TOP OF THE ORDER

Zach Helfand ranks the 30 teams. Last week’s ranking in parentheses, statistics are through Friday:

1. ST. LOUIS:

After the Cardinals were swept by Pittsburgh before the break, it’s suddenly a thrilling divisional race. (1)

2. KANSAS CITY:

Kendrys Morales hasn’t had half a season this good since breaking his leg at home plate in 2010. (2)

3. PITTSBURGH:

How’s this for an All-Star break statement: The sweep of a division rival included two walk-off wins. (3)

4. DODGERS:

Well, at least Dodgers fans are very familiar with blacked-out games. (4)

5. WASHINGTON:

Nobody has an easier remaining schedule than the Nationals. (5)

6. ANGELS:

Mike Trout could become the first player to sweep the MVP and All-Star game MVP awards twice. (6)

7. NEW YORK YANKEES:

Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira combined for 40 home runs in the first half. (8)

8. CHICAGO CUBS:

For all of their youthful hitting, the Cubs are 24th in runs per game. (9)

9. HOUSTON:

That sound? It’s Astros stock being furiously sold. They had a nice run, now it’s time to trade for some help. (7)

10. MINNESOTA:

The Twins haven’t had a winning record since 2010, but they’re a legitimate contender this year. (10)

11. NEW YORK METS:

They could really use David Wright, but he hasn’t played since April and still hasn’t been cleared. (11)

12. SAN FRANCISCO:

Pitching staff is the oldest in baseball. Do the Giants have enough for a second-half run? (16)

13. TEXAS:

Shin-Soo Choo wasn’t in the lineup in the first game after the break. It has been an ugly year for him. (14)

14. ARIZONA:

Paul Goldschmidt is having possibly the quietest season ever for a Triple Crown candidate. (12)

15. DETROIT:

The Tigers need to trade for pitching but with what? Their farm system has been tapped out. (13)

16. BALTIMORE:

Ubaldo Jimenez is having his best year since 2010. He was 7-4 with a 2.81 ERA in the first half. (15)

17. CLEVELAND:

The Indians are playing better but have the third-toughest second-half schedule. (17)

18. CHICAGO WHITE SOX:

No team has scored fewer runs than the White Sox. Per game, only Philadelphia is worse. (18)

19. TORONTO:

Please send

pitching. (20)

20. TAMPA BAY:

The Rays haven’t blown a ninth-inning lead and haven’t overcome a ninth-inning deficit all year. (22)

21. BOSTON:

The American League East is so tight that even the hapless Red Sox are still alive. (21)

22. ATLANTA:

The Braves had a solid first half but they’ll likely be sellers to keep building their young core. (19)

23. CINCINNATI:

Now the league knows what the Reds already did: Todd Frazier is the real deal. (23)

24. SEATTLE:

Can a healthy Hisashi Iwakuma inject some energy into the floundering Mariners? (24)

25. OAKLAND:

Athletics keep losing but remain within shouting distance in the AL West. (25)

26. SAN DIEGO:

The Padres traded away a lot last off-season. In hindsight, probably shouldn’t have. (26)

27. MILWAUKEE:

Taylor Jungmann has been a bright spot. He’s 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in his first seven big league starts. (27)

28. COLORADO:

The Rockies are well on their way to a fifth consecutive losing season. (28)

29. MIAMI:

Without Giancarlo Stanton or Dee Gordon, there’s really no reason to watch the Marlins anymore. (29)

30. PHILADELPHIA:

The Phillies’ top-pitching prospect, Aaron Nola, will debut next week. See, there’s hope. (30)