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

Sep 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman

(21) after the Mets defeated the New York Yankees 5-1at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

6. New York Mets (84-66) The Mets may have lost series to the Marlins and Yankees this past week, but they still sit a comfortable six games ahead of the Nationals in the NL East because of a sweep over the said Nationals 10 days ago and their fourth seven-plus game winning streak of the season. While the Mets still have some work to do to win the division, they can start piecing things together for the postseason. The first thing they have to be happy about was seeing Matt Harvey deliver five dominant innings despite not pitching in 12 days. It was encouraging to see him perform well with the extra rest and team and him coming to an agreement on how he should be used down the stretch. Now it is time for Jacob deGrom to get a rest, as the Mets will skip his start Tuesday against the Braves and use Logan Verrett in his place.

5. Toronto Blue Jays (85-64) The Blue Jays still hold a 2.5 game lead over the Yankees in the AL East, but they still have some problems that reared their head this past weekend; also known as the bullpen. The bullpen blew both games they lost over the weekend to the Red Sox, as it still remains an Achilles heel at time for the team. Also, the healthy of Troy Tulowitzki is very important, as he is progressing from his broken shoulder but no one knows when he will return yet. One positive for the team though is the return of Marcus Stroman, who looks every bit recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in spring training. He will be a huge boost to the rotation down the stretch and in the postseason.

4. Kansas City Royals (87-62) It’s hard to say a team with an 11 game lead in their division is in panic mode or free falling, but the Royals are definitely trying to see what it will take. The Royals have been very pedestrian in September, whether it be because they are bored with how big a lead they built or they are coming back to earth. Whatever it is, the Royals need to figure it out in the coming days as they prepare for the postseason. Also, what is wrong with Johnny Cueto? His adjustment to the AL has not gone well, who is winless in his last six starts with a 5.12 ERA with the Royals. Not exactly front of the rotation stuff the Royals were hoping for to push them over the top.

Next: Cards still No.1?