MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Continue To Climb

Aug 23, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets second baseman

(28) and third baseman

(2) celebrate after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

9. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-56) What is wrong with the Dodgers? They are currently riding a five-game losing streak, as they were swept by both the Athletics and Astros this week. They were all close games though, as the Dodgers offense just couldn’t get going. The acquisition of Chase Utley may get to begin playing well because he is back in a pennant race, but it will only make things more difficuly for manager Don Mattingly. Already with a lot of questions regarding his outfield, he now has a log jam in the infield once Howie Kendrick comes back and Enrique Hernandez playing well but going back to the bench. Ace Clayton Kershaw is not pleased with the recent shortcomings, and has called out his teammates saying they need to start playing some more urgency to get things going on the field.

8. New York Yankees (68-55) The Yankees were able to handle business against the Twins, sweeping them to start the week but still can’t figure out the Indians. Losing three of four to them over the weekend has dropped the Yankees from first place behind the Blue Jays again by 0.5 a game. Mark Teixeira’s injury hasn’t hurt them too much yet since Gregory Bird has been strong in his place, but getting the veteran slugger back would be nice. Also, Michael Pineda is returning from the DL early, but will probably just take the place of C.C. Sabathia, who was forced from his start Sunday with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee.

7. New York Mets (67-56) The Mets had a strong week after a rough last weekend against the Pirates, splitting a two game series with the Orioles and then sweeping the Rockies. The Mets offense was on fire, scoring 33 runs in three games, led by a three home run performance by Yoenis Cespedes. Logan Verrett also had a sterling first career start, throwing eight innings of one run baseball in the series finale, no small feat at Coors Field. Can they finish their road trip strong in Philadelphia before returning home to face the Red Sox and continue their stretch of 13 consecutive games against last place teams?

Next: Cubbies still in Top-5?