Card team. Now, they're three games under .500 and a whopping 11.5 games back of the first place Tigers in the AL Central. There's five teams ahead of them — the Mariners (who own the third Wild Card spot), Guardians, Angels, Rangers and Red Sox — for the third and final Wild Card spot.
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
MLB Power Rankings: Phillies take charge in NL East, Junior Caminero leads Rays' rise
Featured in this week's MLB Power Rankings, things get heated between the Dodgers and the Padres, the Phillies take advantage of the Mets' slide, Rafael Devers faces his old team, Cal Raleigh mashes his way into history, 2024 draft picks are making an impact, and a likely trade candidate is getting hot at the right time. (Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook) Let's get started! Eric Samulski, Note: Rankings are from the afternoon of Monday, June 23. Last week: 1 It's not exactly shocking that Aaron Judge is blowing away the field in All-Star balloting, but Riley Greene and Javier Báez are second and third respectively among outfielders in the latest update from MLB. Greene had a three-hit day and a pair of excellent plays in left field on Sunday as the Tigers salvaged the series finale from the Rays. All-Star ballot update! Phase 1 ends THURSDAY! Vote 5x daily at Last week: 4 We saw something close to Maximum Ohtani on Sunday, as the defending NL MVP threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Nationals while also hitting a two-run homer and a bases-clearing triple. It's easy to get used to this sort of thing from Ohtani, but we are truly witnessing history on a weekly basis with this guy. Last week: 6 Things can change in a hurry in this sport. The Phillies endured a 2-10 stretch earlier this month, but they've responded by winning nine out of their last 11 (including two out of three against the Mets over the weekend) to vault to the top of the National League East. The best sign from the weekend was Jesús Luzardo looking more like the early-season version of himself on Sunday. Last week: 3 The past and the present all in one photo. Sammy Sosa was back at Wrigley Field for the first time in 21 years last week while Pete Crow-Armstrong became the fastest player in team history to reach the 20-20 mark. the aura is unmatched. Last week: 5 Clarke Schmidt fired seven no-hit innings against the Orioles on Saturday and now owns a scoreless streak of 25 1/3 innings. Pitching for one of the most high-profile teams in the sport, his success has largely gone under the radar. Among pitchers with a minimum of 150 IP, only Max Fried, Hunter Greene, Zack Wheeler, Chris Sale, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes have bested Schmidt's 2.85 ERA dating back to the start of last season. Last week: 2 The Mets' starting pitching has been a strength all season, but regression is hitting them at the worst time. The club has lost eight of their last nine games (including a 1-5 record against the Braves and Phillies) with their starters posting a 6.37 ERA in that stretch. Frankie Montas is due to make his Mets debut Tuesday against the Braves at Citi Field, but it's a bit of a gamble as he's put up a scary 12.05 ERA and 2.14 WHIP over six rehab appearances. Last week: 8 The Astros are beginning to pull away in the AL West with a 14-6 record (.700) this month. The offense has picked things up in a big way in recent weeks, even with the timeline for Yordan Alvarez's return in question. We also witnessed one of the season's best catches last week, with Luis Guillorme making an acrobatic diving play. Luis Guillorme is having an insane night defensively Last week: 7 Rafael Devers going deep against the Red Sox over the weekend for his first home run as a Giant was perhaps the most predictable outcome possible. Rafael Devers hits his first @SFGiants home run! Last week: 10 The Rays are 21-9 over their last 30 games, soaring into contention in the American League. On a related note, their young third baseman Junior Caminero has ripped off a .321/.388/.716 batting line with 11 homers and 30 RBI over the past 30 days. Last week: 9 Fernando Tatís Jr. and Shohei Ohtani getting hit, among others. Robert Suarez getting suspended. Dave Roberts and Mike Shildt going face-to-face. We absolutely need to see the Padres and Dodgers square off in the playoffs again. Dave Roberts went straight at Mike Shildt. 