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

By Sean Sears | May 1, 2019

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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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 26: Domingo Santana #16 (L) and Tim Beckham #1 of the Seattle Mariners celebrate with teammates after the Seattle Mariners defeated the Texas Rangers 5-4 from a groundout by Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners to score Omar Narvaez #22 of the Seattle Mariners in the eleventh inning during their game at T-Mobile Park on April 26, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

14. Seattle Mariners, 18-14, 2nd in the AL West (ranked 11th last week)

Once again tied with the Astro for 1st place, the Mariners continue to keep things close in the AL West, despite their offense continuing to mash. They continue to lead the league in runs scored, and at this point, it’s safe to say the Mariners offense is for real. And while the power numbers may eventually dip for a few players, the combination of Mitch Haniger and Domingo Santana looks reliable enough through a month of baseball to think they can sustain this success. However, the pitching and fielding remain a giant concern for Seattle, as they seem to always shoot themselves in the foot.

13. Atlanta Braves, 14-15, 3rd in the NL East (ranked 14th last week)

The Braves offense has really been cooking as of late, as Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Tyler Flowers all have an OPS above .900 – and Josh Donaldson isn’t far off with a .890 OPS on the year. It’s the pitching that continues to hold Atlanta back from asserting themselves in the NL East, however, rookie SP Mike Soroka has dazzled in his three starts on the year. Their bullpen has been decimated by injuries and fill-in closer A.J. Minter may not be the answer in high-leverage situations. If the Braves can add some bullpen health, their offense and starting pitching is plenty good to compete this year in the NL East.

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