AL East Division is looking wildest in MLB
The year after combining for 298 wins, the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox are primed for an intense three-way race in the American League East Division, the likes of which we haven’t seen in quite some time.
Indeed, going into Monday, the Yankees hold a half-game lead over the Rays after taking two of three in the Bronx this weekend. The Red Sox entered the day 41⁄2 games back but have won 18 of 27 games since falling seven games below .500 on April 17.
It’s going to be a war of attrition as these three teams beat each other up for the next few months. The Yankees and Rays face off eight times in July, and the Red Sox have one stretch of 13 consecutive games against the other two.
Who knows how things will look come the end of the summer, but for now, sit back and enjoy the show.
Here’s how USA TODAY’s eight-person panel voted this week (records and statistics through Sunday; movement from last week reflected in parentheses):
1. Astros, 31-16 (–) It’s mid-May, and they already have two 10-game winning streaks.
2. Dodgers, 31-17 (–) Not quite the Clayton Kershaw of old, but five quality starts in his first six outings.
3. Rays, 27-17 (–) Returning from injury, Austin Meadows picked up right where he left.
4. Twins, 30-16 (–) Byron Buxton’s first 17 games in May: .322/.385./.610, 3 HRs.
5. Yankees, 28-17 (+1) Aaron Hicks is back, which is huge with Brett Gardner struggling.
6. Cubs, 27-17 (-2) Cole Hamels (4-0, 3.13 ERA in nine starts) enjoying renaissance with Cubs.
7. Phillies, 27-19 (–) It’s easy to forget just how solid second baseman Cesar Hernandez is.
8. Brewers, 28-21 (–) Keston Hiura has arrived, moving Mike Moustakas back to third base.
9. Red Sox, 25-22 (–) In hindsight, we shouldn’t have all gotten hysterical over Chris Sale’s rough start.
10. Braves, 25-22 (+4) Austin Riley making his presence felt immediately in the majors.
11. Diamondbacks, 25-22 (–) Jarrod Dyson is having a career year.
12. Indians, 25-20 (+1) Brad Hand secured his first 12 save opportunities of the season.
13. Cardinals, 24-23 (-3) After a torrid April, Paul Goldschmidt has cooled off: 1 HR, .684 OPS in first 62 AB of May.
14. Pirates, 24-20 (+2) Josh Bell could find himself in a Triple Crown race this summer.
15. Padres, 23-24 (-3) Manny Machado’s first 16 games in May: .323/.386/ .629, 5 HRs.
16. Angels, 22-24 (+1) Tommy La Stella had 10 career HRs coming into 2019; he has already topped that this season.
17. Athletics, 22-25 (+1) Khris Davis had just two home runs from April 14 to May 17.
18. Reds, 21-26 (+2) Jesse Winker’s power output has been a pleasant surprise.
19. Rockies, 20-25 (–) Faced eight left-handed starters in a row from May 7 to May 17.
20. Mets, 20-25 (-5) Manager Mickey Callaway facing daily questions about his job security.
21. Nationals, 19-27 (+2) Maybe Trea Turner’s return will kick-start things in D.C.
22. Rangers, 21-23 (–) Willie Calhoun might (finally) be here to stay.
23. White Sox, 21-24 (+2) Lucas Giolito has a 3.35 ERA with 50 strikeouts in eight starts.
24. Mariners, 23-26 (-3) Since starting 13-2, the Mariners are 10-24.
25. Blue Jays, 19-28 (+1) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke out with four homers last week.
26. Tigers, 18-26 (-2) Closer Shane Green (15-for-15 on saves) has been dominant.
27. Giants, 20-25 (–) Pablo Sandoval has a 1.000 OPS through 83 at-bats.
28. Royals, 16-31 (–) Jorge Soler might never be a superstar, but he’s thriving (10 HRs) in a full-time role.
29. Orioles, 15-31 (–) Team’s 5.55 ERA (through 46 games) is the worst in the major leagues.
30. Marlins, 13-31 (–) Miami has an OPS below .600, which is ... hard to do.