The Los Angeles Dodgers are holding steady at third in the latest California Post power rankings, despite facing familiar second-half challenges as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title. The Milwaukee Brewers (88-54) continue to lead the rankings, followed by the Atlanta Braves (84-57).
The Dodgers, currently 84-57, are 3.5 games behind the Brewers. The team has recently experienced struggles, including a series loss to the Cardinals and pitching depth concerns due to recent injuries. However, the Dodgers have a history of overcoming late-season difficulties en route to championships.
In the American League Cy Young race, the competition is intensifying between the New York Yankees' Cam Schlittler and the Toronto Blue Jays' Dylan Cease. Schlittler leads with a 12-6 record, a 2.04 ERA, 171.2 innings pitched, and 210 strikeouts. He also holds an edge in ERA, starts, and WHIP over Cease. The Yankees rotation, featuring Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, and Max Fried, is considered a strong contender.
Cease, with a 10-5 record, a 2.25 ERA, 156.1 innings pitched, and 221 strikeouts, leads in advanced metrics such as FIP and is tied with Schlittler in WAR. He is the AL's strikeout leader with a 35.5% K-rate. A strong finish to the season could bolster his Cy Young candidacy.
Other teams noted in the rankings include the Tampa Bay Rays (84-57) at fourth, followed by the Yankees (80-61) at fifth. The Chicago Cubs, with strong performances from Pete Crow-Armstrong, are ranked sixth. The Philadelphia Phillies, with Bryce Harper having a resurgent season, are seventh.
The Arizona Diamondbacks (74-68) are in a playoff hunt, but player Ketel Marte's return has been met with mixed reactions, including boos from the home crowd. The Houston Astros (73-69) have gained ground in the AL West, building a three-game lead over the Rangers. The Cardinals (71-71) are also making a late-season push in the NL wild-card race.
Meanwhile, Eugenio Suarez of the Cincinnati Reds (67-74) celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen, marked by his teammates changing his walk-up song to "God Bless the USA."