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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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May 30, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (14) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) on his solo home run in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (14) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) on his solo home run in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
16

Toronto Blue Jays 26-27

Last week: 5-1
Last rank: 19

After bottoming out at 10 games below .500 on May 3, the Blue Jays have been on a tear. They have been the best team in the American League behind Houston. Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson are returning at the perfect time for the Blue Jays as the rest of the AL East was not able to bury them after their slow start.

The Blue Jays absolutely have what it takes to overcome their miserable April and make the playoffs. Justin Smoak has made everyone forget about Edwin Encarnacion. Devon Travis was out of his mind in May. The Blue Jays playoff hopes may hinge on the health of Aaron Sanchez. Their ace has battled blister issues all season and has made only five starts.

15

Texas Rangers 26-28

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 14

The Rangers followed a 10-game winning streak with a five-game losing streak, casting further doubt on whether or not they have what it takes to contend this year. The Rangers have given 16 combined starts to Nick Martinez and A.J. Griffen, both of whom have an ERA in excess of 5.00 on the year. Their bullpen features three pitchers with an ERA over 6.00.

Joey Gallo’s home runs are majestic, but it’s not exactly a good thing that he has more bombs than singles. He is batting .212/.316/.547 with 73 strikeouts. The Rangers will have to live with that low batting average because Gallo does not appear destined to do much more than homer and strikeout in his MLB career. His approach at the plate makes for a fun highlight once or twice a week and plenty of free air conditioning for those hot summer nights in Arlington.

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