Ben Verlander

FOX Sports MLB Analyst

Break up the Cubs! After opting to not promote on the deadline, and as a substitute shopping for a bit, Chicago took a collection in opposition to the MLB-best Braves this weekend. 

The Cubs had been one of some playoff contenders to rise, whereas a number of others tumbled. 

Here’s my newest prime 10, with a number of attention-grabbing factoids about every membership.

1. Atlanta Braves (70-39; final week 1)

After a troublesome stretch for the Braves that noticed them drop eight of 12 video games, they responded by profitable six of 9 in opposition to playoff-hopeful groups. In these 9 video games, the Braves scored eight or extra runs 5 instances and not less than 5 runs seven instances. No one is questioning Atlanta’s offense, but it is price noting the membership continues to mash in each setting, in opposition to each staff in any state of affairs. The Braves have additionally returned to their profitable methods at house, profitable 5 of their previous six at Truist Park. 

2. Baltimore Orioles (70-42; LW 2)

The Orioles’ 22-10 mark since July 1 is tied with the Mariners for MLB’s greatest. Since May 21 of final 12 months, also called the day catching prodigy Adley Rutschman was referred to as as much as the majors, Baltimore is a scorching 137-97 (.585). Only the Astros have been higher within the American League. It’s been evident for a number of weeks now that no AL staff is presently higher than the Birds. 

3. Texas Rangers (66-46 LW 5)

The staff with the most effective offense within the majors is within the midst of one other scorching stretch — solely this one has been fueled by pitching. Amid profitable six in a row, the Rangers have allowed a mere 14 runs, which is tied for the fewest runs per sport throughout that span. This is Texas’ second six-game profitable streak up to now three weeks.

4. Houston Astros (64-49; LW 4)

Yordan Álvarez and José Altuve are again. Will the Astros’ offense return with them? Houston lately had a 17-run outburst, however has in any other case scored simply 46 runs over its previous 11 video games. That 4.18 mark would rank twenty fourth for the season. It’s a troubling development that is price monitoring for the reigning world champs, who have not hit at a excessive degree for many of the 12 months.

Yordan Álvarez smashes two-run HR to increase Astros’ lead over Yankees

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (64-46; LW 3)

Goodbye July, howdy August. The Dodgers have received 5 of six to start this month, this after dropping 5 of seven to finish the earlier one. Their offense remains to be booming, rating second in runs per sport (7.67) and extra-base hits (32) and third in OPS (.958) in August. L.A. has additionally received 14 straight when scoring not less than six runs.

6. Toronto Blue Jays  (63-50; LW 7)

The Blue Jays lastly did it: After dropping seven straight in opposition to the Red Sox to start out the season, they went to Boston this weekend and swept their AL East foes. Over the three video games, the Jays outscored the Sox 25-8 to create some much-needed separation within the wild-card race with Boston and New York.

Brandon Belt smashes a house run to get Blue Jays began versus Red Sox

7. Chicago Cubs (58-54; LW 10)

Since July twenty first, Chicago has gone 13-3 and outscored its opponents by 42 runs. That’s 9 extra runs than the next-closest staff. The torrid stretch has additionally put this staff simply 1.5 video games behind the Brewers for first within the NL Central. The Cubs’ offense has been the catalyst, averaging an MLB-best 7.13 runs per sport the previous two weeks. No different staff has topped 6.5. 

8. Tampa Bay Rays (68-46; LW 9)

The Rays turned issues round this previous week. They simply did not acquire any floor on the Orioles. Tampa Bay’s offense made some progress, nevertheless. It scored five-plus runs 5 instances over the previous seven video games. That’s one thing the Rays pulled off simply 3 times within the 13 video games prior.

Highlights from Rays’ 10-6 win over Tigers on Sunday

9. Philadelphia Phillies (61-51; LW unranked)

The Phillies have been enjoying rather well for 2 months. In reality, their 36-21 mark since June 1 is second solely to the Braves in all of baseball. More spectacular, maybe, is that Philly is an MLB-best 20-10 on the highway throughout this span. Moreover, solely the Phils and Padres rank within the prime eight in runs scored and runs allowed since June.

10. San Francisco Giants (61-51; LW unranked)

As unhealthy as this weekend in Oakland was, it was simply two video games. And it would not erase the actual fact the Giants are proper within the thick of the NL wild-card race. That’s as a result of San Francisco is 7-4 over its previous 11 video games and permitting an MLB-low 2.82 runs per contest throughout this stretch. The Giants are additionally 7-2 at house because the All-Star break.  

Out: Cincinnati Reds (6), Milwaukee Brewers (8)

Ben Verlander is an MLB Analyst for FOX Sports and the host of the “Flippin’ Bats” podcast. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Verlander was an All-American at Old Dominion University earlier than he joined his brother, Justin, in Detroit as a 14th-round choose of the Tigers in 2013. He spent 5 years within the Tigers group. Follow him on Twitter @BenVerlander.

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