😳 Last week: 12 Christian Yelich plated a career-high eight RBI on Friday against the Twins and is hitting .394/.450/.667 with seven home runs and 28 RBI over last 25 games. It's no surprise that the Brewers have been on a roll during this time. Last week: 11 Right in the thick of the Wild Card race, the Blue Jays will welcome Max Scherzer back to the fold on Wednesday against the Guardians. The future Hall of Fame has been sidelined for nearly three months due to right thumb inflammation. It's been a lingering issue, so all parties involved will have to find a way to manage it. Last week: 14 A big week for Nolan Arenado. After slugging his 350th career homer on Thursday, the future Hall of Famer hit a game-tying solo shot in the bottom of the ninth against the Reds on Saturday. The Cardinals would go on to win on an RBI single from Yohel Pozo in the 1tth inning. Arenado is hitting .288 with four homers, 12 RBI, and a .790 OPS this month. Last week: 13 Cal Raleigh mashing a homer feels like a daily ritual at this point. With 31 homers on the year, he's creating a category of his own with his power exploits while also handling the rigors of the catcher position. Truly impressive. Cal Raleigh: - First switch-hitter EVER with 30+ HR before the All-Star break - Fastest to 30 HR in a season (75 games) since Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez in 2001 - Joins Ken Griffey Jr. (3x) as the only Mariners players to hit 30+ HR before the All-Star break Last week: 16 While the Red Sox lost two out of three to the Giants over the weekend — at times in ugly fashion — they are still 12-7 this month. Early-season sensation Kristian Campbell was demoted last week after some prolonged struggles. In addition to getting his bat back on track, he'll reportedly focus on playing first base during his time in Triple-A. Last week: 20 The Braves are playing better baseball of late, with Ronald Acuña Jr. leading the way offensively, but losing Chris Sale with a fractured left rib cage is a tough blow. There's no clear timeline for his return. Last week: 15 With Hunter Greene's return from a groin strain in question and Wade Miley dealing with a flexor strain, the Reds are set to call up Chase Burns to make his major league debut Tuesday against the Yankees. Selected No. 2 overall in last year's draft, the 22-year-old has posted a 1.77 ERA and 89/13 K/BB ratio over 13 starts across three different levels in the minors this season. Last week: 21 In typical Guardians style, they have the best ERA in the majors this month (2.93) while also posting the worst batting average (.215) and the lowest OPS (.614). Sigh. Last week: 19 The Diamondbacks are actually 12-7 this month their high-profile injury woes, but can it possibly continue? Gabriel Moreno is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right index finger and Corbin Carroll is slated for an MRI after missing three straight games with a left hand injury. Last week: 18 2020 14th overall pick Justin Foscue is finally getting another chance in the majors with Jake Burger on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Foscue finished last season with an 0-for-39 stretch for the Rangers, which was a franchise record until Joc Pederson went 0-for-41 earlier this season. The 26-year-old has enjoyed all sorts of success in the minors, Last week: 22 We're beginning to see the power that Jac Caglianone possesses, including a two-homer game last Thursday. Instead of showing his first career home run, let's focus on the silent treatment he received upon returning to the dugout. Jac Caglianone first career big league homer and an extended 'silent treatment' from his teammates to celebrate. Wait for the end! Last week: 17 The arrow continues to point down for the Twins, even as Byron Buxton plays like an All-Star. Including a pair of two-homer games over the past week, Buxton is slashing .339/.452/.763 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) this month. Last week: 23 Sending best wishes to Angels manager Ron Washington, who will be away from the team indefinitely due to a health concern. Last week: 24 The wait continues for 20-year-old top prospect Samuel Basallo. Adley Rutschman is expected to be sidelined until the All-Star break with an oblique injury and Maverick Handley landed on the 7-day concussion injured list following a collision with Jazz Chisholm on Sunday, but Chadwick Tromp was the catcher who got the call from Triple-A on Monday. Last week: 25 This has been a tough stretch for the Nationals, but the ascension of James Wood continues. He launched this 451-foot blast on Saturday against the Dodgers and now has 21 home runs on the season. If Wood isn't invited to the Home Run Derby next month, then what are we even doing? James Wood leaves us speechless 😮 This majestic shot just went 451 feet 💥 Last week: 27 Nick Kurtz hit not one, but