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

Sep 19, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder

(34) at bat against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

12. Los Angeles Angels (76-73) The Angels bounced back from a poor series against the Mariners to take three out of four games from the Twins in a huge series. It was a strong recovery on their road trip, that will now end with an even bigger visit to the Astros. If the Angels are to stay in the AL West race or take over a Wild Card spot, they need to defeat the Astros, whom they are currently 2.5 games behind in the standings. The series to start the week will decide the Angels fate this season, as losing the series could put them in too big a hole to come out of. Unfortunately, they will not have ace Garrett Richards on the mound, who shut down the Twins over the weekend.

11. Washington Nationals (78-71) Their playoff hopes were probably crushed when they were swept by the Mets a little over a week ago, which turned into a five-game losing streak. But, they are hanging tough as they have won seven of their last eight to put as much pressure on the Mets as they can. They trail in the NL East by 6 games, which would take another monumental collapse from the Mets to overcome. One thing the Nationals have going for them though is that they have the probable MVP Bryce Harper in their lineup to watch every night, as he is blossoming into one of the best players in the MLB this season.

10. Houston Astros (79-71) The Astros were the darlings of the MLB season throughout the first five months of the season, but they are turning into quite the pumpkin in September. The Astros are 6-12 in September and have fallen out of first place in the AL West, being overtaken by the Rangers. Getting swept by them last week didn’t help at all, but they started their homestand strong by taking a sereis from the Athletics. If they want to stay in the playoffs though, they will need more strong play against the Angels and Rangers this week to finish their homestand. Working in their favor is that they are arguably the most dominant home team in the majors, so they will have an advantage this week, especially with AL Cy Young hopefully Dallas Keuchel starting it and finishing it.

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