Cubs continue atop MLB Power Rankings

The Cubs had dropped six of seven before pulling it together for a sweep at Cincinnati, which is getting Chicago back on track. A few injuries in the outfield might be minor issues, but when the Cubs keep rolling out their starting pitchers and a lineup this potent, the losing stretches are going to be few and far between.

Key Injuries: LF Kyle Schwarber (knee), LF Jorge Soler (hamstring), CF Dexter Fowler (hamstring)

Had won 12 of 13 before their recent stretch of losing four of the past five games. Outfielder Jarrett Parker has been a big part of their June surge, with a .938 OPS this month.

Key Injuries: RHP Matt Cain (hamstring), RF Hunter Pence (hamstring), 3B Matt Duffy (Achilles)

Had dropped seven straight before their current four-game winning streak, but the Nats continue to be among the best in baseball. With Stephen Strasburg hurt, it's all the more important that the Nats are getting a great season from RHP Tanner Roark, who has a 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 16 starts.
Key Injuries: RHP Stephen Strasburg (back)

12 straight wins vaults the Tribe to the top of the AL Central, and they've allowed a total of 22 runs over the course of that winning streak. Their starting pitching -- their top five starters have combined for a 2.98 ERA -- gives them a chance to win every game.
Key Injuries: LF Michael Brantley (shoulder)

The leaders in the American League East still have pitching concerns, but what an offence - they've scored 61 runs during their current seven-game winning streak.
Key Injuries: None

The Red Sox have stumbled, going 10-16 in June, and while they remain in contention, what's going on with LHP David Price? He's striking out more (120 K in 108 1/3 IP), but can't keep the ball in the park (15 HR) and his ERA (4.74) is up by more than two runs from last season.

Key Injuries: LF Brock Holt (concussion), OF Chris Young (hamstring)

As the Jays are now 5.5 back of the Orioles in the AL East, and while there are obvious problems (bullpen!), Toronto's run differential still suggests that they are a contender.
Key Injuries: RF Jose Bautista (toe)

Even as RF Giancarlo Stanton's season has been underwhelming, the Marlins are still getting power from CF Marcell Ozuna (16 HR) and 1B Justin Bour (14 HR).

Key Injuries: None

Although the Cardinals are contenders, they've been inconsistent along the way, as their starting pitching has been atypically ineffective. RHP Carlos Martinez is the only Cards starter with an ERA under 4.00.

Key Injuries: None

Four straight losses has the Mets reeling, but the much bigger concern is how elbow injuries could affect ace starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. This could go off the rails quickly.
Key Injuries: RHP Zack Wheeler (elbow), 1B Lucas Duda (back), 3B David Wright (neck)

Pitching is a lingering issue for the Tigers, but rookie RHP Michael Fulmer has been amazing, allowing three earned runs in his past seven starts (0.61 ERA).

Key Injuries: RF J.D. Martinez (elbow)

The Royals are 11-6 in the past 17 games, but they're losing ground in the AL Central because the Cleveland Indians don't lose. Their starting pitchers have a 5.45 ERA in June, which isn't ideal. 

Key Injuries: LHP Jason Vargas (elbow), 3B Mike Moustakas (knee)

The Astros have emerged from a terrible start to the season and winning 10 of the past 11 games bringing them to within half a game of a wildcard playoff spot. One of their great stories has been RHP Doug Fister, who has a 2.66 ERA over his past 11 starts and has led the Houston rotation with a 3.36 ERA in 15 starts this season.
Key Injuries: None

The one reason that the Dodgers have been able to overcome a mediocre (at best) lineup, is that they have the best pitcher in baseball, but they've now lost Clayton Kershaw to the DL after he required an epidural to relieve back pain.
Key Injuries:  LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder), RHP Brandon McCarthy (elbow), LHP Brett Anderson (back), RHP Alex Wood (elbow), LHP Clayton Kershaw (back)

Rookie RHP Carlos Estevez has moved into the closer's role, with Jake McGee injured, but has been shaky (allowing at least two base-runners and one run) in three of his past four appearances. 
Key Injuries: LHP Jake McGee (knee), LF Gerardo Parra (ankle), RHP Tyler Chatwood (back)

The White Sox seem to have righted the ship, going 6-3 in the past nine games, but they have a 5.11 staff ERA in June, so that has to get better.
Key Injuries: CF Austin Jackson (knee)

With five wins in the past 17 games, and their ace starter on the DL, things could be better for the Mariners. They aren't getting help from the back end of the rotation, where Nathan Karns and Wade Miley have combined for a 7.04 ERA this month.
Key Injuries: RHP Felix Hernandez (calf)

C Jonathan Lucroy is having a terrific season, his .864 OPS a big step up from last season's .717, but the Brewers can't escape mediocrity.
Key Injuries: RF Domingo Santana (elbow)

Had won seven of eight before their current five-game losing streak, and it could get worse in short order as the D-backs await word on Zack Greinke's oblique injury.
Key Injuries: CF A.J. Pollock (elbow), CF Chris Owings (foot), RF David Peralta (back), RHP Rubby De La Rosa (elbow)

10-22 in their past 32 games, the Pirates have gone from contenders to after-thoughts, particularly with staff ace Gerrit Cole on the DL. Maybe rookie RHP Jameson Taillon (3.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP in five starts) can help lead a second-half surge.

Key Injuries: RHP Gerrit Cole (triceps), C Francisco Cervelli (hand)

Three wins in the past 14 games has the Reds sliding in the standings but they manage to move up a bit in the rankings because they got Anthony DeSclafani back in the rotation.
Key Injuries: RHP Alfredo Simon (shoulder), C Devin Mesoraco (shoulder)

Before a sweep in Arizona, the Phillies had won 10 of their previous 40 games, so they appear to be heading where they were expected to go coming into the season.

Key Injuries: RF Aaron Altherr (wrist), RHP Charlie Morton (hamstring)

After falling to the bottom of the NL West, and losing their starting centre fielder to injury, the Padres are looking to the future. They've also sent closer Fernando Rodney to Miami to kickstart the process.
Key Injuries: RHP Tyson Ross (shoulder), 2B Cory Spangenberg (quad), RHP Andrew Cashner (neck), CF Jon Jay (forearm)

Nine losses in the past 10 games pretty much wipes out the season for the Angels. Not surprising given the injuries to the pitching staff, going back to the offseason, but still tough to be out of contention in the first half of the season.
Key Injuries: LHP Andrew Heaney (forearm), LHP C.J. Wilson (elbow), RHP Garrett Richards (elbow)

The A's have won six of seven, and while they are dealing with some injuries, rookie RHP Daniel Mengden (2.81 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in four starts) is off to an impressive start to his career.

Key Injuries: RHP Chris Bassitt (elbow), RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder), LHP Rich Hill (groin)
 

Two wins in the past 14 games leaves the Rays a long way from a playoff spot. Pitching hasn't been the strength that it was supposed to be.
Key Injuries: RHP Alex Cobb (elbow), CF Kevin Kiermaier (hand), RF Steven Souza (hip), RHP Alex Colome (biceps)