MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Keeping Pace

Aug 30, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder

(3) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

12. Washington Nationals (66-63) The Nationals are beginning to come alive it looks like. They took series from the Brewers and Marlins this past week, giving them four consecutive series victories. A reason for the turnaround has been Jayson Werth waking up at the plate. Ryan Zimmerman has also continued producing runs despite a low batting average, while Ian Desmond is also getting things going. Unfortunately, they will be without their catalyst in Denard Span, who is undergoing hip surgery and will miss the season; that means Michael Taylor will be taking over everyday in centerfield

11. San Francisco Giants (69-61) The Giants came out of the week the same way they entered it; eight games over .500 after taking two of three from the Cubs but losing two of three to the Cardinals. They sit 3.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, as that seems to be the only way for them to make the playoffs. They will have a chance to make some of that up this week, as they start a road trip off against the Dodgers. They have their three best pitchers lined up in Jake Peavy, Madison Bumgarner and Mike Leake going; unfortunately the Dodgers will have Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. This could be a make or break series for the Giants.

10. New York Yankees (72-57) The Yankees started the week in a tough way, as they got blown out by the Astros in the last two games of their series after taking the series opener. What they felt against the Astros they put on the Braves over the weekend, as they destroyed Atlanta to start their road trip. They blew the Braves out in two games, scoring 15 and 20 runs sandwiched between a 3-1 victory behind rookie Luis Severino. The performance of the offense was impressive with Mark Teixeira possibly being out longer than originally thought. Brian McCann enjoyed his homecoming, as he went 3-10 with five runs, seven RBI and five walks. Will the offense continue producing against the improved Red Sox and Rays this week?

Next: Mets Holding Steady