The San Diego Padres recently dealt a major blow with the loss of their ace pitcher Michael King due to right shoulder inflammation, affecting their standing in this week’s MLB power rankings. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies climbed to the top spot, driven by strong performances including Trea Turner’s hot streak, highlighting shifting dynamics across the league as of Tuesday, May 27.
Philadelphia Phillies Surge to Peak of Rankings
After maintaining an impressive nine-game winning streak that ended on Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies advanced dramatically, rising from sixth to first place in the MLB power rankings. Their record of 20-6 over the past several weeks reflects a dominant stretch, with utility player Trea Turner emerging as a central figure by batting .366 during his last 26 games. The Phillies’ consistent offense and overall team performance have propelled them to seize control atop the rankings.
Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Delivers Career-Best Performance
While the Tigers dropped to second place, pitcher Tarik Skubal showcased the finest outing of his career on Sunday against the Guardians. He pitched a complete game two-hitter, striking out 13 batters on just 94 pitches—a feat that qualifies as a Maddux, one of only five shutouts recorded in MLB this season. Skubal’s dominance peaked with a final pitch clocked at 103 mph, underlining his enhanced power and control on the mound.
Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez Ends Long Walk-Off Homer Drought
The New York Yankees advanced to third after Jasson Dominguez’s walk-off home run last Wednesday, their first since Giancarlo Stanton’s on September 20, 2022—ending a drought of 974 days without a walk-off blast. Despite facing some growing pains, Dominguez’s performance has largely been a bright spot, showing promise for the Yankees’ future as the young star continues to make impactful plays in key situations.
Los Angeles Dodgers Grapple with Rotation Injuries and Ohtani’s Return
The Dodgers dropped to fourth amid challenges posed by injuries to several key starting pitchers. However, hope is on the horizon as Shohei Ohtani progresses toward returning to the mound. Ohtani threw 22 pitches during a simulated session over five at-bats at Citi Field, reaching fastball velocities between 94 and 97 mph. His anticipated return after the All-Star break could strengthen an already formidable Dodgers roster.
Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki Excels Amid Injuries to Teammates
Rising to fifth place, the Cubs benefit from Seiya Suzuki’s exceptional season, as he leads the National League with 49 RBIs in 49 games, surpassing his previous career bests. At age 30, Suzuki has also increased his home run total to 14, nearing his prior high mark of 21. Though the lineup suffers losing Miguel Amaya to an oblique injury, players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker maintain the team’s offensive threat.
New York Mets Experience Mixed Results Despite Pete Alonso’s Breakout
The Mets slid to sixth, even as Pete Alonso ended the longest home run drought of his career with a two-run homer against the Dodgers. Alonso’s blast, aided by Juan Soto reaching base on a defensive miscue by Max Muncy, was a pivotal moment, especially given the recent questions about Soto’s effort and performance. The Mets continue to navigate ups and downs during the season’s early stages.
San Francisco Giants’ Strong Pitching Performance Keeps Team Competitive
At seventh, the Giants gained momentum from Robbie Ray’s consistent dominance. In a recent start against the Nationals, Ray allowed only one run over six innings, contributing to a 1.41 ERA in May and maintaining an undefeated 7-0 record on the season. The Giants have been 10-1 in games where Ray starts, demonstrating how critical he is to their success.
Seattle Mariners’ Struggles Offset by Possible Bright Spots
The Mariners climbed to eighth despite Jorge Polanco’s sharp decline in May, where he currently bats just .155 with only one home run. The team’s overall challenges in maintaining consistent offensive production highlight the need for contributions from other players to sustain competitiveness.
Minnesota Twins’ Rotation Emerges as a Strength
Holding steady at ninth, the Twins show mixed results offensively but rely on their starting rotation as a primary strength. With a 3.34 ERA, the pitching staff ranks sixth in the majors, providing stability as the season progresses despite a sometimes inconsistent lineup.
