MLB power rankings

Check out our latest MLB power rankings

While the Dodgers have rightfully been the runaway favorite to win the National League pennant for a third consecutive year, the Braves are making a case of their own.

The Braves took two of three from the Dodgers in Atlanta over the weekend and looked impressive doing so. Atlanta’s bullpen gave up only one run in 81⁄3 innings in the wins Saturday and Sunday, with new closer Mark Melancon saving both games.

Ronald Acuña Jr., making a run at a 40-40 season, has played his way into the NL MVP conversation, long thought to be a two-man race between the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger and the Brewers’ Christian Yelich, the reigning winner.

With youngsters Mike Soroka and Max Fried pitching so well and veteran Dallas Keuchel in the rotation, Atlanta has the starting pitching it didn’t have last year, a season that ended in a 3-1 Division Series loss to Los Angeles.

If the Braves hang on to win the division, they’ll get a favorable NLDS matchup with the NL Central champions and are primed to meet the Dodgers again in the League Championship Series.

Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ sevenperson panel voted this week:

1. Dodgers (movement from last week, +1): Must be nice having half the season just to sort out your postseason roster.

2. Yankees (+1): They’re 48-16 against the American League East.

3. Astros (-2): Zack Greinke is 3-0 with the Astros and now has 200 career wins.

4. Twins (+1): The only team in the majors this year with six players who have at least 20 homers.

5. Indians (-1): Jose Ramirez in 36 games since the All-Star break: .331 average, 13 HRs, 39 RBI.

6. Braves (+1): Reminder: Ronald Acuña Jr. doesn’t turn 22 until December.

7. Rays (-1): They have seven games left against Baltimore.

8. Athletics (+1): Tanner Roark has given up only five earned runs in his first three starts with Oakland.

9. Nationals (+2): New guys Dakota Hudson and Hunter Strickland need to step up with Sean Doolittle on the IL.

10. Cubs (-2): 41-19 at home but 25-39 away from Wrigley Field.

11. Cardinals (+3): Still have nine games versus the Brewers and seven against the Cubs.

12. Brewers (–): Josh Hader blew four saves in his first five outings of August.

13. Red Sox (–): Chris Sale hits the injured list.

14. Mets (-4): A tough nine-game homestand starts Tuesday: Indians, Braves and Cubs.

15. Phillies (+1): Bryce Harper hit eight homers with 18 RBI in his first 16 games of August.

16. Giants (+2): Kevin Pillar slashing .304/.336/.526 in 35 games since the All-Star break.

17. Diamondbacks (-2): Wilmer Flores is on a 16-for-35 tear to start August.

18. Rangers (-1): Finally healthy and getting regular at-bats, Willie Calhoun is thriving.

19. Reds (–): Aristides Aquino hit 11 homers in his first 17 big-league games.

20. Angels (–): Mike Trout has a 1.314 OPS on the first pitch this season.

21. Padres (–): Fernando Tatis Jr.’s spectacular rookie campaign ends after 84 games.

22. Rockies (–): Nolan Arenado’s still-great OPS is at its lowest since 2014.

23. White Sox (–): Four consecutive quality starts for Lucas Giolito after a rough patch in July.

24. Blue Jays (+1): Cheers to Vlad Jr. for ending the narrative that the Home Run Derby is bad for a hitter.

25. Pirates (-1): After 27 first-half homers, Josh Bell has four in 30 games since the break.

26. Mariners (–): Kyle Seager is enjoying a renaissance in the second half.

27. Marlins (–): Wei-Yin Chen (7.13 ERA in 36 games) is due $22 million in 2020.

28. Royals (–): With the AL’s fewest errors, at least the team’s defense has been good.

29. Orioles (–): Lost the last 16 games against the Yankees, who they don’t have to play again in 2019.

30. Tigers (–): The race is on between Detroit and Baltimore for the No. 1 pick.