We have one more week of action until the All-Star break, and it seems like almost every time could use a soft reset.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (58-32) | Last week: 1
A scorching Trea Turner has led the way with Bryce Harper (hamstring), J.T. Realmuto (knee), and Kyle Schwarber (groin) out of action, but Atlanta was able to take the weekend series to stay within striking distance in the NL East. Fortunately, it sounds like Harper and Schwarber might be back for the start of tomorrow’s series versus the Dodgers.
2. Baltimore Orioles (57-33) | Last week: 2
Baltimore has rebounded nicely with three series victories since being swept by the Astros, and the weekend showdown against the struggling Yankees could allow them to separate in the division—though AL Cy Young favorite Corbin Burnes (9-3 with a 2.32 ERA) pitches on Wednesday and then probably won’t make his next start until potentially taking the ball in the Midsummer Classic.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (55-36) | Last week: 4 (+1)
The Dodgers are one of many teams hovering around .500 over the past ten games, but they need to be ready for the challenge this week at a hostile Citizens Bank Park. You can bet on the crowd letting Shohei Ohtani hear it about the gambling saga that swirled in the spring, so we’ll see how he handles it.
4. Cleveland Guardians (56-32) | Last week: 5 (+1)
Don’t look now, but the Guardians are “tied” with the Orioles as the top team in the AL, and they have the fewest losses in baseball along with Philadelphia. A 4-2 week came without Jose Ramirez (76 RBI on the season) knocking anyone in, and first-time All-Star selection Bo Naylor was the hero on Sunday with a pinch-hit home run that was the difference in a win over the Giants.
5. New York Yankees (55-37) | Last week: 3 (-2)
Despite a 14-run explosion on Saturday, the Yankees were shutout last night to lose the series versus the rival Red Sox—and the lineup just doesn’t feel very dangerous right now behind the top three of rookie Ben Rice (who belted three homers on Saturday), Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (53-38) | Last week: 6
The Brewers avoided a sweep against the Dodgers with a 9-2 victory yesterday, but the four-game split versus the Rockies before that extended their struggles in Colorado. Milwaukee will host the Pirates and Nationals before the break, and both teams are dangerous as they hope to remain in contention.
7. Atlanta Braves (49-39) | Last week: 7
The Braves have a case to move up a spot or two after taking another series versus the Phillies, and they feel like an opponent that could be trouble for Philly in October (even after losing to them in each of the past two postseasons). Jarred Kelenic has been a key contributor with Michael Harris II (hamstring) down.
8. Minnesota Twins (51-39) | Last week: 8
Cleveland might be too far ahead and too good to catch in the AL Central, but Minnesota has cleared 50 wins and get a great opportunity to stay hot with a series against the White Sox beginning tomorrow. The group could even be sparked by Carlos Correa being their only All-Star selection with arguments for a few others to have made it as well.
9. Boston Red Sox (49-40) | Last week: 12 (+3)
Boston went 5-1 and capped off the week with a series win over the Yankees—finished off by a combined shutout led by an efficient Kutter Crawford last night. Boston is another team that should keep it going as the Athletics come to town, but the Royals and Dodgers will be tougher tests before and after the break.
10. Seattle Mariners (49-43) | Last week: 9 (-1)
The Astros are now just 2.0 games behind Seattle in the AL West, and don’t sleep on the defending champion Rangers (6.0 games back) as they get healthier. Still, it’s the Mariners remaining at the top for now, and Julio Rodriguez (groin) is thought to be OK after hurting his quad in pre-game warmups on Saturday.
11. Kansas City Royals (49-43) | Last week: 10 (-1)
12. St. Louis Cardinals (47-42) | Last week: 13 (+1)
13. San Diego Padres (49-45) | Last week: 11 (-2)
14. Houston Astros (46-44) | Last week: 14
15. Arizona Diamondbacks (45-45) | Last week: 16 (+1)
16. New York Mets (44-44) | Last week: 17 (+1)
17. Tampa Bay Rays (44-46) | Last week: 15 (-2)
18. Texas Rangers (42-48) | Last week: 20 (+2)
19. San Francisco Giants (44-47) | Last week: 19
20. Pittsburgh Pirates (42-47) | Last week: 18 (-2)
21. Washington Nationals (42-48) | Last week: 21
22. Cincinnati Reds (42-48) | Last week: 22
23. Chicago Cubs (42-49) | Last week: 23
24. Detroit Tigers (42-48) | Last week: 25 (+1)
25. Toronto Blue Jays (41-49) | Last week: 24 (-1)
26. Los Angeles Angels (37-52) | Last week: 26
27. Oakland Athletics (34-58) | Last week: 28 (+1)
28. Colorado Rockies (32-58) | Last week: 29 (+1)
29. Miami Marlins (32-58) | Last week: 27 (-2)
30. Chicago White Sox (26-66) | Last week: 30