Baltimore Orioles Claim Top Spot in American League Rankings
The Baltimore Orioles have made a stunning comeback in the American League rankings, displacing the Tampa Bay Rays as the top-ranked team this week. The Orioles have been dominating on the field with a combination of timely hitting and exceptional pitching, particularly from their dynamic bullpen.
Since the start of last season, the Orioles have shown their resilience, posting an impressive 124-90 record, which ranks as the fourth-best in the majors during that period. Their surge coincides with the promotion of All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, but the true highlight of their success has been the improved performance of their bullpen. After having the highest bullpen ERA in MLB in 2021, the Orioles’ bullpen now boasts a respectable 3.66 ERA, ranking eighth in the league.
The Tampa Bay Rays, who held the top spot last week, slipped to third place after a rough stretch leading into the All-Star Break. They managed to bounce back by winning two out of three games against the Kansas City Royals. However, their upcoming schedule poses a significant challenge, with 15 consecutive games against opponents with winning records. The Rays currently have the toughest remaining schedule in the majors, facing teams with an overall win percentage of .525.
The Atlanta Braves continue to hold the number one position in the rankings, despite losing a series to the Chicago White Sox. The Braves had gone 25 consecutive games without losing back-to-back games before their recent hiccup. They still maintain an impressive record of 61-31, the highest win total in the majors.
The Texas Rangers have also experienced a resurgence after a rough stretch leading into the All-Star Break. They have the highest number of runs scored per game in the majors, averaging 5.86 runs per game. The Los Angeles Dodgers have found their groove after a rollercoaster season, winning four straight games leading into the break and two out of three against the New York Mets.
The Toronto Blue Jays showcased their offensive prowess in a series sweep against the Arizona Diamondbacks, while their pitching staff improved, allowing just nine runs in the series. However, the Blue Jays have struggled against division rival Boston Red Sox, going winless in seven games against them.
The Houston Astros, last year’s defending champions, have relied on their pitching to stay competitive this season. Despite hitting fewer home runs than in previous seasons, the Astros have kept themselves in contention by boasting one of the top pitching staffs in the league.
The San Francisco Giants have quietly been winning on the road, going 19-6 away from home since late May. They swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series after the All-Star Break, outscoring them 17-9.
The Milwaukee Brewers have regained their winning form in July, winning three of their last four series in various ways. They have shown resilience by both scoring runs in high-scoring affairs and winning low-scoring games with their pitching staff.
As the teams approach the trade deadline next month, the rankings are bound to shift as teams make moves to bolster their rosters and improve their playoff chances. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds for these top-ranked teams.