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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 12, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (54) pitches against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (54) pitches against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Texas Rangers 21-20

Last week: 6-0
Last rank: 23

A seven-game winning streak has the Rangers back to .500 at 20-20 entering Wednesday’s slate of games. Their wins have come against three teams they should beat — the Padres, Athletics, and Phillies — so it’s difficult to fully determine if this streak is a sign of a sleeping contender waking up.

Of all the underachieving teams to start the year, the Rangers appear to have the best chance of getting back into the playoff race. Their starting pitching has been very good, especially Andrew Cashner. Surprisingly, he has the best ERA on the staff at 2.43. Cashner, however, is 0-3 because his run support has been inconsistent. Martin Perez has also battled poor run support, and is 1-5 despite a respectable 3.89 ERA.

If Adrian Beltre can return at the end of May and bring stability to the offense, the Rangers may continue breaking out. Mike Napoli and Rougned Odor have to do more. The Rangers are already eight games behind the Astros even with their winning streak, but it’s still too early to bury them completely.

13

Chicago Cubs 20-19

Last week: 2-2
Last rank: 10

Tied for third place, the Cubs are definitely finding out the hard way that it is extremely difficult to carry over the energy required to make a run to the World Series into a second season. The pitching staff is dealing with the effects of the November hangover the worst. It has been ugliest for Jake Arrieta, who has allowed 52 hits and eight home runs in 44.2 innings.

On a brighter note, Kyle Hendricks has figured things out after a bumpy April. The finesse righty, who led the NL in ERA last year, has a 1.52 ERA over his past four starts and has limited opponents to a .210 batting average and .565 OPS. Ben Zobrist, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber, and Addison Russell won’t all be batting below .230 for much longer. It’s far too early to press the panic button on the defending champs.

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