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MLB Power Rankings: Can anyone stop the Astros?

By Joshua Sadlock

May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick (6) congratulates third baseman Alex Bregman (2) on his home run which also scored first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick (6) congratulates third baseman Alex Bregman (2) on his home run which also scored first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Astros continue unchallenged atop this week’s edition of the MLB Power Rankings.

It seems like just yesterday that MLB fans were gathering together to celebrate Opening Day, but the season is now two months old. We have already been treated to a dramatic breakout by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who is good for at least one barrelled baseball a night. Speaking of the Yankees, they are shocking everyone and leading the AL East.

The fact that the Astros have put up runs at a video-game pace should not come as much surprise, but their overall dominance of the American League is a surprise. There has been nothing much anyone can do to slow down the Astros as they roar to MLB’s best record. Once again, Houston leads this week’s edition of the MLB Power Rankings. How does the rest of the league stack up as the season’s third month gets set to begin?

30

Philadelphia Phillies 17-34

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 30

The Phillies have a real stranglehold on the 30th spot in the MLB Power Rankings. They have lost Vince Velasquez to the disabled list with an elbow injury. At this point, management should really be holding their breath over the future of the young right-hander.

Young starting pitching can be extremely fragile, and the Phillies are finding this out the hard way. Aaron Nola, the team’s top pick in 2014, is back from his own stint on the DL and have given up nine runs and three home runs in his last nine innings. The rise of Aaron Altherr and Cesar Hernandez is the one bright spot for this team with Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera continuing to flail away at the plate.

29

San Diego Padres 22-33

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 29

The Padres swept the Chicago Cubs, and can now officially end their 2017 season with a good feeling about the outcome. Really, who cares what they do the rest of the year? It can’t get much better than this.

Take a second to enjoy the rocket arm of Padres right fiedler Hunter Renfroe. He just might have the strongest arm in the big leagues. Now, if Renfroe could just find a way to make more consistent contact at the plate. He has 10 home runs on the year, but has struck out 58 times.

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