The Los Angeles Dodgers have climbed to second in the California Post's weekly MLB power rankings, achieving an eight-game winning streak even as Shohei Ohtani was placed on the injured list. The team placed Ohtani on the IL this week, acknowledging that his recovery may not reach 100% by the end of the season. Despite Ohtani's absence, the Dodgers' recent success has seen them ascend in the rankings.
In the National League MVP race, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is now considered the frontrunner. With Ohtani sidelined for two weeks due to his injury and experiencing an offensive slump, Crow-Armstrong has widened his lead in the WAR (Wins Above Replacement) category. He currently leads Ohtani 10 to 6.8.
Ohtani's MVP hopes have been significantly impacted by his injury. His season statistics include a .277 batting average, .902 OPS, 30 home runs, and 80 RBIs, along with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA as a pitcher. This marks a disappointing turn for a season that once seemed to position him for another MVP award. Questions are now emerging regarding the cause of his injury and its potential impact on his future as a two-way player, with the Dodgers' chances of a third consecutive World Series title also in question.
Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz is also a notable contender in the MVP discussion. He is currently batting .282 with an .869 OPS, 26 home runs, and 70 RBIs. His recent performance, including a 105 mph throw from shortstop, has been described as the most MVP-esque display from any other NL contender this year. He is seen as a potential future contender for the award.
Elsewhere in the league, the Milwaukee Brewers (92-56) became the first team to officially clinch a postseason berth, marking their eighth playoff appearance in nine years. The Tampa Bay Rays (88-59) also secured a playoff spot with a walk-off home run from Junior Caminero.
In the American League, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has returned to the active roster after a 99-day recovery period, without needing a minor-league rehab assignment. The Yankees have maintained their position in the rankings following Judge's return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks received reinforcements with the return of pitcher Corbin Burnes from Tommy John surgery. Burnes pitched three scoreless innings in his comeback, aiming to salvage a season that has been considered disappointing for the $210 million signing.
The San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, extending the Giants' drought to six seasons without a postseason berth, their longest since the 1990s. The Angels' MLB-worst playoff drought has now reached 12 seasons.
Amidst these developments, the California Post's power rankings place the Brewers at number one, followed by the Dodgers. Other teams in the top 10 include the Braves, Rays, Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Red Sox, Padres, and Diamondbacks.