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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; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) receives congratulations from left fielder Justin Upton (8) after he hits a grand slam in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) receives congratulations from left fielder Justin Upton (8) after he hits a grand slam in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
16

Detroit Tigers 19-19

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 13

It seemed as though the Tigers had solved their issues by naming Justin Wilson the closer and relegating Francisco Rodriguez to mop-up duty. It took less than a week for Wilson to blow a save. To add insult to injury, the artist formerly known as K-Rod was forced to pitch in extra innings after his team had clawed back to tie the game. Rodriguez gave up a two-run home run and took his fifth loss of the season.

It may be time to put Rodriguez out to pasture for good. He has allowed five home runs and 21 hits in only 14.1 innings this year. Take him out of the equation and the Detroit bullpen has been quite good so far this year.

J.D. Martinez is back from injury and already ranks third on the Tigers with four home runs. He also has eight RBI and five walks. This is the type of offense the Tigers need to jumpstart their lineup.

15

Cincinnati Reds 19-20

Last week: 1-5
Last rank: 12

Here’s the deal — the Reds are still in contention, but for how long. They have surprised the National League with one of the most dynamic offenses in baseball. Bad luck with runners in scoring position has kept the Reds in the middle in terms of runs scored, but they are a top-five offense when it comes to OPS.

Billy Hamilton is having one of the best baserunning seasons in recent history. He has already swiped 19 bags and has been caught twice. With Hamilton doing his thing on the bases, sluggers like Joey Votto, Adam Duvall, and Scott Schebler have seen more pitches to hit and have combined for 30 home runs.

The Reds will face a dilemma at some point in the next two months if they continue to hover around .500. This is still a rebuilding year, and adding more young talent is more important than winning 75-80 games.

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