MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Surge Back Into Top-10
Jul 12, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) celebrates with relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
12. Tampa Bay Rays (46-45) It was a week of sweeps for the Rays, who were swept in four games by the Royals and then took three games over the weekend from the Astros. The Rays were 2-13 before that sweep, as they have plummeted back down to Earth after a surprisingly strong start. They now sit 3.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East, and will need the offense and bullpen to pick things up if they are to stay in the race. They could become sellers at the deadline though, as veterans such as James Loney or David DeJesus could be on the move.
11. Chicago Cubs (47-40) The Cubs have the unfortunate luck of residing in the NL Central. If they were in another other division, they would be within four games of first place; they are not even within four games of second place in the NL Central as the Pirates and Cardinals are pacing not only the NL but MLB with the two highest win totals in baseball. That shouldn’t diminish anything the Cubs are doing though. They were able to split with the Cardinals this week, but they did lose a weekend series to their rival White Sox. They will have a chance to chip into the deficit they face though, as they will take on the Braves and Reds out of the All-Star break. The need for pitching help may not be as dire anymore either, as Kyle Hendricks holds a 22 2/3 inning scoreless streak and Jon Lester has gotten things on track as well.
10. New York Mets (47-42) The Mets have surged back into the top-10 after a surprisingly strong West Coast trip and sweep of the Diamondbacks at home. A 4-2 road trip against the Dodgers and Giants gave them plenty of momentum and they rode it right through the weekend against the D-Backs. While the offense still leaves something to be desired, they are providing enough for a pitching staff that is on fire. Jon Niese has got things going on the mound, dropping his ERA all the way down to 3.61. That is huge for the Mets, as phenom Steven Matz will miss multiple weeks with a slightly torn muscle on his side.
Next: Yankees a true contender?