Dodgers fall in The Posts MLB Power Rankings; Shohei Ohtani slips in MVP race
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) Brewers (84-51)The Brewers have been getting good news on and off the field.
In the standings, they have some breathing room for the best record in baseball.And in a major relief this week, they announced that Dustin May somehow avoided injury after taking a 106 mph comebacker off his shoulder in his last start.
(Last week: 1st)2) Braves (80-55)The Braves had been going in the wrong direction recently.But it was nothing a sweep of the Dodgers –– which was punctuated by Chris Sale’s shutout –– couldn’t fix.
Also encouraging: AJ Smith-Shawver looked sharp in his return from injury.(Last week: 6th)3) Dodgers (81-54)The Dodgers aren’t in a free-fall.
But they are just 2-13 in the last month against opponents with winning records, and continue to scuffle offensively.Also, Shohei Ohtani still isn’t 100%, which has left his pitching status unclear.
(Last week: 2nd)4) Rays (80-54)Amid what has been a special season in their return to Tropicana Field, the Rays got good stadium news this week, after their planned new ballpark (and surrounding commercial district) was greenlit by the local government.Asking now that it be called Trop 2.0.
(Last week: 5) Yankees (76-58)George Lombard Jr.isn’t Derek Jeter yet, after making dubious history with errors in six-straight games.
But the Yankees keep winning, and should be getting Aaron Judge and Company back from the IL soon.(Last week: 5th)6) Cubs (76-59)The Cubs are doing that thing again.
Prone to extreme highs and lows all season, they are beginning to trend back in the wrong direction, going from a 9-2 stretch to start this month to a 5-9 slide since.That probably takes care of the NL Central hopes once and for all, and leaves them hoping to get hot again before October rolls around.
(Last week: 3rd) California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered...