MLB power rankings: A Texas two-step, as Rangers rise to No. 4 with Astros on heels
Texas is officially a problem.
The Rangers are reaping the benefits of two wild winters of spending, storming to a 29-17 start thanks in part to imports like Marcus Semien, whose .875 OPS easily leads American League second basemen. His double-play partner, Corey Seager, returned from the injured list this weekend and ripped seven hits and two home runs in a sweep of Colorado.
They have won 11 of their last 15 games to leap to fourth in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings, all without injured starter Jacob de Grom, whose $185 million signing made the Rangers a threat. It's all rarefied air for a club that's finished fourth or fifth in the AL West five of the last six years.
But the Rangers don't want for company. Their Texas Boot rivals, the Houston Astros, are the week's biggest movers, jumping eight spots to No. 6 after winning nine of 10 games, lurking just two games behind the Rangers.
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A look at this week's rankings:
1. Tampa Bay Rays (-)
Old friend Kevin Kiermaier returns to Tropicana Field amid what could be his best season yet.
2. Atlanta Braves (-)
Body of work includes series wins over Orioles, Rangers, Mariners.
3. Baltimore Orioles (-)
Happy one-year anniversary, Adley Rutschman: Orioles are 93-66 since his debut.
4. Texas Rangers (+2)
Top prospect Evan Carter, 20, knocking on the door: .857 OPS at Class AA.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)
Freddie Freeman's second trip to Atlanta should be less emotional.
6. Houston Astros (+8)
And Jose Altuve is back.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks (+2)
20-12 against right-handed starters.
8. New York Yankees (+3)
Luis Severino's return almost as important as Aaron Judge's. Almost.
9. Boston Red Sox (+3)
Michael Wacha is the old friend and current Padre they may miss most.
10. Milwaukee Brewers (-4)
Willy Adames calls his shot - hits homer, strikes Arozarena pose in return to Trop.
11. Toronto Blue Jays (-5)
1-6 in Alek Manoah's last seven starts.
12. Minnesota Twins (-4)
Sonny Gray (1.64 ERA), Joe Ryan (0.89 WHIP) might have to joust for All-Star starting duties.
13. New York Mets (+3)
14. Los Angeles Angels (+3)
Shohei Ohtani's .899 OPS leads team. As do his five wins. This is totally normal.
15. Pittsburgh Pirates (-5)
Haven't won a series since April 30.
16. San Diego Padres (-3)
Just as Juan Soto starts slugging, Manny Machado hits the IL.
17. Seattle Mariners (-2)
A.J. Pollock's .152/.207/.342 line in 87 plate appearances isn't helping.
18. Miami Marlins (+3)
Luis Arraez watch: His .382 batting average is 134 points above the leaguewide mark.
19. San Francisco Giants (+3)
Rookie buzz won't stop: Catcher Patrick Bailey homers in third major league game as Casey Schmitt's grand debut continues.
20. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)
Craig Kimbrel has 6.35 ERA - but is 5-for-5 in save chances. Clearly, the man is a closer.
21. Cleveland Guardians (-1)
Triston McKenzie tops out at 95 mph in three-inning, scoreless rehab start.
22. Chicago Cubs (-3)
Water finding its level?
23. Detroit Tigers (-)
Closer Alex Lange's 15-game scoreless streak longest current run among relievers.
24. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)
Willson Contreras Redemption Arc has been one wild ride.
25. Washington Nationals (+1)
Jeimer Candelario on a 16-for-28 heater.
26. Cincinnati Reds (-2)
Just 13 home runs away from Great American Ball Park - worst road rate in majors.
27. Colorado Rockies (-)
Cowboys 31, Broncos 10. Oh wait, that was the spread in Rangers' weekend sweep.
28. Chicago White Sox (-)
Liam Hendriks' return will be bright spot in increasingly challenging year.
29. Kansas City Royals (-)
Nick Pratto's powerful campaign (.329 average, .907 OPS) rumbles on amid all the losing.
30. Oakland Athletics (-)
The record: 10-38. The run differential: -168. Power players on the Strip boosting stadium cause: Zero.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Texas Rangers, Houston Astros are big movers
