TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Rays dropped to fifth in the MLB.com Power Rankings this week after watching their once-substantial American League East lead evaporate over a three-week stretch of poor pitching.
The Rays, previously ranked sixth, moved up one spot in the rankings but remain in freefall on the field. Since May 24 — the stretch during which the lead evaporated — Tampa Bay is tied for the third-worst record in baseball, posting a 5.06 ERA that ranks ahead of only the Royals, A’s and Twins in the American League.
The New York Yankees, ranked fourth, have made a charge at the Rays in the AL East despite their own injury troubles. New York lost outfielder Trent Grisham to the injured list with a right hamstring strain, joining star slugger Aaron Judge. The Yankees recalled Jasson Domínguez from a rehab assignment to replace Grisham.
The Atlanta Braves held the top spot in the rankings for a second consecutive week, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers at No. 2, the Milwaukee Brewers at No. 3 and the Yankees at No. 4. The Chicago White Sox — who lost 121 games in 2024 — surged three spots to No. 6 after taking two of three from the reigning champion Dodgers and sitting in a virtual tie atop the AL Central.
Florida’s other major league club provided a brighter story. The Miami Marlins vaulted from 25th to 18th after reaching the .500 mark for the first time in two months. The Marlins’ rise has been fueled by pitching — heading into the weekend, Miami led all of baseball in ERA for the month of June.
The Cleveland Guardians absorbed the week’s worst news when third baseman José Ramírez fractured his hamate bone Saturday and is expected to miss many weeks. Cleveland plummeted from fifth to 10th in the rankings.
The Rays and Yankees continue their AL East battle through the week, with Tampa Bay’s pitching staff needing a turnaround to prevent New York from overtaking the division lead.