Each week, the California Post ranks MLB’s 30 teams and takes a look at an interesting awards race. Here’s the latest update (as of Thursday night):
1.) Braves (42-21)
As the Dodgers try to climb back to the top of the rankings, the Braves are just too consistent. They’ve gone 10-5 in their last 15 games and an impressive 32-14 since April 14, on track for nearly 110 wins. Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson are both among the league’s best in OPS, while Ronald Acuña Jr. has been particularly hot with five home runs in his last seven games. (Last week: 1st)
2.) Dodgers (40-23)
Shohei Ohtani seems to have shaken off his slow start and is not only aiming for another MVP season but also making a bid for the National League batting title and possibly a Cy Young Award. (Last week: 2nd)
3.) Yankees (37-25)
After defeating Cleveland, the Yankees avoided a home sweep for the first time this season. Unfortunately, they received distressing news regarding Aaron Judge, who has a stress fracture in his ribs and is expected to be out for at least four to six weeks. This only highlights the widening gap between the top teams and others. (Last week: 3rd)
4.) Brewers (37-23)
The Brewers are on a roll, winning 24 out of their last 34 games. With young star Jackson Chorio back after an injury, he’s been hitting nearly .500 recently. (Last week: 5th)
5.) Phillies (33-29)
Christopher Sanchez may have seen his scoreless innings streak end at 50 2/3, but the Phillies are still doing well. After a series loss to the Dodgers, they bounced back with a sweep over the Padres. (Last week: 6th)
6.) Rays (36-23)
The Rays, despite some recent struggles, remain at the top of the AL East. They’ve lost eight out of their last 10 games, so, well… it’s a time to watch for a potential regression. (Last week: 4th)
7.) Guardians (36-28)
The Guardians have been playing around the .500 mark lately, but they have some breathing room since there’s no strong competition in the American League Central Division right now. (Last week: 9th)
8.) Mariners (33-30)
Making notable progress, the Mariners have won eight games in a row, finally resembling the team that was so close to a World Series win last year. (Last week: 15th)
9.) Cardinals (32-28)
Even though the Cardinals sit in the bottom half of the league in points scored and ERA, they remain competitive. Their standout closer, Riley O’Brien, is generating trade buzz, but they don’t seem inclined to sell just yet. (Last week: 8th)
10.) Cubs (33-30)
The Cubs have impressed this season, with significant stretches of winning. Just recently, they turned a ninth-inning three-run deficit into a walk-off victory. Definitely a team with grit! (Last week: 7th)
11.) Pirates (34-29)
Paul Skeens has struggled lately, but the Pirates still hold one of the National League’s wild-card spots thanks to a solid overall performance this season. (Last week: 12th)
12.) Diamondbacks (33-29)
The D-backs’ attempts to land top pitchers have had mixed results, including Corbin Burnes’ Tommy John surgery. On the bright side, Eduardo Rodriguez is showing signs of good performance. (Last week: 10th)
13.) Padres (32-29)
After a strong start, the Padres have struggled, losing 11 of their last 14 games and falling well behind in standings. At least Fernando Tatis Jr. has finally hit a home run! (Last week: 11th)
14.) White Sox (33-29)
With Munetaka Murakami out for several weeks, the White Sox still maintain momentum, thanks to players like Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery stepping up in the lineup. (Last week: 14th)
15.) Reds (31-30)
The Reds find themselves stuck in a tough position in the National League Central, remaining competitive but still on the bottom end of the division. (Last week: 13th)
16.) Blue Jays (30-33)
The Blue Jays managed to bounce back from a tough beginning to their season but have hit a rough patch again, facing a four-game losing streak. (Last week: 16th)
17.) Athletics (30-32)
The Athletics have sparked some hope for a future baseball team in Sacramento but remain stuck in mediocrity. (Last week: 17th)
18.) Nationals (31-32)
With James Wood performing well, it would be great to see him in an All-Star Game, but the rebuilding Nats may not have fans to support that. (Last week: 18th)
19.) Rangers (30-32)
Jacob deGrom achieved his 100th career win amidst Texas’ recent winning streak. However, his name might surface in trade talks as the season progresses. (Last week: 19th)
20.) Orioles (30-33)
The Orioles managed to win their series at Fenway Park, proving they’re not the worst team in the AL East by winning nine out of 13 games recently. (Last week: 24th)
21.) Astros (28-36)
With Josh Hader returning from injury, the Astros still have an ERA above 5.00, which isn’t conducive to securing saves. (Last week: 20th)
22.) Mets (27-35)
Mets fans could use a diversion, especially since they seem to be struggling. Interestingly, last year they had the best record around this time but missed the playoffs. Now, what does that say for this season? (Last week: 21st)
23.) Red Sox (26-35)
There were some humorous moments involving the interim third base coach, but the struggling Red Sox could definitely use a bit of levity. (Last week: 22nd)
24.) Twins (29-35)
This year’s AL Central division isn’t looking great, as the Twins find themselves in third place behind teams that weren’t expected to do as well. (Last week: 23rd)
25.) Marlins (29-34)
Some college basketball excitement has been mixed in with the Marlins’ season. At least it’s nice to have events to distract from their current struggles. (Last week: 25th)
26.) Royals (25-38)
The approaching World Cup might help the Kansas City market forget about the Royals’ dismal season. (Last week: 26th)
27.) Giants (25-38)
In a bid to address struggles, the Giants opted to change their third base coach, possibly hoping for a turnaround. (Last week: 27th)
28.) Tigers (25-38)
The Tigers finally secured a series win after weeks of difficulties. However, the trade rumors surrounding Tariq Skubal continue to linger. (Last week: 29th)
29.) Rockies (24-39)
The Rockies squeezed out a win against the Angels, but optimism continues to feel distant for them. (Last week: 30th)
30.) Angels (24-39)
Joe Adell might have had a memorable moment recently, hitting three home runs. However, his more recent performance left some scratching their heads. (Last week: 28th)
Award Tracker: National League Cy Young
1.) Christopher Sanchez, Phillies (7 wins, 2 losses, ERA 1.46, 86 1/3 innings, 103 strikeouts, WHIP 1.09)
Sanchez’s impressive scoreless innings streak ended this week, reminding us of Orel Hershiser’s record from 1988. Sanchez had a phenomenal stretch, though it didn’t quite match Hershiser’s historic run.
2.) Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers (6-2, 1.65 ERA, 71 IP, 108 Ks, 0.79 WHIP)
Misiorowski dominated last month with an incredible performance, allowing just one run over six starts and 38 1/3 innings.
3.) Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (6 wins, 2 losses, ERA 0.74, 61 IP, 67 strikeouts, WHIP 0.79)
Ohtani remains a top choice for big games, yet he’s falling behind in total innings compared to Sanchez or Misiorowski. Performance in length of innings is crucial for Cy Young consideration.
