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

Sep 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman

(16) and pitcher

Jr (28) celebrate a win against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Boston defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

18. Boston Red Sox (71-77) The Red Sox playoff hopes are gone, but they are still playing spoiler to the enjoyment of the Yankees. The Red Sox took a weekend series from the Blue Jays for the second consecutive week, as they are helping out their biggest rivals in the playoff standings. Henry Owens has bounced back from his disastrous start against the Yankees by giving up one run in his last 13 innings. Joe Kelly had his winning streak snapped at seven though, as he was forced from his last start with shoulder soreness and will be shutdown for the season. David Ortiz also continues his climb up the career home run list.

17. Baltimore Orioles (73-76) The Orioles season may be in the dumps, but they are playing like a team with something still at stake. They haven’t lost any of their last four series played, playing spoiler to teams like the Yankees and Royals. They will finish up their last road trip of the season with visits to the Nationals and Red Sox this week before wrapping up the season at home. The biggest thing to keep an eye on right now with the Orioles is if Chris Davis can hold off Nelson Cruz for the home run lead in the AL.

16. Seattle Mariners (73-77) While the Mariners have a losing record and the playoffs are a longshot at best being six games behind, this is not a team you want to face fighting for a playoff spot. They are playing some of their best ball of the season recently, losing only one of their last eight series. Robinson Cano has finally joined the party with Nelson Cruz in the middle of the order, while the Mariners look to have found a leadoff man in Ketel Marte. The pitching staff has also looked better with Tom Wilhelmsen closing games, as Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma have gotten on track in the starting rotation.

Next: Giants season in trouble