MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Keep Pace In Playoff Race
Sep 20, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (31) celebrates his three run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
9. New York Yankees (82-66) The Yankees were able to pick up series wins over the Rays and Mets this past week to keep pace with the Blue Jays. They will now end the road trip with a visit to the Blue Jays, which will pretty much determine if the Yankees can take the AL East or get stuck in the Wild Card game. As if it wasn’t tough enough to face the Blue Jays’ lineup, the Yankees will be at a huge disadvantage on the mound now too with Masahiro Tanaka having his start pushed back; he injured his hamstring bunting against the Mets Friday. So Ivan Nova will take his place and follow Adam Warren and Luis Severino in the rotation. Not exactly the strongest probable starters for the most important series of the season in which the Yankees will be opposed by David Price, Marco Estrada and Marcus Stroman.
8. Texas Rangers (80-69) Who would have thought the Rangers would be in this position heading into the second to last week of the regular season? The Rangers have not only caught the Astros in the AL West, they have overtaken them and hold a 1.5 game lead, with a four-game sweep of them in Arlington this past week being a big reason why. Cole Hamels hasn’t pitched as dominantly with the Rangers as he did with the Phillies at times this season, but he has given the Rangers what they needed, as they have won his last seven starts. Their offense has also gotten it going, with Mike Napoli in the middle of it, having a renaissance coming back to Texas from the Red Sox.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers (85-63) The Dodgers lost a Clayton Kershaw start over the weekend, but it won’t hurt them much as a playoff spot is all but wrapped up. The Giants have fallen off the pace, as the Dodgers now lead the NL West by 7.5 games. Rookie Corey Seager looks like he wants a starting job not only for the remainder of September but in the playoffs as well, as he is slashing .379/.478/.603 in his first 58 at-bats at the major league level.
Next: Mets Feeling The Pressure?