Dodgers climb in Post Power Rankings, but remain behind two red-hot contenders

Each week, the California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.Records as of Saturday morning:1) Rays (74-47)For the first time this year, the Rays climb to the top of these standings thanks to their recent nine-game win streak.

Amazingly, they might be coasting the rest of the way, with a 6 ½ game gap between themselves and anyone else in the American League.(Last week: 5th)2) Cubs (72-51)For much of this season, it appeared the Brewers were running away with the NL Central.

But with the Cubs remaining red-hot (8-2 in their last 10), the division race might just be heating up, with the gap down to three games.(Last week: 3rd)3) Dodgers (74-49)The Dodgers course-corrected after their 1-8 slump last week, winning four of five back at Dodger Stadium this week.

Edwin Díaz remains a question mark, but their rotation is quickly emerging as the best in the majors –– and that’s with Shohei Ohtani having yet to return to pitching.(Last week: 6th)4) Brewers (75-48)The Brewers can only hope this week wasn’t a postseason preview.

They were swept in San Diego by a resurgent Padres team they could see again in October.Then, they needed a ninth-inning collapse from Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz to avoid losing two more in a row in Los Angeles.

(Last week: 1st)5) Braves (73-49)It was a fine week for the Braves, but could’ve been better had they been more emphatic about an ABS challenge opportunity that was missed by umpires against the Mets on Monday.Let that moment be a lesson ahead of October: If you’re gonna challenge, make sure the umpires see it.

(Last week: 2nd)6) Yankees (68-54)The George Lombard Jr.era is upon us, spawning big hopes, bigger expectations and perhaps the best jersey-related use of masking tape we’ve ever seen.

Not that it’s helping the banged up Bombers play better than .500 ball this month.(Last week: 7th)7) Red Sox (65-57)Welcome back to Earth to the Red Sox, who followed up their ridiculou...