MLB Power Rankings: Red Sox Moving On Up

Aug 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) hits an RBI single during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) hits an RBI single during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY
Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY /

Typically, this late in the MLB season, the best teams have established themselves and there is not much movement in any power rankings. Instead, several teams are making a late season push for the playoffs, shuffling our rankings this week.

There have been some truly stellar performances this week. Josh Donaldson has forced his way into the MVP discussion yet again, blasting three home runs on Sunday to lead the Blue Jays to victory. Chris Sale struck out 14 batters in a complete game, but still managed to lose as the White Sox offense failed him once more. Bartolo Colon even had his first two hit game in 14 years, hearkening back to the days when he was with the Expos.

Then, there is the other side of the coin. The Twins (more on them in a bit) lost each game this week, and ten in a row. Jackie Bradley struck out 13 times in 25 at bats heading into Sunday night. Jonathan Niese lasted one out before being removed due to injury, but allowed three runs. Chad Bettis walked seven in a five inning outing, but somehow managed to allow only four runs.

We are starting to see contenders separate from the pack, and teams fall out of contention. Meanwhile, other teams are making a push for the playoffs, hoping that the early holes they dug for themselves will not prove to be too deep. The last few weeks of the season promise to be quite interesting indeed.

Which teams rose, and which fell, in the MLB Power Rankings? Let us take a look at where each team stands.

Next: They also played this year