San Diego Padres Slide to 10th Amid Michael King’s Injury
The Padres’ position dropped from fourth to tenth following Michael King’s injury, which compromises their pitching depth. They ended a six-game losing streak by winning two of three games against the Braves but must now address King’s right shoulder inflammation. The hope remains that King will avoid a lengthy absence, although his immediate status remains uncertain. His injury represents a significant setback for the Padres, who have relied heavily on his performances this season.
St. Louis Cardinals Advance with Timely Contributions
The Cardinals moved up one spot to eleventh after sweeping the Diamondbacks. Ivan Herrera, the catcher, was instrumental, driving in runs in all three games of the series. Herrera, who missed time due to a left knee bone bruise in April, has rebounded strongly with a .365/.435/.500 batting line in May, along with an efficient 8/6 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Cleveland Guardians Celebrate Nic Enright’s Inspirational MLB Debut
The Guardians fell to twelfth but had reasons to celebrate as Nic Enright made his Major League debut against the Tigers. Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2022, Enright struck out three batters over two scoreless innings. Reflecting on his journey, Enright said,
“On December 26 I have a port in and I’m sitting there looking at it wondering, am I ever going to be able to throw again?” —Nic Enright, Cleveland Guardians pitcher
This milestone underscores his remarkable recovery and determination to return to professional baseball.
Houston Astros Gain Ground with Key Series Win
The Astros advanced to thirteenth after winning three out of four games against the division-leading Mariners. Despite struggles from stars Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz, and Christian Walker, Walker’s walk-off home run sealed the series victory, marking a significant moment for Houston as they remain only 1.5 games behind in the AL West.
Kansas City Royals Rely on Rising Prospect Jac Caglianone
The Royals dropped to fourteenth but continue to look toward the future with Jac Caglianone’s Triple-A performance generating buzz. The 2025 first-round draft pick has been dominating the minors, including a massive home run on Sunday, signaling his impending arrival in the majors and potential to boost the Royals’ offense in the near term.
Tampa Bay Rays Return to Even Record With Winning Streak
Jumping from 23rd to 15th, the Rays have clawed back to a .500 record after six consecutive wins. Brandon Lowe has been a major factor, hitting three home runs during this streak and maintaining an impressive .396/.442/.771 batting line over his recent 32 games, suggesting the Rays may be gaining momentum as the season advances.
Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. Makes Impactful Return
Falling to sixteenth, the Braves displayed signs of life through Ronald Acuña Jr., who homered on the first pitch he faced upon returning on Friday. This solo home run accounted for the only run in the game against Nick Pivetta, but the Braves continue to struggle overall, losing four of their past five contests.
Boston Red Sox Juggle Injuries and Prospect Marcelo Mayer’s Quirky Debut
Remaining at seventeenth, the Red Sox recently called up highly regarded prospect Marcelo Mayer following Alex Bregman’s significant right quadriceps strain. Mayer’s arrival was overshadowed by an amusing off-field incident—he had reportedly lost his car keys for three weeks and required assistance from a clubhouse attendant to reach Fenway Park for his MLB debut. Fortunately, his keys were eventually found in Milwaukee, concluding the odd saga.
Arizona Diamondbacks Struggle with Zac Gallen’s Declining Performance
The Diamondbacks fell to eighteenth, partly due to Zac Gallen’s increased earned run average. After surrendering four runs in 5 2/3 innings during a loss to the Cardinals, Gallen now holds a 5.25 ERA in 11 starts. Excluding his two strongest performances against the Mets, his ERA inflates to 6.29, reflecting ongoing challenges this season.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Logan Henderson Faces Demotion Despite Strong Stats
The Brewers climbed four spots to nineteenth, but their success story Logan Henderson was surprisingly sent back to Triple-A. Despite posting a 1.80 ERA over three starts in May, Henderson’s demotion stems from the return of established pitchers Jose Quintana and Brandon Woodruff from the injured list. It is expected, however, that Henderson will get another opportunity in the majors soon.
