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MLB Power Rankings: Contenders begin to separate

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Jason Heyward (22) drives in a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Jason Heyward (22) drives in a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs 12-9

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 2

With Kyle Schwarber continuing to slump leading off, the Cubs may want to consider moving up the red-hot Jason Heyward. Schwarber is batting just .230/.367/.405 out of the first spot in the batting order. The on-base skills have played well, but Schwarber is up there for his power. Joe Maddon could do worse than give him a few days lower in the order to lock his swing in.

Heyward’s own swing changes have paid off big so far in 2017. He is hitting .282/.329/.437 with three home runs and 16 RBI and only 11 strikeouts. Heyward has not had an explosive game with three or four hits, but has been steadily getting his hits and producing runs.This is the player the Cubs thought they were getting for $180 million.

Apr 20, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles 14-6

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 5

The Orioles have nearly reached the end of April without losing a single series. If they can take two of three from the Yankees to close out the month, they will have gone the entire first month of the year without losing a series. The O’s have started the year 12-5 against their AL East playmates.

Baltimore’s offense has been tough to watch at times on the young season. Mark Trumbo has been mired in a long slump, and has only one home run. The starting pitching has been able to pick up the slack for the sluggers. Wade Miley has been surprisingly good, and has a 2.08 ERA through four starts with 32 strikeouts in 26.0 innings. He battled his command in the rain last time out, but still got through seven innings, allowing only two earned runs.

Jonathan Schoop has been the team’s hottest hitter over the past week. He has three home runs and five RBI over his past seven games. Manny Machado has also finally gotten to see some of his lasers find the grass.

If the pitching is able to continue at this level when the offense does heat up, the rest of the American League is in for a long season.

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