MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Houston Astros 69-39
Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 2nd
Five losses, including three in a row to the Tampa Bay Rays, made for a disappointing week for the Houston Astros. Though the ‘Stros still have the best record in the American League by a big margin, and still hold the largest division lead in baseball, there’s a little uneasiness in Houston.
The Astros weren’t as active as expected at the trade deadline, missing out on some of the big names the club was rumored to be interested in, such as Sonny Gray and Zach Britton, settling for struggling veteran lefty Francisco Liriano instead.
Dallas Keuchel voiced his displeasure during the week, and didn’t help matters by surrendering six runs on 13 hits in eight innings across two starts. Mike Fiers and relievers rancis Martes and Tony Sipp also allowed six runs last week, and Lance McCullers surrendered five in five innings in his most recent start.
Los Angeles Dodgers 76-32
Last week: 5-1
Last rank: 1st
Los Angeles made arguably the biggest move of the trade deadline by acquiring Yu Darvish from the Rangers. The right-hander is expected to make his Dodgers debut Friday night against Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets in Queens.
Darvish will provide insurance for injured starter Clayton Kershaw over the final two months of the regular season, and should be a major factor in the postseason as well. He, along with relievers Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani, joins the best pitching staff in baseball, statistically speaking.
Next: MLB Trade Deadline: Top 25 deals of all time
Kenta Maeda and Hyun-Jin Ryu combined for 14 scoreless innings in two starts last week, Rich Hill allowed one run in 5.2 innings, and Alex Wood picked up two more wins to increase his record to 13-1.