MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Barely Stay In Top-10
Jun 28, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher
Steven Matz(32) is forced out at second base by Cinncinati Reds second baseman
Brandon Phillips(4) in the sixth inning at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Reds 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
21. Atlanta Braves (36-40) Last week at this time the Braves looked like they could crash the playoff picture; now not so much. The Braves had a rough week, as they went on a five-game losing streak, getting swept by the Nationals and losing two games to the Pirates before squeaking out a 2-1 victory Sunday afternoon. This offense was struggling enough during the season, but the loss of Freddie Freeman to the 15-day DL with a wrist problem could be the nail in the coffin that causes the losses to start really mounting.
20. Cincinnati Reds (34-40) The Reds looked poised to become threats in the NL playoff race. They took two of three from the Pirates to win three straight series, but everything came crashing back down when they were swept by the Mets over the weekend. This is a tired team though, as they have had some marathon games recently, and they cannot wait until that off day Thursday. There are a lot of players on the Reds that will be popular as the trade deadline approaches, and the team may have to make a decision about some sooner than later. One player who is not in trade rumors, but worth keeping an eye on, is Brandon Phillips. He looked to tweak his wrist injury Sunday afternoon against the Mets, and if they lose him, especially with how poor every other middle infielder played against the Mets, things could get ugly.
19. San Diego Padres (37-41) The Padres got pounded by the Giants in their two losses before taking two of three from the Diamondbacks over the weekend. Matt Kemp is beginning to heat up at the plate, as a move to the top of the order seems to have rejuvenated him a little bit. The Padres desperately need it as well, as they need to keep pace with the Giants and Dodgers in the NL West. James Shields has also regressed to the mean in recent starts, as he lost his second consecutive start this week, while his season ERA now sits at 4.24.
Next: Angels starting to fly