MLB Power Rankings: Phillies lose McCutchen, Twins beat Rays and Marlins get out of the basement
By Sean Sears
28. Miami Marlins, 22-36, last in the NL East (ranked 29th last week)
The Marlins have won three of their last four series, recently taking two of three from the Padres, scoring a combined 20 runs in the series. Over the last 10 games, catcher Jorge Alfaro has helped spark Miami’s offense, slashing .342/.390/.632 with three home runs and 10 RBI during that span.
However, despite the increase in runs, the Marlins’ bullpen hasn’t helped the hold leads late with the league’s third-worst ERA at 5.27. Starting pitching has pitched well with a 3.96 ERA, putting them among the top 10 in ERA, but with a lack of reliable run production and a shaky-at-best bullpen, the Marlins aren’t built for sustainable success. Expect the Marlins to stay the course and move any piece that can bring back value for the future.
27. Toronto Blue Jays, 22-38, 4th in the AL East (ranked 26th last week)
The Blue Jays snapped a six-game losing streak Tuesday night, beating the Yankees 4-3, but it was only their second win in the last 10 games. In the month of May, Toronto only managed to win seven times, averaging 3.75 runs scored per game while allowing nearly a run more per game at 4.85 runs. But with all the losing, the frustration in the Blue Jays’ locker room is starting to boil over, particularly starter Marcus Stroman who said Toronto is currently, “Not a fun atmosphere.”
The 28-year-old Stroman has been excellent this season, posting a 2.84 ERA and inducing the consistent weak-contact we’ve come to expect from the right-hander, and he hasn’t allowed more than one run in his last three starts. Trade rumors have always swirled around Toronto and Stroman, but this may be the year the Blue Jays move the starter to help accelerate their rebuild — and there’s no doubt Stroman could snag a hefty return.