MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Fall At Bad Time

Sep 6, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter

(34) gets a hug from Boston Red Sox shortstop

after hitting a two-run home run, the 497th of his career during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

21. San Diego Padres (65-72) The Padres had a chance to play spoiler this week, but it didn’t go too well. They got handled rather easily by the Rangers and Dodgers for a poor 2-5 start to their homestand. This is two consecutive tough weeks for the Padres, who looked like they were poised to reach .500 again after taking a weekend series from the Cardinals but have since cooled off again. One player they are happy to finally see producing is the much maligned Jedd Gyorko, who has started hitting during August.

20. Baltimore Orioles (65-71) No team has tailspun out of contention quite like the Orioles. They have lost 15 of their last 19 games as they just continue to fall down the standings. Their offense has been the big problem during this stretch, as Chris Davis has been the only one to provide any sort of consistent production at the plate. He already has 40 home runs and 100 RBI on the season, but no one else has even reached 70 runs batted in yet. 6.5 games and six teams to jump seems like a bit of a tall task for a team to overcome this late in the season. If they want to have any chance at it, taking care of business against the Yankees and Royals this week would be a good way to start.

19. Boston Red Sox (64-72) The Red Sox may be out of the playoff race, but they are playing much better baseball recently. A big reason has been the turnaround on the mound, where guys like Joe Kelly and Wade Miley have found their stride a little bit. Even Rick Porcello has looked better, striking out a career-high 13 Yankees this past week despite getting stuck with a loss. Also, they have figured things out with their lineup, as they have looked much better with an outfield of Jackie Bradley Jr. in left field, Mookie Betts in center and Rusney Castillo in right field. You’ll notice Hanley Ramirez missing from that setup and that is because the Red Sox have scrapped the Ramirez in leftfield plan. He is currently on the DL with a shoulder problem, but even if he returns this season it will not be as leftfielder; instead it will be as either a DH or first baseman.

Next: Indians trying to hang in Wild Card race