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MLB Power Rankings: Astros launch to top spot

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 16, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) drives in a run on a ground out during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) drives in a run on a ground out during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
8

Boston Red Sox 21-18

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 9

If Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel could pitch every game, the Red Sox might be undefeated on the year. Sale has struck out 10 or more in seven straight starts, and is well ahead of pace for a 300-strikeout season. He has been more than up for the task of leading a rotation for a contender for the first time in his career.

Kimbrel is having the best season of his already-stellar career. The closer has struck out 17.3 per nine with only two walks. Kimbrel has not allowed a run since April 20. Mookie Betts is beginning to find his power stroke. David Price returns soon. Eduardo Rodriguez continues to hold down the number-two spot behind Sale. The Red Sox may be preparing to go on a big run.

7

Los Angeles Dodgers 23-18

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 6

While the starting rotation takes hit after hit behind Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers were in big need of someone to step up and take on more responsibility. Enter Alex Wood. The left-hander with a big curveball and deceptive changeup is now 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.

Wood struck out 21 in two starts last week. Whatever he’s learned from Clayton Kershaw — stick with it. The left-hander has always pitched well in the big leagues, and has a career 3.28 ERA in over 500 innings, so perhaps his run shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise.

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