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MLB Standings: Indians sweep, Rangers make gains on Astros

By Nicholas Ian Allen

May 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) shakes hands Cleveland Indians designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) shakes hands Cleveland Indians designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia (3) and center fielder Keon Broxton (23) gesture to shortstop Eric Sogard (not pictured) after he drove them in with a two RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia (3) and center fielder Keon Broxton (23) gesture to shortstop Eric Sogard (not pictured) after he drove them in with a two RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Central

Milwaukee Brewers (25-19, .568, – GB)

Last Week: 3-1 at Padres, 1-1 at Cubs

  • Home Record: 12-11
  • Road Record: 13-8
  • Runs Scored: 233
  • Runs Allowed: 206
  • Run Differential: +27
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 7-3

Next Week: May 23-24 vs. Blue Jays, May 25-28 vs. Diamondbacks

St. Louis Cardinals (22-19, .537, 1.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-2 vs. Red Sox, 1-2 vs. Giants

  • Home Record: 12-13
  • Road Record: 10-6
  • Runs Scored: 186
  • Runs Allowed: 169
  • Run Differential: +17
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 5-5

Next Week: May 23-25 at Dodgers, May 26-28 at Rockies

Chicago Cubs (22-20, .486, 2 GB)

Last Week: 3-0 vs. Reds, 1-1 vs. Brewers

  • Home Record: 11-10
  • Road Record: 11-10
  • Runs Scored: 213
  • Runs Allowed: 197
  • Run Differential: +16
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 6-4

Next Week: May 22-25 vs. Giants, May 26-28 at Dodgers

Cincinnati Reds (20-23, .465, 4.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-3 at Cubs, 1-2 vs. Rockies

  • Home Record: 13-12
  • Road Record: 7-11
  • Runs Scored: 218
  • Runs Allowed: 221
  • Run Differential: -3
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 2-8

Next Week: May 22-23 vs. Indians, May 24-25 at Indians, May 26-28 at Phillies

Pittsburgh Pirates (20-24, .455, 5 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 vs. Nationals, 2-1 vs. Phillies

  • Home Record: 12-9
  • Road Record: 8-15
  • Runs Scored: 167
  • Runs Allowed: 199
  • Run Differential: -32
  • Streak: Won 2
  • Last 10: 6-4

Next Week: May 22-25 vs. Rockies, May 26-28 vs. Reds

It’s May 22, more than one quarter of the way through the season, and the Milwaukee Brewers are in first place. That fact is surprising enough given the Brewers were expected to still be in rebuilding mode, but is downright shocking given the club shares a division with the defending World Series champion Cubs. A new hero pops up seemingly every week for the Crew, and this week was Eric Sogard, who had 10 hits and five RBI in six games.

The Cardinals entered the week in first place, but lost back-to-back series at home against the Red Sox and Giants. Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha, Adam Wainwright and Mike Leake – who allowed a combined three earned runs in 28.1 innings over the week – certainly weren’t to blame. Neither was Dexter Fowler, who led the club with two home runs, six RBI and five runs scored.

What’s wrong with the Cubs? Nothing at the moment. With a 13-6 win over the Brewers Sunday, Chicago has now won four out of five games, is back above .500, and is positioned to make a move up the standings. Kris Bryant hit two homers Sunday (and three for the week), and Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester all tossed six strong innings over the past seven days.

It’s been a roller coaster season for the Reds so far, and the last nine games have certainly made fans sick. Cincinnati has lost eight of its last nine games in large part due to ugly performances from the starting rotation. Every Reds starter over the past week posted an ERA of 9.58 or worse.

Still in last place, the Pittsburgh Pirates have nevertheless tightened the gap in the Central with back-to-back series wins. Adam Frazier is red hot, hitting .500/.520/.583 with seven RBI in six games last week, while Josh Bell added two homers and six RBI to his NL Rookie of the Year campaign.

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