MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Detroit Tigers 50-57
Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 21st
The Tigers have yet to commit to a full-blown roster teardown, but the club made some progress by shipping out impending free agents J.D. Martinez and Alex Avila, along with closer Justin Wilson, before the trade deadline. Because of their big contracts, Justin Verlander and Ian Kinsler are candidates to pass through waivers in August, making it possible (though not necessarily likely) they follow Martinez, Avila and Wilson out the door to clubs in playoff contention.
Verlander has been great recently, and picked up a win after six scoreless innings against the Astros July 30 – no small feat given Houston’s lineup is the highest scoring in the majors this season. Shane Greene slid into the closer’s role and has three saves in five hitless innings over the past week.
Justin Upton, believed to be a potential trade candidate before the deadline, led the Tigers with three home runs and 10 RBI. James McCann, now the primary catcher, had 10 hits.
Atlanta Braves 49-58
Last week: 1-6
Last rank: 20th
The Braves have been ice-cold in recent weeks, having now lost seven of their last eight games, 10 of 12 and 13 of 17. Oddly enough, Atlanta has three wins over the Dodgers during that period.
Nick Markakis picked up career hit No. 2,000, and had 10 hits over his past seven games to lead the club. Backup catcher Kurt Suzuki had two homers in four games last week. Suzuki had eight long balls and 14 RBI in just 45 plate appearances in July. Ozzie Albies, the 20-year-old rookie that made his MLB debut last week, connected for his first hit and home run Thursday.
R.A. Dickey put up seven strong innings in his last start July 30, surrendering just one unearned run on six hits and three walks in Philadelphia, though the Braves were swept in the four-game series, which included two walk-offs and three one-run defeats.