MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Pittsburgh Pirates 52-56
Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 15th
Though the Pirates took a step back in the loss column, Andrew McCutchen stayed hot at the plate. In six games, McCutchen hit .450/.542/1.050 with four home runs, seven RBI and seven runs scored – all of which led the club.
Adam Frazier added seven hits, and David Freese and Josh Bell both drove in four runs, but there was little offense to be seen elsewhere as Pittsburgh dropped back-to-back series against the Padres and Reds. The Bucs have now lost four straight series, including three to teams with losing records.
Among the bright spots on the pitching staff, Gerrit Cole and Chad Kuhl put together three strong starts collectively, and each earned a win. Cole allowed one run in seven innings against the Padres July 30. Kuhl surrendered two runs in 5.1 innings in San Diego two days earlier but held Cincinnati scoreless through seven Thursday.
Minnesota Twins 51-55
Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 12th
The Twins went from buyers to sellers quicker than any team in baseball history last month. Minnesota acquired Jaime Garcia from the Braves July 24, and the lefty picked up a win against the A’s four days later. However, Minnesota lost the four previous games, and also lost the next two in walk-off fashion, prompting the club to flip Garcia to the Yankees July 30.
Minnesota has now lost eight of its last 10 games and is 6-12 since the All-Star break. The poor stretch dropped the Twins seven games back in the AL Central and 4.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot, with six teams ahead in the pecking order.
On the bright side, Jose Berrios and Ervin Santana continue to pitch well, and Miguel Sano hit home runs No. 24 and No. 25 over the last week.