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MLB Power Rankings: Cardinals and Angels climbing

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 19: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates with third base coach Ron Roenicke #10 as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 19, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 19: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates with third base coach Ron Roenicke #10 as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 19, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 20: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes a throw to first base during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 20, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 20: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes a throw to first base during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 20, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
22

New York Mets 54-69

Last week: 2-8
Last rank: 20

Generation K is set to repeat itself in New York. Steven Matz is the latest Mets pitcher to hit the DL with arm trouble. Apparently the left-hander, whose season got off to a late start, has been pitching through pain all season. His ERA was over 10.00 in his last eight starts before going on the 10-day disabled list.

Matz may need the same surgery Jacob deGrom had last year to relieve pressure on his ulnar nerve. For now, it does not appear Matz’s surgically-repaired UCL is the problem. Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman have all dealt with serious injuries this year. The Mets have had a hell of a time keeping pitchers healthy the past two years, and their future is in jeopardy.

21

Toronto Blue Jays 59-65

Last week: 5-5
Last rank: 21

The Blue Jays have very nearly climbed out of last place in the AL East thanks to a resurgence from former MVP Josh Donaldson. The third baseman is hitting .386/.518/.886 over the past two weeks with seven home runs and 14 RBI. Donaldson’s overall numbers are still well below his normal standards, but he is trending in the right direction.

It’s still doubtful that the Blue Jays can mount a serious push for another trip to the playoffs, but their play in the second half can at least allow the front office to feel better about next season. The decision to hold onto Marco Estrada at the trade deadline still feels puzzling, but there are indications that he wants to remain with the Blue Jays instead of testing the free-agent waters.

With injuries to Aaron Sanchez, Donaldson, Devon Travis, Troy Tulowitzki and down years from Jose Bautista, Kendrys Morales and closer Roberto Osuna, this feels like a lost year for the Jays, but not full indicator that their window to contend is fully shut.

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