MLB Power Rankings: A.L. East is reasserting itself

127. Is it too early to start wondering if the Padres made a big mistake with the James Shields deal? At 33-years-old, it was a risk to give him a 4-year, $75 million deal to being with, but with the early results this season (4.14 ERA, 16 HR allowed), it may become a heavy weight on a team that will need to replace Justin Upton this winter.  . . Previous: -2th. San Diego Padres. 20. team

8. The Diamondbacks have a nice young core, especially in their line-up and they are arguably exceeding expectations this season. With the rotation needing some help, that may come on Saturday when Patrick Corbin makes his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery.. . Previous: +1st. Arizona Diamondbacks. 19. team

. Previous: +1st. Atlanta Braves. 18. team. 17. Julio Teheran came into the season as the staff ace, but has quickly fallen off the radar and left Atlanta looking for answers. The 24-year-old is sitting with a 4.94 ERA, a 4.68 FIP, and is sitting at a sizable 1.405. While he is still the future of the rotation in Atlanta, a quick confidence booster in the minors may not hurt him long term.

126. The Rangers have fallen on some hard times, dropping 8-of-12. The problem has been entirely with the pitching staff, which has allowed 50 runs in the last 10 games and that includes a shut-out. This team cannot continue to trot out the rotation that they have if they want to continue to contend. Yes, I’m talking about you Wandy Rodriguez.. . Previous: -1th. Texas Rangers. 17. team

Detroit Tigers. 16. team. 63. The Tigers don’t need to look very far to figure out why they’ve stagnated in June. Detroit had the fifth highest ERA in baseball last month and gave up the fourth most home runs in the month. There is still time to right the ship, but the team badly needs to find a capable starter for the back end of the rotation. . . Previous: -1th