MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Barely Stay In Top-10
Jun 27, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher
Carlos Villanueva(33) celebrates with catcher
Tony Cruz(48) after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
3. Houston Astros (44-34) The Astros had a difficult week, losing two of three to the Angels before earning a hard fought split with the Yankees over the weekend. They showed guts coming back from a 6-0 deficit Saturday, but eventually fell short. Collin McHugh picked his teammates up on Sunday to get the split when he tossed a gem. That start along with Dallas Keuchel’s stellar start Thursday sandwiched the two losses. A huge series with the Royals start the week before they head on a 10-game road trip to finish the first half.
2. Kansas City Royals (44-28) It looks like a road trip through the AL West is exactly what the Royals needed to get back on track. Their nine-game road trip has gotten off to an outstanding start, as they took two of three from the Mariners and then swept a three game series from the rolling Athletics. They received outstanding pitching performances all week, as Chris Young got back on track and Jeremy Guthrie gave up three or less runs for the fifth time in his last six starts. One thing for concern though is the healthy of Lorenzo Cain, who tweaked his hamstring over the weekend.
1. St. Louis Cardinals (50-24) What do you know, another week passes and it is another week that the Cardinals sit atop our MLB Power Rankings. The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight games, helping them become the first team to 50 wins in the majors. They are running through whoever they play against and whoever they plug into their lineup produces. Xavier Scruggs is the latest player to join the hit parade, as he is batting .500 in his first 16 major league at-bats since being called up. He will probably concede most playing time to Mark Reynolds at first base, but that production is hard to ignore. Not to be outdone, fellow youngster Greg Garcia is batting .556 since being called up and already has a game tying home run on his ledger.