MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers skidding, but still number one
Cleveland Indians 84-56
Last week: 10-0
Last rank: 3
The Indians are the hottest team in baseball, with the longest winning streak in the majors in back-to-back years. This year’s streak is much more impressive than last year’s 14-gamer because it comes at a much more difficult time of the year and with more key players out with injuries. Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley should be back soon, which will only help the cause.
Cleveland should, however, be worried about Danny Salazar as they get set for the postseason. The right-hander returned from the DL on Tuesday night and lasted only 0.2 innings while allowing four runs to the pitiful White Sox. Salazar has been inconsistent all year. His struggles may open up a spot for Trevor Bauer, who is 8-1 with a 3.05 ERA in the second half, in the postseason rotation.
Los Angeles Dodgers 92-48
Last week: 1-9
Last rank: 1
The Dodgers have now had two five-game losing streaks in the span of two weeks, separated by a single win. With the number-one seed already theirs, this small slump is not the end of the world for Los Angeles. It is slightly concerning that the Dodgers have now lost five games in a row to the Diamondbacks, one of their potential opponents in the NLDS.
This skid can help the Dodgers move on from their pursuit of the single-season wins record that is now out of reach. Manager Dave Roberts has done well to help his ballclub absorb the losing streak without letting it affect their outlook on the postseason. After all, Clayton Kershaw is back. Now is the time to hit the reset button, get healthy and prepare to make a run at the World Series.
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It’s hard to keep the Dodgers here at number one, but they get the benefit of the doubt for one more week. They’ll need to bounced back quickly, though, because this team has not looked like a World Series threat for nearly two weeks.