6 out of 10Paul Sancya/Associated Press5. Los Angeles Dodgers (48-31)Previous rank: 4The Dodgers' three-game sweep of the Padres last week was another chapter in their budding rivalry. They lost four straight games before winning three consecutive against the Cubs to end the week. It's going to be a tough week against the San Francisco Giants, who are in first place, and the Nationals on the road.4. San Diego Padres (47-33)Previous Rank: 9After last week's three-game sweep, the Padres are now 7-3 against the Dodgers. After a rough 4-11 start to June, the Padres are now 9-1 in their 10 remaining games. They once again look like one the best teams in baseball with the infield trio, Jake Cronenworth and Fernando Tatis Jr. driving the offense and the pitching staff on fire.3. Tampa Bay Rays (47-32)Previous rank: 5The Rays rebounded from a tough 1-6 week with series wins over both the Red Sox (and Angels) and. Wander Franco, a top prospect, went 2-for-4 in his MLB debut with a double & a home run. However, he was just 1-for-18 in his five next games and had five strikeouts to end his first week in major leagues. Their pitching staff will be able to rest on the off days of Monday and Thursday.2. Houston Astros (48-31)Previous rank: 1The Astros were able to move up from No. 1 by splitting four games with the Tigers. They are still at the No. 1 spot in these rankings but still have the best run differential of any team in baseball at plus142. Last week, they added 30 more to that number. The offense would always score runs. This team has risen to the top because of Luis Garcia's (76.1 IP and 2.83 ERA), Jose Urquidy (76.0IP, 3.32 ERA), Lance McCullers Jr. (67.1IP, 2.94 ERA), Framber Valdez (38.1IP, 2.11 ERA), and Luis Garcia.1. San Francisco Giants (50-28).Prior Rank: 2Since May 23, the Giants have never lost consecutive games. They are now 16-7, with a plus 31 run differential in June. This has solidified their status as legitimate contenders. Despite all the praise for Anthony DeSclafani and Kevin Gausman at the top, Johnny Cueto (13 GS and 3.63 ERA), and Alex Wood (13 GS and 3.91 ERA) are equally important in a rotation which ranks third in majors with a 3.11 ERA.
