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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; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits an RBI double in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits an RBI double in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles 23-15

Last week: 1-4
Last rank: 3

As the Orioles bullpen continues to slowly come undone at the seams, it may be time to think about retroactively giving Zach Britton the 2016 AL MVP award. It’s been ugly for the Orioles over the past week after the news came down that Britton would be out 30-45 days with a forearm injury. Entering play on Tuesday night, the Orioles had lost four games in a row, with a member of the bullpen taking each loss.

The ugliness reached a new low in Detroit on Tuesday as the bullpen blew a 7-4 lead and then nearly became the first team in over five years to blow a three-run lead in extra innings. Luckily, Chris Davis bailed the bullpen out with two home runs in extras and a demoralizing loss was avoided. The Orioles simply have to get more out of their starting pitching because the relievers are severely overworked and pitching in unfamiliar roles until Britton returns. Oh yeah — it might be a great idea to ditch the third catcher and roll with a seven-man bullpen. Just a thought.

5

St. Louis Cardinals 21-17

Last week: 2-3
Last rank: 8

The red-hot Cardinals continue their climb up the MLB Power Rankings, and are into the top-five for the first time this season. They have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the past month. The bullpen has righted the ship, while the starting rotation continues to be among the best in the league.

No one has benefited more from a change of scenery than Jedd Gyorko. He was originally acquired to play in platoon situations only, but has grabbed the full-time job at third base for the Cardinals. Gyorko is batting .330/.385/.607 on the year. He always showed great power potential with the Padres, but has taken his game to another level in St. Louis.

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