two walk-off home runs for the A's last week. Strikeouts continue to be an issue for him, but he's put up five homers and a .905 OPS in 12 games since returning from the injured list earlier this month. NICK KURTZ. CLUTCH. That's his second #walkoff homer this WEEK! Last week: 26 Sandy Alcantara is beginning to round into form. After a shaky first two months in his return from Tommy John surgery, the 2022 Cy Young Award winner has a 2.74 ERA and 19/5 K/BB ratio in 23 innings across four starts this month. Assuming he can keep it going, he'll almost certainly be one of the most-coveted pitchers leading into the trade deadline next month. Last week: 28 I don't mean to be negative here, but between Dennis Santana taking a swing at a fan and Oneil Cruz showing an embarrassing lack of effort after an error in center field, the Pirates just make it so easy sometimes. Oneil Cruz froze after this error 😅 Last week: 29 The White Sox aren't offering much in the way of save chances, but we're getting a glimpse of the future with Grant Taylor right now. The 23-year-old converted his first career save Sunday against the Blue Jays while topping out at 102.2 mph with his fastball. Grant Taylor, 102.2 MPH Fastball and 97mph Cutter. 🔥 Last week: 30 The Rockies have nine wins this month, equaling their total from the previous 58 games.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers Rise, Yankees Plummet, More
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The past week of the 2025 Major League Baseball season could end up going down as the most exciting one when it's all said and done. Out of nowhere on Sunday, Boston Red Sox All-Star designated hitter Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants in one of the most surprising trades in recent memory. Days later, Devers was at his introductory press conference in San Francisco saying he was open to playing wherever the Giants needed him — a complete 180 from his comments in Boston the last few months. Read more: Rafael Devers Makes Surprising Announcement Regarding Position With Giants Following Red Sox Trade That blockbuster deal officially kicked off trade season, which could feature plenty of surprises as a majority of teams still remain in the hunt with six weeks until the deadline. Elsewhere around the league, the Dodgers asserted their dominance over their National League West counterparts, while the New York Yankees endured a brutal slump that included a 30-inning scoreless streak. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 12: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on June 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.... KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 12: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on June 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. MoreWith all that being said, here is the 12th edition of Newsweek Sports' MLB Power Rankings, with tons of movement among the top 10 teams — but no change at No. 1. More news: Red Sox Shockingly Demoting Top Prospect Amid Struggles 1. Detroit Tigers (48-28) 2. Chicago Cubs (45-29) 3. Los Angeles Dodgers (46-30) 4. New York Mets (45-30) 5. New York Yankees (43-31) 6. Philadelphia Phillies (45-30) 7. Houston Astros (43-32) 8. San Francisco Giants (42-33) 9. Tampa Bay Rays (41-34) 10. San Diego Padres (40-34) 11. Milwaukee Brewers (40-35) 12. Toronto Blue Jays (40-34) 13. St. Louis Cardinals (40-35) 14. Cincinnati Reds (39-36) 15. Boston Red Sox (39-37) 16. Minnesota Twins (37-37) 17. Cleveland Guardians (37-36) 18. Seattle Mariners (37-36) 19. Arizona Diamondbacks (37-37) 20. Kansas City Royals (37-38) 21. Texas Rangers (36-39) 22. Atlanta Braves (34-39) 23. Los Angeles Angels (36-38) 24. Baltimore Orioles (32-42) 25. Washington Nationals (31-44) 26. Pittsburgh Pirates (30-46) 27. Miami Marlins (29-44) 28. Athletics (31-46) 29. Chicago White Sox (23-52) 30. Colorado Rockies (17-58) Biggest Riser Boston Red Sox (+5) The Red Sox were coming off five straight wins and a series sweep of the Yankees when they shocked the league and moved off of Devers and the remainder of his 10-year contract. Since, they took a series against the Mariners in which they scored a total of five runs. For now, they move up the rankings from their dominant stretch of play. But the offense is a big concern at this point in the year without Devers. Biggest Faller Minnesota Twins (-4) The Twins lost six in a row before stopping the bleeding with a win over the Reds to avoid a sweep. In the tight AL Central — three teams are within one game of .500 — they can't afford many stretches like that as the year goes on.
