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MLB Power Rankings: The top 5 teams stay the same

By Sean Sears

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 19: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 19: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 18: Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo (27) gets a hit during the game against the San Francisco Giants on June 18, 2019, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 18: Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo (27) gets a hit during the game against the San Francisco Giants on June 18, 2019, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2.  Los Angeles Dodgers, 48-25, 1st in the NL West (ranked 1st week)

The Dodgers have been the best team in the National League all season, but what makes them so good right now is their pitching depth. Having more than five legitimate starters on the roster has allowed the Dodgers to overcome some of their bullpen depth issues.

Their late-inning options are all great, but their middle relief has been suspect all season. But they’ve gotten creative with guys like Julio Urias and Ross Stripling, using them to bridge their starters to Pedro Baez and Kenley Jansen. And of course, Cody Bellinger and Joc Pederson continue to hit with power. The Dodgers have tons of depth everywhere. It’s hard to see them not getting the advantage in any series matchup.

1. Houston Astros, 48-25, 1st in the AL West (ranked 2nd last week)

The Astros went .500 over the last 10 games, but they’ve been able to keep chugging along without Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer. That’s mainly due to their pitching, headed up by Justin Verlander, whose 2.59 ERA and 11.1 K/9 have been so important to the Astros success.

Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Houston’s bullpen have been invaluable this season, and while Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley have also been key to the team. It’s hard to look past the results Houston’s pitching has produced despite three core players missing. And it’s enough to push Houston to the top spot again.

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