MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Continue To Climb

May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder

(34) wipes chocolate syrup off his face that was squirted on him by starting pitcher

(31) (not pictured) after his walk off home run against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeat Atlanta Braves 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

9. Minnesota Twins (18-14) The Twins continue to perform, as they took three of four from the struggling Athletics before taking the weekend series from the Indians. Mike Pelfrey has had a career renaissance in 2015, going seven innings in three of his last four starts. Torii Hunter has been strong at the plate in his return to Minnesota as well, leading the team with a .287 batting average, tied with Joe Mauer.

8. Washington Nationals (17-15) Arguably the hottest team in the majors right now has surged up the Power Rankings and standings with outstanding play the past two weeks. They are on a four-game winning streak and have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games. Part of the success this past week is in part because of Bryce Harper, who went bonkers at the plate. He had a three homer game in the series finale against the Marlins, then followed it up with a two-homer night and then a walk off the next night. He is 10-16 with six home runs and 13 RBI his last four games.

7. Detroit Tigers (19-11) Two losses to the White Sox to start the week was surprising, as they have been struggling this season. Could it have been because they were looking ahead to their second consecutive weekend series with the Royals? David Price got roughed up a bit in that series, surrendering 13 hits in 6 1/3 innings before exiting with an ankle injury he suffered from stepping in a bat covering behind home plate. Price is expected to make his next scheduled start Saturday in a big series against the Cardinals.

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