May 19th, 2023 Week 7: MLB News and Rankings

National League:

1. Bryce Miller, RHP, Mariners: Cleveland deservedly gets most of the attention for their pitching development, but the Mariners have showcased their own talent in Miller. Despite only making three starts, he has been exceptional, boasting a 0.47 ERA, 0.42 WHIP, and an impressive 18 strikeouts with only one walk in 19 innings.

2. James Outman, OF, Dodgers: Outman has continued to exceed expectations, even though he has slightly cooled down recently. While his strikeout rate is a concern, he remains a valuable contributor to the Dodgers, who are gradually finding their form.

3. Corbin Carroll, OF, D-backs: Carroll has shown glimpses of power during his brief time in the Major Leagues. However, what stands out in the past month is his ability to make significant contributions even without hitting many home runs. With a batting line of .284/.400/.446, along with 15 runs, 14 walks, and four stolen bases, he has proven to be a well-rounded player.

4. Hayden Wesneski, RHP, Cubs: Although Wesneski recently faced some struggles leading to his demotion, his overall performance in the past month has been commendable. With a 3.78 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and an average of nearly 5 2/3 innings per outing, he has been effective on the mound.

American League:

1. Yennier Canó, RHP, Orioles: Canó, a rookie relief pitcher, has made a significant impact despite the unconventional choice of highlighting a reliever. Over the past 30 days, he has made 13 appearances, pitching a total of 17 innings without allowing a single run. With 19 strikeouts, one hit batter, zero walks, and three saves, Canó has proven his value in high-pressure situations.

2. Masataka Yoshida, OF, Red Sox: Yoshida started the season below the Mendoza line but has displayed excellent control of the strike zone. In the last month, his batting line of .337/.392/.565, accompanied by five home runs, 18 RBIs, 15 runs, and six doubles, showcases his resurgence and consistent hitting.

3. Josh Jung, 3B, Rangers: Despite a somewhat unusual month, Jung's contributions cannot be ignored. Although his slash line (.225/.259/.431) may not be eye-popping, he has been a regular player for the first-place Rangers. Moreover, he leads rookies in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored over the past month.

4. Tanner Bibee, RHP, Guardians: Bibee, along with Logan Allen and Mason Miller, had nearly identical performances over the last month. Bibee edges out the others due to his slightly longer outings and fewer walks. In his four starts, he recorded an ERA between 3.00 and 3.50, allowing eight runs and displaying solid control on the mound.

5. Logan Allen, LHP, Guardians: Allen narrowly surpasses Miller on this list, mainly due to Miller's current injury. However, all three pitchers have been impressive, showcasing their skills and contributing significantly to their teams.

6. Francisco Álvarez, C, Mets: Despite having only 56 at-bats, Álvarez's recent slash line of .268/.339/.500 demonstrates his ability to hit effectively. Playing the challenging position of catcher, his contributions are noteworthy. Additionally, his pedigree as a highly regarded prospect adds to his inclusion on the list.

1. TB Rays (31-11)
2. Atlanta Braves (25-15)
3. LA Dodgers (26-15) 
4. Baltimore Orioles (26-14)
5. Texas Rangers (25-15)
6. New York Yankees (24-16)
7. Minnesota Twins (24-16)
8. Houston Astros (23-17)
9. Milwaukee Brewers (23-17)
10. San Diego Padres (22-18)

Team Highlights

LoneStars - have emerged as one of the most captivating narratives in baseball this season, boasting the fourth-best record in the sport. Despite not receiving significant contributions from Jacob deGrom and Corey Seager (although Seager returned from the IL on Wednesday), they have thrived. On the other hand, the defending champions, the Astros, have had a rather average performance, hovering around the .500 mark due to rotation injuries and a lineup that lacks its usual depth. As a result, the Rangers currently hold a two-game lead over their in-state rivals. Notably, during their victorious 2015 AL West campaign, the Rangers never held a lead larger than 4 1/2 games.

Brews - rely heavily on the remarkable performances of Christian Yelich, who has been slashing an impressive .333/.391/.571 with a .963 OPS in May. Corbin Burnes has also been exceptional, boasting a 1.73 ERA in his last six starts. These two players are vital for the Brewers, particularly since the starting rotation has been depleted by injuries. Their upcoming three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays carries significant importance, making it crucial for Yelich and Burnes to maintain their outstanding form.

Yanks -  Having Aaron Judge back in the lineup has undoubtedly made a significant difference for the Yankees. The good news continues with Giancarlo Stanton making progress towards a late-May return, while Luis Severino is also closing in on a comeback. If the Yankees can have all their key players healthy simultaneously, they possess the potential to be among the top teams in MLB power rankings.

Stros - The impending return of Jose Altuve is expected to bring back the dominant form of the Astros. Projections also favor the Astros over the other teams in their division, placing them a comfortable eight games ahead of the Angels and Mariners. Although projections are meant to be unbiased, we tend to look at the team names and firmly believe the Astros will maintain control of the division until proven otherwise.

Dodgers - have made an impressive turnaround, going from a 13-13 record to an impressive 25-15. They have secured victories against strong opponents such as the Padres and Brewers, with their pitching staff firing on all cylinders. Once Mookie Betts and Max Muncy hit their stride, the Dodgers have the potential to challenge for the top position in the MLB power rankings.