MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Hold Steady

Jul 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman

(27) greets designated hitter

(11) after his home run put the Astros ahead of the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

6. Chicago Cubs (44-36) The Cubs finished a season sweep of the Mets to start the week and then took the weekend series from the Marlins. Despite that, they are 2.5 games behind the second place Pirates and 8.5 behind the first place Cardinals. They have a big series to start the week, as the easiest way to gain ground on the Cardinals is to beat them, and the two teams will face off in a four-game series. The lineup will also get deeper, as Jorge Soler returned from the DL Sunday to give the Cubs another high potential bat.

5. Washington Nationals (46-36) It was a tough start to the week as the Nationals lost two of three to the Braves, but made up for it by sweeping the Giants over the weekend. They are beginning to open up their lead in the NL East, as they are now up 4.5 games and look poised to bust it open. It will be without the service of Stephen Strasburg though, as he was placed on the DL again, this time with an injury to his oblique. It may not end up hurting them much, as they will not need a fifth starter until after the All-Star break, so Strasburg may not actually miss more than a start or two despite the DL stint.

4. Houston Astros (48-36) The Astros were able to sweep the Royals to start the week, but lost two of three to the improving Red Sox. Lance McCullers has given the Astros yet another strong starting pitching option, to go along with potential All-Star game starter Dallas Keuchel. The Astros will have a tough finish to their first half, concluding their road trip with visits to the Rays and Indians.

Next: Are Cards still No.1?