The top five continues to pace Major League Baseball as we hit the middle of May.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (28-13) | Last week: 1
An uncharacteristic outing for Zack Wheeler (six runs allowed) was part of an extra-inning loss to the Marlins, but the Phillies have the most series wins of any club this season.
2. Baltimore Orioles (26-13) | Last week: 2
The Orioles have matched their best start in franchise history through 38 games, and both of those previous teams in 1969 and 1970 won the American League. One concern is the status of the bullpen with closer Craig Kimbrel struggling.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15) | Last week: 3
The Dodgers are 8-2 in their past ten games and own the best run differential in baseball (+74). Walker Buehler now has a couple of starts under his belt in his first action since 2022.
4. Atlanta Braves (24-13) | Last week: 5 (+1)
The Braves could not complete the weekend sweep after the Mets came back to win in the ninth inning yesterday, and we’ll have to keep an eye on Austin Riley after he left the loss with side tightness.
5. New York Yankees (27-15) | Last week: 4 (-1)
It was a strong week for the Yankees, with series wins over the rival Astros and Rays—including a 10-6 victory to cap the weekend at Tampa. Jose Trevino homered twice yesterday as part of an excellent performance from the bottom of the lineup.
6. Minnesota Twins (24-16) | Last week: 8 (+2)
Minnesota has stayed hot, taking three-of-four from the Mariners before winning the weekend series at the Jays. They’re a half-game back of Cleveland in the AL Central.
7. Cleveland Guardians (25-16) | Last week: 6 (-1)
The Guardians have cooled off, and losing three games to the White Sox is obviously not great. This is a big week, first at Texas and then hosting the Twins.
8. Milwaukee Brewers (24-16) | Last week: 10 (+2)
Three homers for free-agent signing Rhys Hoskins last week pushes him to nine on the young season. Milwaukee was able to send St. Louis further down the standings with three victories in their four-game series.
9. Kansas City Royals (25-17) | Last week: 13 (+4)
The Royals started last week by taking their series versus the Brewers, and they’ve certainly earned a spot in the top ten with the way they’ve played to this point.
10. Chicago Cubs (24-17) | Last week: 9 (-1)
Kyle Hendricks allowed just one run over 5.2 innings in his return from the Injured List, with the Cubs eventually topping the Pirates in extras. However, shortstop Dansby Swanson hit the IL with a knee sprain.
11. Texas Rangers (22-20) | Last week: 7 (-4)
12. Seattle Mariners (22-19) | Last week: 11 (-1)
13. Boston Red Sox (21-19) | Last week: 12 (-1)
14. San Diego Padres (22-21) | Last week: 15 (+1)
15. Tampa Bay Rays (20-21) | Last week: 14 (-1)
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (19-22) | Last week: 18 (+2)
17. Detroit Tigers (20-20) | Last week: 17
18. New York Mets (19-20) | Last week: 22 (+4)
19. Washington Nationals (19-20) | Last week: 16 (-3)
20. Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) | Last week: 20
21. San Francisco Giants (19-23) | Last week: 26 (+5)
22. Oakland Athletics (19-23) | Last week: 19 (-3)
23. Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23) | Last week: 23
24. Houston Astros (15-25) | Last week: 24
25. St. Louis Cardinals (16-24) | Last week: 25
26. Cincinnati Reds (17-23) | Last week: 21 (-5)
27. Los Angeles Angels (15-26) | Last week: 27
28. Colorado Rockies (12-28) | Last week: 30 (+2)
29. Chicago White Sox (12-29) | Last week: 29
30. Miami Marlins (11-31) | Last week: 28 (-2)