Skip to main content

Streaking Braves and Angels surge into top five for first time

There are two newcomers to the top five of this season's rankings, as the Braves finished last week on a five-game winning streak and the Angels ended by winning six straight.

While Atlanta -- one of only four clubs with at least 80 wins this year -- should be no stranger to such elite company, Los Angeles wouldn't even be in the playoffs if they started today. But that could soon change.

The Angels swept playoff contenders Oakland and Detroit last week and have won 11 of 12 overall and 15 of their last 18, during which time trade acquisition Zack Greinke has found his groove. He's won four straight starts, going at least seven innings while allowing two or fewer runs in each.

Greinke will probably make four more regular-season starts, though probably not again until Friday, meaning he'll miss the four-game series finale between the Angels and Athletics, with a wild-card berth at stake, that starts on Monday night.

NOTES: All stats are updated through Sunday, Sept. 9.

MLB Power Rankings