MLB Power Rankings: Phillies lose McCutchen, Twins beat Rays and Marlins get out of the basement

By Sean Sears | Jun 5, 2019

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 04: Outfielders Alex Verdugo #27, Chris Taylor #3 and Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB game at Chase Field on June 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks 9-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 02: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers singles to center field in the seventh inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 2, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

8. Milwaukee Brewers, 34-27, tied for 1st in the NL Central (ranked 8th last week)

The Brewers were smacked around by the Marlins Tuesday night, losing 16-0 and moving them into a tie for first in the NL Central with the Cubs. And they also just lost two starters to the IL in Jhoulys Chacin and Gio Gonzalez, both without timetables for recovery at the moment. The good news is that Travis Shaw was activated from the IL this week, adding another bat to help jumpstart the Brewers offense alongside Christian Yelich.

Mike Moustakas, who broke his right finger this weekend, is OPSing .896 with 16 homers and Yasmani Grandal is looking like a steal right now with his 12 home runs and .903 OPS. The Brewers bullpen is still one of the best groups in baseball, featuring Josh Hader, Junior Guerra and Jeremy Jeffress. But it’s going to be interesting to see how the Brewers balance their bullpen usage while down two key starters.

7. Philadelphia Phillies, 34-27, 1st in the NL East (ranked 6th last week)

The Phillies were dealt some tough news on Andrew McCutchen, who tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. The 32-year-old OF was having an excellent bound-back season with 10 home runs and a .834 OPS, and was second on the team in bWAR out of offensive players. Zach Eflin also made his way to the IL this week but is expected to only miss one start due to back stiffness.

The Phillies lead on the division has dwindled down to just a half-game over the Braves. Bryce Harper is showing signs of settling in with Philly, but still is striking out at an alarming rate, with 79 on the year. Philadelphia did just trade for OF Jay Bruce from the Mariners, adding a lefty bat with 14 home runs on the season. The Phillies have the Padres and Reds to face this week and both clubs’ pitching should put this lineup to the test. If the Phillies can come out on top, they should be able to remain in the top 10 for another week.

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