1. Red Sox (80-34; last week: 1)
A sweep of the Yankees has the Red Sox in even better shape in the American League East. The team now has a nine-game lead in the division. That number was just two a month ago.">
1. Red Sox (80-34; last week: 1)
A sweep of the Yankees has the Red Sox in even better shape in the American League East. The team now has a nine-game lead in the division. That number was just two a month ago.
2. Astros (73-42; last week: 3)
The Astros jumped out of their recent losing streak by winning six of their next seven games. The Astros came into the season with a deep roster, but that’s being tested now. Losing George Springer and Lance McCullers Jr. puts pressure on Houston to stay on top.">
2. Astros (73-42; last week: 3)
The Astros jumped out of their recent losing streak by winning six of their next seven games. The Astros came into the season with a deep roster, but that’s being tested now. Losing George Springer and Lance McCullers Jr. puts pressure on Houston to stay on top.
3. Yankees (70-42; last week: 2)
Getting swept by the Red Sox was a big blow to a Yankees team that appeared to be surging. While the club is in great shape, the A’s are suddenly threatening to take away the first wild-card spot from New York. It would help if Aaron Judge was able to return from his wrist injury soon.">
3. Yankees (70-42; last week: 2)
Getting swept by the Red Sox was a big blow to a Yankees team that appeared to be surging. While the club is in great shape, the A’s are suddenly threatening to take away the first wild-card spot from New York. It would help if Aaron Judge was able to return from his wrist injury soon.
4. Athletics (67-47; last week: 8)
The Athletics have lost just once since the last time we did this list, so they find themselves shooting up the power rankings. One-run games continue to fuel their dominance. They are 21-9 in those games in 2018 thanks to a strong bullpen.">
4. Athletics (67-47; last week: 8)
The Athletics have lost just once since the last time we did this list, so they find themselves shooting up the power rankings. One-run games continue to fuel their dominance. They are 21-9 in those games in 2018 thanks to a strong bullpen.
5. Cubs (66-47; last week: 4)
Maybe Cole Hamels was exactly what the Cubs needed. In two starts with the team, he’s given up just one run over 11 innings. He’s struck out 11 and walked three in those starts, adding stability to a spotty Cubs rotation.">
5. Cubs (66-47; last week: 4)
Maybe Cole Hamels was exactly what the Cubs needed. In two starts with the team, he’s given up just one run over 11 innings. He’s struck out 11 and walked three in those starts, adding stability to a spotty Cubs rotation.
6. Brewers (65-51; last week: 6)
The Brewers splurging to acquire Christian Yelich and sign Lorenzo Cain has worked out thus far. By fWAR, Yelich and Cain are neck and neck as the best two players on the club this season. The pair has given Milwaukee the best top of the order in baseball.">
6. Brewers (65-51; last week: 6)
The Brewers splurging to acquire Christian Yelich and sign Lorenzo Cain has worked out thus far. By fWAR, Yelich and Cain are neck and neck as the best two players on the club this season. The pair has given Milwaukee the best top of the order in baseball.
7. Mariners (65-49; last week: 5)
After being in the second wild-card spot for a while, the Mariners were finally toppled by the Athletics. They’ll have to turn things around quickly. The M’s play 16 straight games against teams over .500 in August.">
7. Mariners (65-49; last week: 5)
After being in the second wild-card spot for a while, the Mariners were finally toppled by the Athletics. They’ll have to turn things around quickly. The M’s play 16 straight games against teams over .500 in August.
8. Indians (62-50; last week: 10)
As expected, Cleveland is absolutely destroying teams in the America League Central. The team has a 33-16 record against teams in their division. They are under .500 against the Yankees, Astros, Mariners and A’s, though, so there’s still work to be done.">
8. Indians (62-50; last week: 10)
As expected, Cleveland is absolutely destroying teams in the America League Central. The team has a 33-16 record against teams in their division. They are under .500 against the Yankees, Astros, Mariners and A’s, though, so there’s still work to be done.
9. D-backs (63-52; last week: 9)
The Diamondbacks might have a chance to break away in the National League West soon. The team will play 11 straight games against teams with sub-.500 records in August.">
9. D-backs (63-52; last week: 9)
The Diamondbacks might have a chance to break away in the National League West soon. The team will play 11 straight games against teams with sub-.500 records in August.
10. Dodgers (63-51; last week: 7)
The Dodgers find themselves fighting for a postseason spot in a surprisingly tough division. They not only have to topple the D-Backs and hold off the Rockies, but they also have to finish with a better record than the Brewers, Phillies and Braves to guarantee a postseason spot. A couple really good teams are going to miss out on the postseason in 2018.">
10. Dodgers (63-51; last week: 7)
The Dodgers find themselves fighting for a postseason spot in a surprisingly tough division. They not only have to topple the D-Backs and hold off the Rockies, but they also have to finish with a better record than the Brewers, Phillies and Braves to guarantee a postseason spot. A couple really good teams are going to miss out on the postseason in 2018.
