MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Los Angeles Angels 54-55
Last week: 5-1
Last rank: 18th
The Angels put together one of their best stretches of the season last week, taking five of six games against the Blue Jays and Phillies. It couldn’t have come at a better time and Los Angeles is now just one game under .500 and within three games of a playoff spot.
Not surprisingly, Mike Trout led the club with 10 hits (including two home runs) last week, but the superstar had help. Kaleb Cowart tied Trout for the team lead with seven runs scored and went 9-for-19 at the plate with a home run, two doubles and a triple. Andrelton Simmons also had nine hits in six games and drove in five. Albert Pujols led the team with three home runs and nine RBI, and C.J. Cron had two homers and five RBI as well.
J.C. Ramirez was brilliant Wednesday night against the Phillies. In arguably the best start of his career, Ramirez held Philadelphia scoreless through eight innings, allowing just six hits and two walks in the process.
St. Louis Cardinals 53-55
Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 17th
Michael Wacha has been outstanding for the Cardinals recently. Wacha posted a 4-1 record and 1.93 ERA in four starts in July, and the right-hander had a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings across two starts last week.
Tyler Rosenthal has also been very effective. Rosenthal allowed just one hit and struck out 10 in 4.1 innings across three appearances last week, and picked up three saves in the process. Luke Weaver and Lance Lynn also pitched quality starts for the club.
But the offense struggled to provide run support. Yadier Molina led the club with two home runs, seven hits and three RBI in six games. Jose Martinez, who tied Molina with three RBI, was the only other Cardinals hitter to homer. In all, St. Louis scored just 13 runs over its last seven contests.