MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Hold Steady

Jul 3, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher

(46) throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

24. Seattle Mariners (38-44) The Mariners went 4-2 this past week, and will need more of that if they are to continue climbing into the AL playoff race. Taijuan Walker has continued his dominance, and along with Mike Montgomery, who has given up only one run in his last three starts, gives the Mariners a solid pitching trio when joined by Felix Hernandez. Now only if the offense could pick things up. Robinson Cano has shown signs of getting things together with a couple of big games this past week, but has been unable to sustain anything yet. Once he does, the Mariners offense as a whole will pick up.

23. Chicago White Sox (36-43) The White Sox have gotten things going a little bit, winning six of their last 10 games, including a two-game sweep of the Cardinals and a series victory over the Orioles during the weekend. Chris Sale has set a modern day record with eight consecutive starts with double-digit strikeouts, setting up a super matchup Monday as he will take the mound against the Blue Jays, the best hitting team against left-handed pitching in baseball. The offense will need to get things going though, as they will start lefties Jose Quintana and John Danks as well, which could lead to a lot of runs.

22. San Diego Padres (39-45) A two-game sweep at the hands of the Mariners hurt, but getting a split in a four-game series with the Cardinals is solid. The Padres have to figure things out at the plate though, as they scored two or less runs in five of their six games. It is tough to win when scoring that little amount of runs. Things won’t get much easier at the plate either, as they will visit the Pirates to start the week. But, maybe a visit to a nice hitters park to face off with the Rangers could get them on track. They just aren’t getting much production from anyone outside Yonder Alonso and Justin Upton.

Next: Braves find success without Freeman