MLB power rankings:
The Cody Bellinger-led Dodgers’ offense launches Los Angeles into first place.
The MLB season is a marathon, and it’s often difficult to glean meaningful information from the first month or so. But a few teams have established themselves as surefire contenders.
Even coming off consecutive World Series trips, the Dodgers were somewhat of an unknown heading into 2019.
The team didn’t improve much, if at all, over the offseason, while a handful of other National League clubs got plenty better.
About 30 games into the season however, the Dodgers are looking very much like the team to beat on the Senior Circuit. Seeking their seventh consecutive division title, Los Angeles led the NL in runs and home runs through April 28 and took back the top spot in this week’s USA TODAY power rankings.
How our eight-person panel voted this week (records and statistics through games of April 28):
1. Dodgers, 19-11 (+2 from last week): Cody Bellinger is off to one of the best starts in history.
2. Rays, 18-9 (–): The starters’ 2.07 ERA through April 28 is tops in baseball by a full run.
3. Astros, 17-11 (-2): Roberto Osuna had yet to walk a batter through 121⁄3 innings.
4. Yankees, 17-11 (+7): The lineup looks like it belongs in a split-squad game, but they’re hanging on.
5. Cardinals, 17-10 (+4): Marcell Ozuna is raking after a disappointing first year in St. Louis.
6. Twins, 16-9 (+1): Led the majors in slugging (.513) through April 28.
7. Indians, 15-12 (+1): Francisco Lindor hits three homers in his first seven games of 2019.
8. Phillies, 16-12 (-3): Aaron Nola (5.68 ERA in six starts) has been their least effective starter.
9. Mariners, 18-13 (-4): Roenis Elias has become a valuable lefty arm out of the bullpen.
10. Cubs, 14-12 (+6): Kris Bryant might finally be turning the corner.
11. Padres, 16-12 (+4): Chris Paddack’s first five starts: 1.67 ERA, 30 K in 27 innings.
12. Brewers, 15-14 (-8): Josh Hader averaging better than 2 Ks per inning.
13. Mets, 14-13 (-1): When do they start to panic about Noah Syndergaard (and Jacob deGrom)?
14. Diamondbacks, 16-13 (+6): David Peralta showing last year’s power surge was no fluke.
15. Braves, 13-14 (-2): The struggles at the back end of the bullpen continue. Craig Kimbrel reunion inevitable?
16. Blue Jays, 14-14 (+8): The Vlad Guerrero Jr. era is upon us ... at long last.
17. Nationals, 12-14 (-3): First team to ever have 3 players under 22 homer in same game: Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Carter Kieboom.
18. Rockies, 13-15 (+3): With Nolan Arenado heating up and Daniel Murphy back from injury, watch this Colorado team.
19. Red Sox, 11-17 (-2): Chris Sale is 0-5 but some positive signs in his two most recent starts.
20. Pirates, 12-14 (-10): Josh Bell quietly putting together a great start: 1.108 OPS in 26 games.
21. Athletics, 14-16 (-3): Matt Chapman might be the best third baseman in baseball.
22. Rangers, 14-13 (-3): Joey Gallo is on pace to compete for the single-season strikeout record of 223.
23. Reds, 11-16 (-1): Luis Castillo (1.23 ERA in six starts) has been the NL’s best pitcher so far.
24. Tigers, 12-14 (-1): Only one home run in Miguel Cabrera’s first 99 at-bats.
25. Angels, 12-17 (–): Shohei Ohtani should be returning to the lineup soon-ish.
26. White Sox, 11-14 (+1): Tim Anderson just keeps on hitting.
27. Giants, 11-17 (-1): Quite possibly the least interesting team in baseball.
28. Royals, 9-19 (+1): Hunter Dozier is crushing the ball.
29. Orioles, 10-19 (-1): Might have found an everyday player in Dwight Smith Jr.
30. Miami Marlins, 8-20 (–): Scored all of 78 runs through 28 games.