MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Continue To Climb

Aug 23, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher

(17) pitches during the twelfth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Minnesota Twins defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

18. San Diego Padres (61-63) The Padres put together a five-game winning streak this week, sweeping the Braves and then taking the first two games of the series against the Cardinals before being handled in the finale by Michael Wacha. The NL Wild Card race is essentially sewed up with the Pirates and Cubs running away with it, but the recent struggles of the Giants and Dodgers could have the Padres thinking NL West. They will need a couple more five-game winning streaks to truly get back into things, but Ian Kennedy continuing to pitch as well as he has been would help. Kennedy’s ERA of 4.01 continues to improve as he is setting himself up for nice payday as a free agent.

17. Tampa Bay Rays (62-62) The Rays could rightfully be disappointed at where they sit right now, as the two games they lost to the Astros both came in extra innings. Just a better pitch earlier or better execution at the plate and the Rays could have had a huge four-game sweep of the AL West leading Astros. But, a split on the road isn’t the worst, especially when you follow it up with a series win on the road against the Athletics. Getting Drew Smyly in the rotation will help give support to Chris Archer as the Rays look to make one final push for an AL Wild Card spot.

16. Baltimore Orioles (62-61) A split with the Mets to start the week had the Orioles homestand starting strong after a four-game sweep of the Athletics. But, a four game sweep at the hands of the Twins has the Orioles in a tough spot heading into a road trip that they will visit the Royals and Rangers during. Not the way you want to head into such an important week. They will have to hope guys like Chris Tillman and Miguel Gonzalez figure things out, or else teams with the offenses of the Royals and Rangers will pick them apart.

Next: Will the Nats get it together?