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MLB Power Rankings: Yankees keep winning, Vlad Jr makes his debut, and the Dodgers remain hot

By Sean Sears

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees celebrates a grand slam with Luke Voit #45 during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 27, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees celebrates a grand slam with Luke Voit #45 during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 27, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 19, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 19, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4. Houston Astros, 18-12, 1st in the AL West (ranked 2nd last week)

The Astros aren’t scoring like they were a few weeks ago during their 10-game winning streak, averaging 4.55 runs per game. However, the Astros bullpen continues their hot start, with a league-best bullpen ERA of 2.91. The starting pitching has been much better recently with Gerrit Cole rebounding after a rough outing while Justin Verlander has been incredible in his last four outings, only surrendering 1 run in each start. Houston did just face-off with the Indians and their elite starters in a 4-game set, they’ve got a few games coming up against the Angels and lowly Royals. Both great choices when looking for a slump-busting team to beat up on.

3. St. Louis Cardinals, 19-10, 1st in the NL Central (ranked 7th last week)

The Cardinals make the jump into the top 5 as their offense has catapulted them into 1st place of the NL Central. Winning 9 of their last 10 games, St. Louis is the hottest team in baseball right now lead by Paul DeJong as his red-hot slash line of .342/.400/.605. Add in a combined 19 home runs from Marcell Ozuna and Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are rolling right now on offense. The starting pitching has been questionable to start the year, but the backend of the bullpen has been electric with arms like Jordan Hicks and John Brebbia missing bats. If the Cardinals offense continues to hit like they have, it’s hard to see any other team coming out of the NL Central.

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