MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Keep Pace In Playoff Race

Sep 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher

(31) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

24. Cincinnati Reds (63-85) The Reds have done something not seen since the early 1900’s, as they have had a rookie as a starting pitcher virtually since Mike Leake and Johnny Cueto were sent out of town at the trade deadline. It has made for some rough nights in Cincinnati as the youngsters are getting their feet wet, but they have to be encouraged by some of the stuff they have seen. Brandon Finnegan won his first start with the Reds this past week, pitching five solid innings against the Brewers. It was a glimpse into the future for the Reds. We also saw something we never thought we would recently, as Joey Votto went berserk on an umpire for not calling time.

23. Detroit Tigers (69-79) Despite their record, the Tigers have proven to be one of the more difficult teams to take on in the stretch run of the season. They still have a very strong lineup, something the Twins and Royals saw first hand this past week, as the Tigers defeated both in series. It is too little too late, but even the pitching staff stepped up, as the Tigers picked up three extra inning victories last week as Ian Krol and Neftali Feliz pitched well in the victories.

22. San Diego Padres (70-80) Despite heading into the final two weeks of the season, the Padres just had their first left-handed starter, Robbie Erlin, take the mound this past weekend. It did not go well, as he made his season debut in Coors Field against the Rockies and got hit hard. They will be starting their last homestand of the season this week, and it could be the last time the Padres fans see players such as Justin Upton or Ian Kennedy in a Padres uniform at Petco Park, as both are impending free agents.

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