MLB Power Rankings: Wild Card races tightening
By Sean Sears
With a little more than a week left in the season, a few teams have locked up postseason spots, but there are still plenty of teams who are still fighting for a chance at the playoffs. We’ll recap the week and take a closer look all the teams still in the hunt.
30. Detriot Tigers, 45-106, last in the AL Central (ranked 30th last week)
The Tigers continue dwelling in the cellar in this week’s power rankings, losing seven of their last 10 games, but did manage to split with the Orioles this past weekend. There’s little to cheer about in Detriot right now, as has been the case since the first month of the season.
They did get a nice outing from starter Matt Boyd against the Yankees, allowing just two runs in five innings of work, coming after a solid start against the Royals the week before. The 28-year-old Boyd could be a potential trade piece this offseason, however, he is signed through the 2023 season so the Tigers could hold him until next season’s trade deadline as well. But beyond Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler, Boyd could be one of the best options available this winter.
29. Baltimore Orioles, 49-103, last in the AL East (ranked 29th last week)
The Orioles split their series with the Tigers this past weekend, but have lost seven of their last 10 games. Designated hitter Mark Trumbo has missed the last two games after straining his trapezius, while Renato Nunez is still dealing with a left-hand injury. With it being this late in the season, Baltimore may just choose to shut both hitters down if the injuries linger, especially since their season is down in September.
Outfielder Trey Mancini has had a great month at the plate, batting .310 with four home runs, 10 RBI, and a .934 OPS since September 1. The 27-year-old OF is worth keeping around for another season as the Orioles continue to rebuild their roster.