MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Continue To Climb

Aug 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pinch hitter

(37) connects for a base hit during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

27. Philadelphia Phillies (50-74) The Phillies overall record may be poor, but this is not the same team that was taking the field earlier in the season. With only Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz remaining from their World Series team, this is a new look Phillies team that is surprising opponents recently. 20-12 since the All-Star break, the Phillies no longer seem to be a cakewalk for teams. Ken Giles continues to dominant since replacing Jonathan Papelbon, while we saw a first piece from the Cole Hamels trade making an impact, as Jerad Eickhoff tossed six shutout innings in his MLB debut. Can they continue playing spoiler in the second half of the season?

26. Atlanta Braves (53-71) Things have come unraveled for the Braves, who are now riding a seven game losing streak. Their offense is unable to produce consistently, while the pitching staff is unable to string together anything positive as well. If one does well, the other falters seems to be a daily occurrence. For example, Shelby Miller. Despite his stellar stats, such as a 2.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, he has a 5-10 record and hasn’t recorded a win since May 17th and has lost nine straight decisions. The end of the season cannot come soon enough.

25. Milwaukee Brewers (53-72) The Brewers had a rough week, losing series to the Marlins and resurgent Nationals. On a positive note though, Jimmy Nelson continues to pitch well, as he picked up a victory over the Nationals to start the weekend series. Also, Ryan Braun passed Robin Yount by hitting his 252nd home run of his career Wednesday in a victory over the Marlins. In the victory over the Nationals, Kyle Lohse also picked up his first career save, throwing three innings in relief of Nelson as he has been mercifully removed from the bullpen.

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