MLB Standings: Indians sweep, Rangers make gains on Astros

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May 21, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) hits a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

National League West

Colorado Rockies (28-17, .622, – GB)

Last Week: 2-1 at Twins, 2-1 at Reds

Home Record: 13-10
Road Record: 15-7
Runs Scored: 225
Runs Allowed: 208
Run Differential: +17
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 6-4

Next Week: May 22-25 at Phillies, May 26-28 vs. Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks (26-19, .578, 2 GB)

Last Week: 3-0 vs. Mets, 2-1 at Padres

Home Record: 18-8
Road Record: 8-11
Runs Scored: 226
Runs Allowed: 179
Run Differential: +47
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 7-3

Next Week: May 22-24 vs. White Sox, May 25028 at Brewers

Los Angeles Dodgers (26-19, .578, 2 GB)

Last Week: 1-2 at Giants, 3-1 vs. Marlins

Home Record: 16-7
Road Record: 10-12
Runs Scored: 228
Runs Allowed: 164
Run Differential: +64
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 6-4

Next Week: May 23-25 vs. Cardinals, May 26-28 vs. Cubs

San Francisco Giants (19-26, .422, 9 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 vs. Dodgers, 2-1 at Cardinals

Home Record: 11-10
Road Record: 8-16
Runs Scored: 154
Runs Allowed: 217
Run Differential: -63
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 7-3

Next Week: May 22-25 at Cubs, May 26-28 vs. Braves

San Diego Padres (16-30, .348, 12.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-3 vs. Brewers, 1-2 vs. Diamondbacks

Home Record: 9-14
Road Record: 7-16
Runs Scored: 158
Runs Allowed: 243
Run Differential: -85
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 3-7

Next Week: May 23-25 at Mets, May 26-28 at Nationals

It’s been quite a while since another National League team had a better record than the Nationals, but two series wins on the road boosted the Rockies percentage points ahead of Washington (and just behind Houston in the overall MLB standings). Charlie Blackmon continued his hot hitting with a .370/.379/.519 week and Nolan Arenado hit two homers in six games.

Arizona third baseman Jake Lamb is one of the hottest hitters in baseball, having hit .412/.565/1.176 while launching four homers with 10 RBI in just 23 plate appearances over the past week. The club’s pitching is coming along well also. Robbie Ray and Taijuan Walker combined for 13.2 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits, and Zack Godley posted a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 frames across two starts. The Diamondbacks have kept pressure on the Rockies while posting the second best run differential in the National League.

The best run differential in all of baseball belongs to the Dodgers, who have played well but have struggled to overtake either Colorado or Arizona in the standings. Despite the Giants being a thorn in the side (San Francisco holds a 7-4 edge in the season series after taking two of three to start the week), Los Angeles has now won four of their last five games overall. Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood continue to dominate on the mound. The pair combined for 14.1 scoreless innings last week. However, the offense took a hit when the NL’s leading hitter, Justin Turner, was placed on the disabled list.

The Giants have now won three series in a row, and picked up seven wins in eight games prior to Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Cardinals. Jeff Samardzija has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this month. In four starts in May, Samardzija has posted a 2.73 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 29.2 innings. He tossed eight scoreless frames Saturday in the win over St. Louis.

Next: MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players the Astros should acquire

It’s beginning to sound like a broken record, but the San Diego Padres still have the worst run differential in the big leagues by a large margin. Opponents have outscored the Padres by 85 runs this season – 40 runs more than the next closest club. Also, no team is farther out of first place.

The good news? Jhoulys Cahcin, Jared Cosart and Clayton Richard each put up strong starts that could help them catch the eye of contending clubs before the trade deadline, which could help San Diego’s rebuilding efforts.

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