MLB Power Rankings: The top 5 teams stay the same
By Sean Sears
8. Philadelphia Phillies, 39-32, 2nd in the NL East (ranked 7th last week)
The Phillies are still hurting from Andrew McCutchen’s season-ending injury, but they should be getting Jay Bruce back soon. He’s been hot since coming to Philly, with a 1.085 OPS in 11 games so far. Bryce Harper is getting better at the plate, but his 91 strikeouts on the year are just plain bad. Rhys Hoskins has gone down on strikes 74 times on the year too, but both are hitting for power so it’s been mostly manageable for now.
The pitching hasn’t been where many thought it would be this season, with Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta struggling recently. The Phillies could use a boost in their bullpen as well as their rotation. Expect the group to take a look at all pitching options to help boost their club. The Phillies are too good to not find a way to maneuver around their current problems.
7. Milwaukee Brewers, 40-32, 1st in the NL Central (ranked 8th last week)
The Brewers have failed to take advantage of the Cubs’ tough road trip out West, themselves also struggling and thus only managing to take a half-game lead in the NL Central. But after losing two of three against the Giants and then dropping two more against a struggling Padres club, it’s obvious that the Brewers pitching is still lacking. Zach Davies has been great all season, with a 2.60 ERA, but he’s not exactly the “ace” prototype many teams look for, with only 50 strikeouts.
The bullpen is much stronger with Jeremy Jeffress back with Josh Hader and Junior Guerra, but they still could use another starter, an issue that’s been lingering for the last two seasons. However, as long as Christian Yelich and Mike Moustakas can keep powering this Milwaukee lineup, their pitching seems to be good enough to keep them in the playoff conversation. But their rotation is not one for the postseason.