MLB Power Rankings: Wild Card races tightening

By Sean Sears | Sep 19, 2019

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 14: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated by Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs following his two run home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on September 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a double in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on September 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Atlanta Braves, 93-60, 1st in the NL East (ranked 4th last week)

Atlanta clinched a postseason spot earlier this week, but have dropped the first two games of their current series with the Phillies, opening the door slightly for the rest of the NL East. But with a nine-game lead and upcoming series with the Giants and Royals, the Braves should be able to clinch the division this weekend.

The Braves are a little banged up right now, losing Charlie Culberson for the rest of the season after he fractured his face on a bunt attempt, while Ender Inciarte was placed on the 10-day IL earlier this week with a hamstring strain. Atlanta has the depth to make up for losing the two, but Inciarte’s defense will be essential for the playoffs.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers, 98-55, 1st in the NL West (ranked 3rd last week)

With the division clinched and a record five games better than the Braves, the Dodgers are in a great spot right now. They’ll be able to get their rotation rested for the postseason, work out their playoff roster, and enjoy the last week of the regular season.

They did just split a tough series with the Rays but have still won six of their last 10 games. They’ve got Colorado at home and then they’ll travel to San Deigo and San Francisco, which is barely a road trip sticking in the California area. And then the Dodgers will try for their 3rd NL title and finally win a World Series after being so close two years in a row.

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