MLB Power Rankings: Indians take over
Houston Astros 88-58
Last week: 5-5
Last rank: 5
Justin Verlander is the name that will get the most attention as the Astros rotation and playoff hopes are scrutinized. The former Tiger has been dominant in his first two starts with Houston, striking out 16 and allowing a run in 14 innings. Verlander, however, does not have to shoulder all of the pressure by himself.
Brad Peacock really wants a postseason start. 9 K's through 5 IP. Only SP's w/ higher whiff % on in-zone pitches are Scherzer/Sale. #Astros pic.twitter.com/mPzgbXIK9I
— Matt Kelly (@mattkellyMLB) September 10, 2017
Brad Peacock has quietly emerged as a legitimate number-two starter for the Astros this season thanks to his dominant slider. In 18 starts, Peacock is 7-2 with a 3.33 ERA and 11.8 K/9. He has leaped over Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers in the rotation. Peacock, who was traded twice before establishing himself as a full-time big leaguer, has really burst onto the scene this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers 94-52
Last week: 2-8
Last rank: 1
The Dodgers long losing streak is over thanks to Clayton Kershaw, who has the team’s only two victories in the past 17 games. No team has ever suffered through a stretch of 15 losses in 16 games and still won the World Series. The Dodgers will attempt to become the first. It’s also worth remembering that no team in MLB history has gone 52-9 over a 61-game stretch either. The Dodgers can recover.
When Cody Bellinger hits, the Dodgers typically win, and he has not been producing much for the past three weeks. He is hitting .245/.333/.453 over his past 14 games with only two home runs. Alex Wood’s ability to pitch at a high level deep into October is also questionable, as he has a 4.53 ERA in the second half. Wood, Yu Darvish or Rich Hill will have to step up because Kershaw can only pitch twice in a five-game series.