MLB Power Rankings: Tigers cling to top spot as Dodgers make their move

4. Maybe cutting off Samson’s locks didn’t pay off for Andrew McCutchen, as he’s scuffled to a .222/.345/.400 start. However, McCutchen and the rest of the Pirates have been victimized by a dreadful .259 BABIP, which ranks 26th in baseball. Eventually, those hits will start falling. How much longer before Jared Hughes unseats Mark Melancon as the team’s closer?. . Previous: -4th. Pittsburgh Pirates. 11. team

12. team. 9. The arrival of Kris Bryant is now behind us, and after an auspicious 3-k performance in his debut, the slugger has gone 8 for 14 with 6 RBI and a 5/1 BB-to-K ratio since. The addition of Addison Russell will address their black hole at second base . That puts the Cubs into a good position to make a run in the division, especially if the pitching keeps performing as well as it has.. . Previous: +1st. Chicago Cubs

Previous: -4th. Seattle Mariners. 13. team. 62. Somehow, the Mariners have turned Nelson Cruz’s huge run (.429/.478/1.024, 8 HR, 16 RBI) into a 4-6 record over the last 10 games. That’s because outside of Felix Hernandez and J.A. Happ, the rest of the Seattle rotation has been dreadful. With Taijuan Walker looking completely overmatched, it may be time to demote the prospect and try something else there. .

The Angels received an encouraging return to the mound from Garrett Richards and they have to be enamored with the change in Hector Santiago thus far. However, Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker have been incredibly hittable and both have allowed 4 home runs apiece. If they could just get the game to the bullpen and get Albert Pujols in the mix, L.A. could be primed to make run.. . Previous: -2th. Los Angeles Angels. 14. team. 102

New York Yankees. 15. team. 43. Both Masahiro Tanaka and C.C. Sabathia threw much better in their last starts, and the Bombers have received a pleasant surprise from Alex Rodriguez. However, a good half of their line-up is scuffling at the Mendoza line or below, and until those bats can get loose, New York figures to hold down the middle ground.. . Previous: +8th