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MLB Standings: Giants, Blue Jays struggle; Twins and Diamondbacks surge

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Eddie Rosario (20) steals second in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Eddie Rosario (20) steals second in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

American League Central

1. Minnesota Twins (5-1, .833, – GB)

Last Week: 3-0 vs. Royals, 2-1 at White Sox

  • Home Record: 3-0
  • Road Record: 2-1
  • Runs Scored: 30
  • Runs Allowed: 13
  • Run Differential: +17
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 5-1

2. Detroit Tigers (3-2, .600, 1.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-1 at White Sox, 2-1 vs. Red Sox

  • Home Record: 2-1
  • Road Record: 1-1
  • Runs Scored: 23
  • Runs Allowed: 27
  • Run Differential: -4
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 3-2

3. Cleveland Indians (3-3, .500, 2 GB)

Last Week: 3-0 at Rangers, 0-3 at Diamondbacks

  • Home Record: 0-0
  • Road Record: 3-3
  • Runs Scored: 28
  • Runs Allowed: 35
  • Run Differential: -7
  • Streak: Lost 3
  • Last 10: 3-3

4. Chicago White Sox (2-3, .400, 2.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-1 vs. Tigers, 1-2 vs. Twins

  • Home Record: 2-3
  • Road Record: 0-0
  • Runs Scored: 22
  • Runs Allowed: 17
  • Run Differential: +5
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 2-3

5. Kansas City Royals (2-4, .333, 3 GB)

Last Week: 0-3 at Twins, 2-1 at Astros

  • Home Record: 0-0
  • Road Record: 2-4
  • Runs Scored: 21
  • Runs Allowed: 30
  • Run Differential: -9
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 2-4

Break up the Twins! The owners of the worst record in baseball last season, Minnesota is off to a red-hot start in 2017. The Twins swept Kansas City at home before taking two of three in Chicago against the White Sox to end the week atop the AL Central standings.

Pitching has been a key to the short-term turnaround. Through the first five games of the season, the Twins posted an MLB best 2.25 team ERA, and allowed a league low 13 runs in the first week.

The Tigers and White Sox were forced to wait an extra day to begin the season because of an Opening Day rainout, and the four-game series between the teams was reduced to two following a second postponement.

Detroit split the two games in Chicago, then picked up two wins in three games at home against the short-handed Red Sox. The Tigers were very close to a sweep over Boston, but surrendered four runs in the eighth inning Sunday to let the Red Sox off the hook. Nevertheless, a series victory over the defending AL East champs was a good way to end a short week.

It was a huge week for star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but it was a rocky road for the defending AL pennant winners from Cleveland. Lindor launched three home runs this week, including a ninth-inning grand slam in a 9-6 victory over the Rangers, which has tied him for the major league lead.

The victory in Texas capped a sweep of the Rangers. However, Cleveland’s fortunes reversed and the Indians were swept in three games against the Diamondbacks in Arizona to close the week.

But, there is good news. Jason Kipnis, Lindor’s double play partner, missed the first week but is set to rejoin the club soon following a rehab assignment that began Sunday.

The White Sox split the first two games of the season against the Tigers, and though Chicago dropped two games to the Twins over the weekend, the team was the first to beat Minnesota this season. Three homers by Geovany Soto and a .474/.524/.737 triple slash from Avisail Garcia were the brightest spots from over the first five games for the rebuilding South Siders.

It’s hard to imagine a worse season opening series for the Royals. Entering the 2017 campaign with a roster heavy with soon-to-be free agents, Kansas City was swept by the Twins in three games and were outscored 21-5 in the process. However, the Royals bounced back by taking two out of three from AL West favorite Houston, and picked up some much needed momentum.

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