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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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April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels (5-2, .714, – GB)

Last Week: 2-2 at Athletics, 3-0 vs. Mariners

  • Home Record: 3-0
  • Road Record: 2-2
  • Runs Scored: 35
  • Runs Allowed: 29
  • Run Differential: +6
  • Streak: Won 3
  • Last 10: 5-2

2. Houston Astros (4-3, .571, 1 GB)

Last Week: 3-1 vs. Mariners, 1-2 vs. Royals

  • Home Record: 4-3
  • Road Record: 0-0
  • Runs Scored: 21
  • Runs Allowed: 24
  • Run Differential: -3
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 4-3

3. Oakland Athletics (3-4, .429, 2 GB)

Last Week: 2-2 vs. Angels, 1-3 vs. Rangers

  • Home Record: 2-2
  • Road Record: 1-2
  • Runs Scored: 2-2
  • Runs Allowed: 27
  • Run Differential: 34
  • Streak: -7
  • Last 10: 3-4

4. Texas Rangers (2-4, .333, 2.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-3 vs. Indians, 2-1 vs. Athletics

  • Home Record: 2-4
  • Road Record: 0-0
  • Runs Scored: 33
  • Runs Allowed: 33
  • Run Differential: 0
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 2-4

5. Seattle Mariners (1-6, .143, 4 GB)

Last Week: 1-3 at Astros, 0-3 at Angels

  • Home Record: 0-0
  • Road Record: 1-6
  • Runs Scored: 22
  • Runs Allowed: 32
  • Run Differential: -10
  • Streak: Lost 3
  • Last 10: 1-6

The Angels split the first games of the year against Oakland, but improved to 5-2 – the team’s best start since 2007 – following a weekend sweep over the Mariners filled with memorable moments.

Andrelton Simmons made one of the top defensive plays of the young season with an incredible tag at third base Saturday night. Then, in what will likely be remembered as one of the most incredible games of the 2017 season, the Angels rallied for seven runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday to walk off with a 10-9 victory.

The AL West favorite Astros made a strong statement with a season opening series win over the Mariners. Houston rode strong pitching to a 3-0 start, but lost the final game of the four-game set 4-2. Still, earning a 3-1 record against a division rival and allowing just eight runs in four games was impressive.

Things took a turn for the Astros, who lost the first two games of the three-game series against the Royals, and surrendered 12 runs in the process. However, a ninth inning home run and a 12th inning bases loaded walk in the series finale helped Houston salvage the weekend, and a winning record through the first week of the campaign.

Oakland starter Kendall Graveman is off to a great start in 2017 – and is the No. 1 reason the A’s are in striking distance of first place through the first week of the season. Graven is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA thus far. The righty has allowed three earned runs on eight hits and three walks through 13 innings across two starts.

After holding the Angels to two runs in a 4-2 win on Opening Day, Graveman held the Rangers hitless through the first 6.2 innings Saturday, and surrendered just two hits and one run in seven innings in a 6-1 victory.

It’s early, obviously, and the first week of the season isn’t likely to make or break a team. However, the Rangers started 0-3 for the first time in more than a decade, and have never made the playoffs after losing their first three games of the season.

The bullpen – a big part of last season’s stellar 36-11 record in one-run games – has been an issue. Closer Sam Dyson allowed eight earned runs in his first three appearances.

Fortunately, the Rangers rebounded with two wins in three games against Oakland to get back on track. Joey Gallo, who drove in a career-high five runs, was the star of Sunday’s 8-1 win over Oakland.

Seattle struggled through a four-game opening series in Houston. The Mariners were shut out 3-0 on Opening Day, then lost 2-1 and 5-3 before finally picking up a 4-2 win in the fourth game of the four-game set. The offense continued to struggle in Los Angeles, as the M’s scored just five runs in the first two games before breaking through with a season-high nine Sunday before the bullpen imploded in a 10-9 loss.

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