NBC Sports
16-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
MLB Power Rankings: Rays and Astros rising, Giants in strong position after Rafael Devers trade
Featured in this week's MLB Power Rankings, the tremors of a shocking blockbuster trade, a Contreras brothers showdown, familiar faces return for the Yankees and Mariners, another rapid ascension for an Angels prospect, and the best catch of the young season. (Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook) Let's get started! Matthew Pouliot, Note: Rankings are from the afternoon of Monday, June 16. Last week: 1 Riley Greene homered and knocked in four runs in Friday's win over the Reds and now boasts 49 RBI for the season. He's currently on pace to be the first Tigers player to drive in 100 runs since Nick Castellanos in 2017. That's a long time! Last week: 2 Swept by the Rays over the weekend and missing Kodai Senga with a hamstring strain. This week, the Mets will begin an important 10-game stretch where they'll play the Braves seven times and the second-place Phillies three times. Last week: 3 The Cubs' bullpen has a 0.93 ERA over the last 30 days. Ryan Pressly has turned his season around in this timespan with a spotless ERA to go along with a 11/2 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings. Daniel Palencia has emerged as a late-inning arm and Porter Hodge is making his way back from injury, so the Cubs' bullpen is likely to remain a strength. Last week: 5 The Dodgers won two out of three against the Giants over the weekend, including a throwback performance from Clayton Kershaw. Now they'll get Shohei Ohtani back on the mound to begin the week. It remains to be seen how far they'll push him initially, but it's a big boost for a depleted rotation. Last week: 4 What will the Yankees get out of Giancarlo Stanton? The 35-year-old has been out season due to epicondylitis in both of his elbows, but he checked out fine during a brief minor league rehab assignment while going 3-for-11 (.273) with one double, four RBI, and one walk over three games in Double-A. His return means that the Yankees will have to get creative about giving Ben Rice at-bats. Last week: 8 Winners of four straight, the Phillies are set to take on the Marlins in Miami for four games before a huge weekend series against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Jesus Luzardo is set to pitch twice this week after an encouraging return to form last week against the Cubs last Wednesday. Last week: 7 I'll be honest: Until now, I've been a bit skeptical about the Giants' staying power in our Top-10, but their stunner of a trade for slugger Rafael Devers changes all of that. It's a franchise-altering move, and one which makes the Giants a team built to last in the National League playoff race. Well done, Buster Posey. Welcome to The Bay, Raffy! 🌁 Last week: 9 The Astros are still rising and falling with Jose Altuve. The 35-year-old is hitting .297 with six homers and an .827 OPS over his last 35 games. The Astros have gone 23-12 in that time to surge into first place in the AL West. Last week: 6 Jackson Merrill has already missed time this season due to a right hamstring strain, but now he's facing another absence due to a concussion from a tag from Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte on Saturday night. Last week: 11 A steady riser in our ranks, the Rays have 18 out of their last 24 games, including a sweep against the Mets at Citi Field this past weekend. Jonathan Aranda might be the best hitter that the public-at-large doesn't know about. He's tied for second in the AL in-base percentage (.411) and fifth among qualified AL hitters with a .902 OPS. Last week: 12 Alejandro Kirk is second in the majors with a .371 batting average dating back to the start of May. Last week: 14 Jacob Misiorowski lived up to the hype in his major league debut last week, tossing five no-hit innings before leaving due to cramping in his right calf and quadriceps. Fortunately for the Brewers, the rookie fireballer checked out fine and should be ready to face the Cubs in his second career start on Wednesday. MUST SEE: Jacob Misiorowski's first three pitches to start his Major League career: 100 MPH 🔥 102 MPH 🔥 101 MPH 🔥 Last week: 16 The Mariners have faded in our rankings, but they swept the Guardians over the weekend and will get their ace Logan Gilbert back on Monday against the Red Sox. Last week: 10 Everything you can do, I can do better. On the eve of Father's Day, Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras and his brother Brewers catcher William Contreras each hit home runs in the same inning. Josh and Bo