Braves remain atop Power Rankings

Austin Riley’s home run spree is another reason the Braves remain atop of Our Esquina’s Power Ranking once again. It might be safe to say that Riley is upset he wasn’t an All-Star because he has been great since the All-Star break. 

Riley’s post All-Star Game numbers are extraordinary. He has managed 11 hits, a double and a triple. Riley has also homered six times, which he hit in five straight games. 

With Ronald Acuña Jr. chasing a 40-40 season, Spencer Strider contending for the Cy Young and Riley hitting home runs, it’ll be difficult to dethrone the Braves from atop of the rankings. 

No. 2. Baltimore Orioles

There is a new leader in the AL East, and that team is the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are 7-3 in their last 10 games and won a crucial series against Tampa Bay. They have sneaked their way to the top of the Power Rankings. 

Baltimore took advantage of their home field, as late game heroics were key to taking three out of four. 

In all three victories the Orioles scored in the seventh inning or later. That was all Felix Bautista needed to seal the deal. He picked up two saves and a win, to give the Orioles sole possession of first place. 

No. 3. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers stormed to the third spot as they beat two playoff-caliber teams. On the road in Baltimore and Texas, the Dodgers took two out of three from both clubs. 

A pair of big stars helped the Dodgers get past the Rangers. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman had the long ball working. Muncy hit a grand slam, and Freeman hit three home runs against Texas. 

Freeman was crucial in both series. He tallied seven RBIs and 12 hits this past week. With Arizona struggling a bit, the Dodgers have extended their NL West lead to four games. 

No. 4. Texas Rangers

The Rangers started the week sweeping the Rays, but ended it losing two to the Dodgers. The Rangers’ pitching performances against Tampa Bay were great. As a pitching staff they only allowed six runs in the three games. 

However their fortunes changed against Los Angeles. The Rangers were outscored 31-16 and allowed the Dodgers to record 39 hits. 

The Rangers still have a three-game lead in the AL West. The Rangers have a great opportunity to rebound and extend their lead against the 2022 World Series Champions. 

No. 5. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have gone from red hot to ice cold. They have yet to win a series after the All-Star break, and they are now the second seed in the AL East. 

The Rays’ bats have hit a cold streak coming out of the break. They only have one game where they have scored more than five runs. While their pitching has been the most consistent, the offensive is lacking behind.

The Rays will look to take advantage of a struggling Miami team to turn things around. 

No. 6. Houston Astros

At the 100-game mark the Astros have won 56 games, which is fewer than their average the past few years. However, the Astros are only three games back from first place in the AL West.

The Astros were led by Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. Tucker became the 16th Astro to hit three home runs in one game. He contributed six RBIs this week.

Alex Bregman launched his share of home runs as well. He homered in three straight games, guiding the Astros to a series win in Oakland.

The Astros will have an exciting matchup at home against the Rangers. They will have a chance to close the margin and potentially be tied for first place. 

No. 7. Toronto Blue Jays, No. 8. Milwaukee Brewers, No. 9. Cincinnati Reds, No. 10 Arizona Diamondbacks

After being 2-8 in their last 10 games, the Marlins have fallen off the Power Rankings, while a sweep of the Diamondbacks have helped the Reds jump to ninth this week. 

As the Power Rankings conclude, the Brewers still have a half-game lead on the NL Central, and Toronto is trying to hold on to the last Wild Card spot.