To Ben Verlander
FOX SPORTS MLB ANALYST
As August draws to a close, the playoff vision is beginning to take shape.
Some divisions are already pretty locked, but there are plenty of tight races around the league.
Let’s take a look at this week’s MLB Top 10.
Dodgers, Astros Lead Ben’s MLB Power Rankings
Ben Verlander analyzes this week’s MLB Power Rankings, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and New York Mets holding the top spot.
clock “Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander” upon Youtube, Or subscribe on any podcast platform including Apple podcasts.
Ten. toronto blue jays
As a team, the Blue Jays have a . 271 batting average against opposing team starters, the best in the majors. But they aren’t firing on all cylinders aggressively, and they probably won’t win many games in rotation if they’re not outsmarting everyone.
Toronto desperately needed a new starter by the trade deadline, but the organization couldn’t make it happen. It’s mid-August and they’re battling for a playoff spot.
9. San Diego Padres
It looked like the Padres were about to take off and advance to the playoffs after acquiring Juan Soto, but things aren’t going according to plan.
The team made a big move by the deadline adding Soto, Josh Bell, Josh Hader and Brandon Drury, but San Diego has been playing under .500 since the deadline. And the biggest blow came when it was announced that star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. had been suspended for 80 games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The Padres should be strong enough to make the playoffs, but they have to play better than they do now.
What Fernando Tatis Jr.’s PED Suspension Means for San Diego
Ben Verlander delves into the 80-game suspension of Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr., who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and what this means for an improved Padres increase.
8. Philadelphia Phillies
Since the management change, the Phillies are 41-22 (.651). They’ve also done a great job since getting David Robertson and putting him in the closer role.
The Phillies are also tied with 87.5%, the best save percentage in baseball since the All-Star break.
7. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are doing what they need to do before the trade deadline and doing well. They have won 7 of their last 10 games, including his big series over the weekend against the top NL Central Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cardinals did better by deadline, but the Brewers didn’t. Now that’s the divisional difference.
6. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have an MLB-best 27-14 (.659) in one-run games this season. Their bullpen is lit out and their rotation, led by Luis Castillo, will be a problem for opposing teams.
I have a lot of faith in this Mariners team. Thanks to his three top rotations in Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert and Castillo, I think they can match just about anyone when it comes to the playoffs.
Five. new york yankees
The Yankees have been brawling and have been really bad since the All-Star Game. They’re certainly playing better than they’ve played so far, but this Yankees slip back to average out of the rotation was expected.
This team will be fine, but the Yankees have to play better than they have in the current stretch and have only won two in their last 11 games. .
Will Aaron Judge break the Yankees home run record?
Ben Verlander performs “Take It or Leave It” on “Flippin’ Bats”, whether Aaron Judge breaks the New York Yankees home run record, Blake Snell in Cy Young form Answer tough questions, such as whether or not you’ll be back in the future.
Four. Atlanta Braves
The Braves are in good form and are on a six-game winning streak heading into the week. They start a big series with the Mets on Monday, and the NL East could be out of reach if they don’t know how to beat their divisional rivals.
Still, the Braves’ rookie has been a huge blessing to them this season, and a great reason to head to the playoffs whether this team wins a division or earns a top NL wildcard.
3. New York Mets
The Mets were finally close to 100% and the addition of Jacob deGrom was the bright spot they wanted. The rotation has been spectacular since his return and the combination of Max Scherzer and deGrom is unbeatable.
The Mets have all the makings of a World Series team, and the question is what will happen to them in October.
Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Edwin Diaz among Mets World Series contenders
Ben Verlander analyzes three reasons why the New York Mets are a World Series-class team. The first starts with the dominance of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer on the mound and ends with Edwin Diaz, the best closer in baseball.
2. Houston Astros
The Houston Astros, who have the best record in the American League, are well on their way. Lance his McCullers Jr. returned for the first time this season and in his debut he struck out five and allowed six innings in which he allowed no runs.
The Astros have no weaknesses. Their rotation has been great, their bullpen has had the best ERA in baseball for most of the season, their defense ranks top 3, and their offense ranks in the top 10 in most categories. This team is a force to be reckoned with.
Houston Astros continue to dominate AL as Yankees struggle
Ben Verlander explains why the Houston Astros remain the top team in the American League as the Yankees continue to struggle with Justin Verlander leading the pitching staff.
1. los angeles dodgers
The Dodgers ended their 12-game winning streak on Sunday. Every time I won multiple runs, it was one of the most impressive streaks I’ve ever seen.
The Dodgers were dominant in every sense of the word. That said, they were hit hard when it was announced Monday that their ace Walker Buehler will undergo season-ending elbow surgery. The best team in the league.
Enjoy a great week of Major League Baseball.
Ben Verlander is an MLB analyst for FOX Sports,flippin’ batBorn and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Verlander was an All-American at Old Dominion University before joining brother Justin in Detroit for the Tigers’ 14th round pick in 2013. He spent his five years with the Tigers. Follow him on Twitter @.Ben Verlander.
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