Naylor did the same thing last April, but the Contreras brothers are the first to do it as opponents since 1933. Great tidbit here by Sarah Langs. Willson and William Contreras are the second pair of brothers to homer in the same inning as opponents since 1900, joining: 7/19/1933 Rick (BOS) & Wes (CLE) Ferrell (Rick's HR was OFF Wes!) h/t @EliasSports Last week: 18 The Reds have won seven out of their last 10 games and Elly De La Cruz begins the week with a four-game home run streak. Last week: 19 Trading a player who is in his prime and ranks among the league leaders in RBI is something we rarely (if ever) see, especially for a team who fancies themselves as a contender, but the Red Sox apparently think that getting Rafael Devers out of their clubhouse (and off their payroll) will pay off in the end. It's a bold take for a lot of reasons, including the fact that the Red Sox are playing their best baseball of late. Byron Buxton launched a 479-foot home run against the Rangers last Wednesday. Only Mike Trout (484 feet on April 19) has hit a longer home run this season. 479 FEET! BYRON BUXTON LAUNCHES ONE WAY OUT! Last week: 20 Pickle Power! Kumar Rocker had his best start in the majors to date on Sunday with five scoreless innings against the White Sox, apparently aided by multiple shots of pickle juice. Shot of pickle juice anyone? 🤨#AllForTX I smell an endorsement in Kumar Rocker's future. And pickles. Last week: 21 We noted last week that the Diamondbacks were probably in trouble after losing Corbin Burnes due to Tommy John surgery. It's still not looking great, but they won five straight before dropping the series finale against the Padres on Sunday. Last week: 24 The Braves somehow lost to the Rockies on Sunday despite Grant Holmes striking out 15 batters, but still there's some momentum with this team over the past week. They have a chance to make a move in the NL East with seven out of their next 10 games coming against the first-place Mets. Last week: 15 With six wins in their last 19 games — and one of the worst offenses in the majors — It's increasingly likely that the Guardians may use this summer as a testing ground for some of their young position players. Last week: 17 Six straight losses and what looks to be a long-term absence for ace left-hander Cole Ragans as he tries to get answers on his shoulder injury. It's not good. Last week: 22 Give the Angels some credit; they are nothing if not consistent. Christian Moore made his way to the majors last Friday after being selected 8th overall in last year's draft. This follows a long line of fast-rising prospects with the Angels in recent years, including fellow infielders Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto. Angels fans hope this trio will be together for a long time. Last week: 25 Dare I say that the Orioles have been playing better recently? Since falling 17 games under .500 on May 28, the Orioles are 11-4. They still have quite a hill to climb, but it's been nice to see Gunnar Henderson start to take off. Last week: 23 Losers of eight straight, the Nationals have called up top prospect third baseman Brady House. The 22-year-old has seen his ups and downs since being selected No. 11 overall in 2021, but he was hitting .304/.353/.519 with 13 homers over 65 games in Triple-A this season. He's set to take over the starting third base gig in Washington. Last week: 28 The Marlins were one of nine teams to sweep a three-game series over the weekend, as they took down the fading Nationals. Dane Myers went 8-for-13 with a homer, three RBI, and two runs scored during the season as his unexpected breakout continues. Last week: 27 I could say something else here, but what's the point? Rookie Denzel Clarke probably made the best catch of the year last week and we should take a moment here to watch it all over again. Join me, friends. DENZEL CLARKE OMG! 🤯 Last week: 26 Andrew McCutchen has officially moved ahead of Roberto Clemente for third on the Pirates' all-time home run leaderboard. No. 241 for No. 22 👏 There's nobody you'd rather have do it. Last week: 29 The White Sox turned the page on Andrew Vaughn last week by trading him to the Brewers for right-hander Aaron Civale. A former top prospect, Vaughn has regressed in recent years and was hitting .189 with a .531 OPS through 48 games this season. While Vaughn's handling was likely botched in the first place, both sides are probably better off apart. Last week: 30 The Rockies are red hot! Or lukewarm, at least. After going 6-33 to begin the year, they've won five out of their last 12 games. As Bill Murray's character in 'What About Bob?' said, baby steps.
