MLB Power Rankings Week 4: New York Mets Reach The Pinnacle

Apr 26, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder

(34) celebrates in the dugout with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

24. Minnesota Twins (8-10) The Twins have accomplished quite a feat this season, as they seem to be the only team that hasn’t gotten into an altercation with the Royals. They spent this week on the road and split, which is a solid takeaway for a team that was expected to spend most of the season in the cellar. Falling to the cellar may not be too far away, as the Twins offense struggles to score, and they have a daunting schedule this week, starting a homestand by hosting the Tigers and White Sox.

23. Washington Nationals (7-12) We will have to wait another week for the Nationals to turn things around, as they had a horrible Week 3. They won the first game of the series against the Cardinals in extra innings, and didn’t win again the rest of the week. Their offense pretty much was non-existent, as they scored 12 runs in six games. The pitching staff struggled some as well, as Stephen Strasburg got crushed by the Marlins, and Max Scherzer may be forced to miss his next start because of a thumb injury to his throwing hand.

22. Oakland Athletics (8-12) A so-so week took a turn for the worst for the Athletics, as a split with the Angels was followed by a sweep at the hands of the streaking Astros. Oddly enough it is not the offense that is a problem for the Athletics in the early going, it is the pitching. Starting pitchers have delivered only 10 quality starts in 19 chances, taxing a bullpen that already has suffered seven losses. If they can figure it out on the mound outside of Scott Kazmir and Sonny Gray they will be right in the thick of what is looking like a wide open AL West. Ben Zobrist is also being forced to the DL as his knee soreness is requiring some treatment.

Next: Champs on the rise