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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; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Baltimore Orioles 27-24

Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 9

The 22-10 record the Orioles sported three weeks ago is now a distant memory. They have come completely unhinged. The O’s have had a four-game losing streak and a seven-game losing streak since blowing a 6-2 lead against Washington. The starting pitching, with the exception of Dylan Bundy, has been a dumpster fire and the offense has gone into a deep, swing-happy slump.

It has been downright ugly watching Manny Machado at the plate in May. The All-Star third baseman has opened his stance even more this season, but is pulling off everything and trying to hit a home run with every swing. Must be spending too much time watching Chris Davis bat. In the second year of his seven-year contract, Davis has struck out in well over 40 percent of his at-bats and is on pace to shatter the single-season record.

13

St. Louis Cardinals 25-25

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 7

The bad version the Cardinals that started the year 3-9 is back. Over the past two weeks, the Cardinals have slid back below .500 and are 12-15 at home. The team’s pitching numbers would indicate they should be a much better team, but scoring runs consistently has proven difficult for a lineup without a true superstar.

Dexter Fowler is scratching and clawing to get his batting average back to .250. His first season in St. Louis is not going according to plan. Last year’s big free-agent acquisition, Mike Leake, continues to post solid numbers. His 2.24 ERA leads the NL, as does his 0.937 WHIP. Leake has gone six innings or more in all 10 of his starts.

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