MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Boston Red Sox 60-49
Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 4th
Drew Pomeranz (one earned run in 6.2 innings) and Doug Fister (two unearned runs in 7.2 innings) were solid, but the rest of the Boston starting rotation struggled mightily last week. Reigning Al Cy Young winner Rick Porcello surrendered nine runs on 13 hits, including three homers in 12.1 innings across two starts and Chris Sale, the current Cy Young favorite, allowed seven runs on eight hits, including two homers, in five innings in his worst start in a Boston uniform.
However, despite the struggles on the mound, the Red Sox recovered from a series loss to the Royals, which cost them first place, to retake the division lead thanks in large part to a breakout offensive performance. Eduardo Nunez, acquired from the Giants before the trade deadline, led the club with 13 hits and 10 RBI. Ninez and rookie Rafael Devers each homered twice. Catcher Christian Vazquez had 12 hits, including a home run, and six RBI. Mookie Betts also homered and drove in eight.
Washington Nationals 63-43
Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 3rd
Limping into a three-game weekend series with the Cubs at Wrigley Field after back-to-back losses, the Nationals finally relinquished the title of “largest division lead in the National League). Of course, Washington still holds a 12-game cushion in the NL East, and is a virtual lock for the postseason.
The story of the week was Max Scherzer’s early exit from his most recent start (not to mention the three-run home run he hit just before), in which he walked off the mound before the bottom of the second inning with a stiff neck.
On the bright side, new closer Sean Doolittle has been solid and has solidified the ninth inning for the Nats. Doolittle picked up two saves in two scoreless appearances last week.