Diamondbacks make surprise NL run
Trading your best pitcher in July certainly isn’t something contenders do regularly, but the Diamondbacks have won 11 of 13 games and find themselves in the thick of the National League wild-card race.
After a four-game series with the Mets in New York this week, the Diamondbacks play 12 of their final 15 regular-season games at home and only three games against teams above .500.
The Brewers have a similarly light schedule the rest of the way, but the Phillies (17 of 20 versus contenders) and Cubs (seven versus Cardinals) both have to run a gantlet over the season’s final three weeks.
These Diamondbacks might have an inside track, which something few could have predicted when they traded Zack Greinke at the July 31 deadline.
How USA TODAY Sports’ seven-person panel voted this week for the MLB power rankings:
1. Astros (movement from last week: –) Top prospect Kyle Tucker will be a huge boost for this team in the postseason.
2. Yankees (–) Dellin Betances
is on a rehab assignment, almost ready to make his 2019 debut.
3. Dodgers (–) Adam Kolarek hasn’t given up a run in his first 17 outings with L.A.
4. Braves (–) The offense gets even better with Austin Riley’s return from injury.
5. Twins (–) Avoiding a sweep in Cleveland this weekend all but guarantees a division
title.
6. Rays (+3) Tyler Glasnow returned Sunday, while Blake Snell starts a rehab assignment.
7. Athletics (+1) Jesus Luzardo gets the call-up and will be expected to help in the wildcard chase.
8. Cardinals (+2) After a midweek series versus the Rockies, their final 16 games are against contenders.
9. Nationals (-3) Getting Max Scherzer to full strength for the wild-card game should be the top priority.
10. Indians (-3) The bullpen had a 6.08 ERA in the first week of September.
11. Cubs (–) Javier Baez’s injury comes at the worst time possible.
12. Red Sox (–) Won a game last week using seven pitchers who weren’t on the openingday roster.
13. Brewers (–) Christian Yelich is somehow having a better season than last year.
14. Diamondbacks (+2) With that favorable schedule, don’t be shocked to see them reach the wild-card game.
15. Phillies (-1) Corey Dickerson had 28 RBI in his first 30 games with the Phillies.
16. Mets (-1) Playoff hopes almost gone, but Pete Alonso’s run at 50 homers makes them interesting.
17. Rangers (–) Rougned Odor versus the Mendoza Line (.204) worth watching.
Evan Longoria (.262/.328/.456) has exceeded expectations this season.
29. Reds (–) Luis Castillo becomes the first Cincinnati pitcher with 200 strikeouts
18. Giants (–)
since 2014.
20. Angels (–) Shohei Ohtani isn’t getting enough attention for what he’s doing as a hitter.
21. Padres (–) Can it be spring already so we can watch Fernando Tatis Jr. again?
22. White Sox (–) Tim Anderson could be the team’s first batting champion since Frank Thomas in 1997.
23. Pirates (–) SS Kevin Newman, OF Bryan Reynolds have established themselves as building blocks.
24. Blue Jays (–) Lefty Anthony Kay (Stroman trade) impresses in MLB debut.
25. Rockies (–) Wade Davis (7.02 ERA) is making $18 million this season.
26. Mariners (–) Justin Dunn (acquired in Robinson Cano trade) averaged 10.8 K/9 in Class AA this season.
27. Marlins (–) Starlin Castro boosting his free agency stock with a big second half.
28. Royals (–) Ryan McBroom has the best name in baseball right now.
29. Orioles (–) Hanser Alberto is hitting .420 against lefties.
30. Tigers (–) Miguel Cabrera is owed $124 million through 2023.