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Probably, but let’s do it anyway. Overall – American League and National League combined – 13 teams are either in the top three in their respective races or in third place within five games. Some you’re used to hearing from — the Padres, Giants and Braves, for example, are among those used to fighting for a playoff spot.
But there are at least two teams whose records may not be quite up, but are still in contention. The Angels are three games under .500 but sit 4 1/2 games from third wild card in the AL. Rangers, four games under .500, are just behind, five games out.
The NL race is mostly the usual suspects. The Brewers and Cardinals are a half game from third place, with the Phillies now four games over .500 down just 2 1/2 games.
Biggest jump: Rangers jumped four spots, from 20th to 16th. They still have work to do if they want to have any presence in the AL West, but things are slowly moving in a more positive direction. Texas was close to winning a third road series in four tries before losing in Detroit on Sunday and settling with a four-game split.
Biggest drop: There wasn’t much movement in this category this week. The biggest momentum belongs to the Angels, who dropped just two places from 16th to 18th. They had a good weekend in Seattle, taking four of five from the Mariners thanks in part to Mike Trout, who hit five homers in the series.
1) Yankees (49-17; last week: 1)
DraftKings World Series odds: 4.5-1
The Yankees lost in Toronto on Sunday, ending a nine-game winning streak, but that’s hardly a blip in an otherwise magical season. They entered this contest with the Blue Jays’ winners of 49 of their first 65 games, the fourth time in their history that they have put together this type of start. The only other years they’ve achieved that 65-game success? There were three: 1928, 1939 and 1998 – all of which ended in World Series wins.
2) Mets (44-24; last week: 2)
DraftKings World Series odds: 7.5-1
The Mets, 10-7 in June, have won five of their last seven games and have a 2.20 ERA in those five wins. Left fielder Jeff McNeil is on a seven-game hitting streak, hitting .455 (10 to 22) with four carries, two doubles and five RBIs during that stretch.
3) Padres (41-27, last week: 4)
DraftKings World Series odds: 13-1
The Padres have been one of baseball’s best teams for most of the season, but they will be tested best over the next few weeks playing without Manny Machado, who sprained his left ankle while running to first base on Sunday. Machado was producing All-Star-worthy numbers at the time of his injury, hitting .328 with .945 OPS.
4) Dodgers (40-25; last week: 3)
DraftKings World Series odds: 4.5-1
The Dodgers entered Sunday’s game against Cleveland after conceding four runs in their previous four games. The Dodgers’ starters have a 2.57 ERA and lead the majors, while their 2.91 ERA trails only the Yankees (2.86).
5) Astros (40-25; last week: 5)
DraftKings World Series odds: 6.5-1
The Astros’ depth will be challenged with injuries to key players Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña, but the most intriguing story begins Tuesday when they play nine games only against New York teams (who happen to be Nos. 1 and 2 in ours). rankings). The Astros, the only team with a winning record in the AL West, will host the Mets for two games before heading to the Big Apple for six straight games — four with the Yankees, two with the Mets. The stretch ends with a single home game against the Yankees on June 30th.
The rest of the field 30
Voters: Alyson Footer, Anthony Castrovince, Paul Casella, Mark Feinsand, Nathalie Alonso, Doug Gausepohl, Mike Petriello, Sarah Langs, Andrew Simon, David Venn, Brett Blueweiss