Cincinnati Reds’ Andrew Abbott Maintains Remarkable Consistency
Suffering a small drop to twentieth, the Reds rely heavily on Andrew Abbott, who has demonstrated outstanding consistency. Abbott boasts a 1.77 ERA for the year and has allowed one earned run or fewer in seven of his eight starts, highlighting his role as a key asset on Cincinnati’s pitching staff.
Texas Rangers and Jacob deGrom Face Unusual Challenges
Sliding to twenty-first, the Rangers witnessed an unprecedented moment in Jacob deGrom’s career as he failed to record a strikeout in Monday’s start versus the Blue Jays. Additionally, deGrom generated only three swinging strikes over 81 pitches, a trend that deviates far from his usual dominant form and poses concerns moving forward.
Toronto Blue Jays Experience Extreme Highs and Lows
Dropping to twenty-second, the Blue Jays’ season has featured sharp contrasts, as highlighted by a record-tying large home shutout victory early in the week, followed by a severe road shutout loss on Sunday. These swings epitomize the team’s volatile performance so far this season.
Wednesday:Blue Jays match record for the largest home shutout victory in franchise history,Sunday:Blue Jays suffer their 3rd largest road shutout margin of defeat in franchise history — Sportsnet Stats
Los Angeles Angels Benefit from Taylor Ward’s Emergence Amid Injuries
Moving up three spots to twenty-third, the Angels await Mike Trout’s return from a knee injury but have seen Taylor Ward step up significantly. Ward contributed two grand slams during an eight-game winning streak, though the team has since lost three straight games, illustrating the fragile momentum.
Washington Nationals Celebrate Keibert Ruiz’s Family Milestone
Remaining at twenty-fourth, the Nationals gathered behind catcher Keibert Ruiz as his parents finally attended a professional game last Thursday after multiple previous visa denials. Ruiz made the occasion memorable by delivering a strong performance, a significant personal and family milestone.
Athletics’ Season Plummets After Early Success
Dropping to twenty-fifth, the Athletics’ fortunes have sharply declined since early May. Once four games above .500 on May 5, the team has since posted a 3-15 record, including an 11-game losing streak, reflecting serious challenges as they attempt to regain footing.
Miami Marlins’ Young Talent Eury Pérez Provides Hope
Holding steady at twenty-sixth, the Marlins have encountered difficulties with Sandy Alcantara’s struggles returning from Tommy John surgery. Nevertheless, rookie Eury Pérez has impressed during his rehabilitation in Triple-A, striking out seven batters recently and poised for a possible major league return by mid-June. Pérez recorded a promising 3.15 ERA with 108 strikeouts over 91 1/3 innings during his 2023 rookie season, suggesting bright potential ahead.
Pittsburgh Pirates Show Offensive Resurgence Despite Historical Struggles
Holding ground at twenty-seventh, the Pirates broke an MLB record by scoring four or fewer runs in 26 straight games but have recently scored five or more runs in three of four games, showing flashes of offensive life. Additionally, Oneil Cruz has recorded the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era, signaling individual excellence amid team struggles.
Baltimore Orioles Secure First Winning Streak of the Season
Keeping their spot at twenty-eighth, the Orioles achieved their first three-game winning streak of the season, aided by Dylan Carlson’s motivated performance against his former club. This streak provides a rare positive note for a team still seeking consistency.
Chicago White Sox Place Andrew Vaughn in Triple-A to Regain Confidence
Remaining at twenty-ninth, the White Sox decided to demote Andrew Vaughn to Triple-A Charlotte after an underwhelming start to the season, featuring a .189 batting average. General manager Chris Getz expressed hope that Vaughn will rebuild his confidence in a lower-pressure environment.
Colorado Rockies Face Historic Struggles Despite Home Advantage
The Rockies stay at thirtieth, dealing with a poor season projected at 28-134. Unusually, they rank 20th in OPS at home, deviating from their typical strength at Coors Field. These results underscore the severity of the team‘s difficulties and an outlook that remains bleak without significant changes.