MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Have Tough Weekend
Aug 16, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) celebrates with St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Randal Grichuk (15) after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
3. Pittsburgh Pirates (69-46) The Pirates pulled off a franchise first over the weekend, as their sweep of the Mets gave them a sweep of the season series against them, the first time that has happened in the history of their franchise. They are riding an MLB-high tying four game winning streak heading into the week, yet they managed to make up only one game on the Cardinals. They have to be happy with how things are going though, as they got excellent efforts from J.A. Happ, Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke against the Mets and even better performances from their bullpen that was taxed with two extra inning games.
2. Kansas City Royals (71-46) The Royals just keep handling business. They won both their series this past week over the Tigers and Angels, widening their division lead to a commanding 12 games. The bullpen looks like it could use a little bit of a rest, as the losses this week can both be connected to that group. But, with the lead that they have, the Royals can afford to get players rest down the stretch that need it, and with rosters expanding in two weeks, should have no trouble finding that rest. Johnny Cueto picked up his first wins in Royal blue this week as well, as he seems to be embracing his role as a leader on this staff.
1. St. Louis Cardinals (75-42) The Cardinals actually had teams gain ground on them this week, yet they still hold a five game lead over the Pirates in large part because they handled them to start the week. Lance Lynn imploding in the series finale is the only thing that kept them from accomplishing that, as they continue to dominate the Pirates at Busch Stadium. They will open this week with a series against the Giants before embarking on a lengthy road trip out west.