MLB Power Rankings: Astros, Yankees still on top, Cardinals slide
![HOUSTON, TX - MAY 23: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros has words with Alex Bregman #2 after the third out of the inning against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TX - MAY 23: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros has words with Alex Bregman #2 after the third out of the inning against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c78c272c85b9a0c9694cc8c1b4225ded2bcf1873c6d585acf4a5bdf8b463cedd.jpg)
10. Cubs (-3)
The Cubs have hit a rough stretch as their bullpen has begun to struggle. Since May 16th they have the 6th worst bullpen ERA, with the losses of Carl Edwards Jr. and Brandon Morrow looming large. They have now lost 5 games in a row including a 4 game sweep at the hands of the Reds. Thankfully for them, the Brewers haven’t been outstanding either so they haven’t fallen too far back in the division.
9. Dodgers
The Dodgers have remained hot, as they have been since mid-May. They finished the week with a series sweep of the Mets. The winners of 4 straight will look to continue this success behind power hitting and strong pitching.
8. Indians (+3)
The Indians may be becoming the team we always expected they would be. Last week, they won 7 straight games against division opponents. They had the best ERA in the MLB over that span, executing their plan for success. Great pitching and good enough hitting will continue to propel the Indians to a team worthy of a playoff spot.
7. Diamondbacks (+1)
The Diamondbacks split a series with the Angels early last week, but then topped it off with a four game sweep of the Pirates. That was the Diamondbacks flexing their muscle and showing the team that they can be when they put it all together. They have a chance to cement themselves as a playoff team by winning a winnable series against the Marlins then beating their division rival Giants.
6. Mariners (-2)
The Mariners ran into the top of the AL East last week and that did not end well for them. They were swept by the Yankees before losing 2 out of 3 to the Red Sox. The losses are understood because they came against two of the best teams in baseball and hopefully a four games series against the Orioles will get the Mariners going again.