MLB Power Rankings: September 2017
By Matt Veasey
The Chicago White Sox have lost four straight games, and five of their last six. In the month of August, manager Rick Renteria‘s squad went just 11-18. They began the month at 11.5 games out in the AL Central race, and now following Friday night’s latest loss sit 25.5 games out.
The season has long been over on the South Side, but fans of the ChiSox became excited for the debut of baseball’s top prospect, infielder Yoan Moncada.
Moncada had a brief eight-game big league cameo with his former organization, the Boston Red Sox, a year ago. He was the key piece in a four-prospect package sent to Chicago for ace lefty Chris Sale at last year’s Winter Meetings.
Promoted on July 19, Moncada was immediately installed as the starting second baseman, and the future appeared underway at Guaranteed Rate Field.
SEASON ON HOLD
For now, that future is on hold. A week ago, Moncada was placed on the 10-day DL with what was described as a bone contusion of his right shin. Both the team and the player hope he can return in the coming week.
At the time of his injury, Moncada had just a .188/.328/.356 slash line with three homers, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored and one stolen base over 122 plate appearances with Chicago. However, since August 4, the 22-year-old native of Cuba had four multi-hit games, and was hitting better with a .246/.361/.426 slash mark.
“The results haven’t been as good as I expected,” said Moncada, per Gabe Salgado of The Sporting News. “Now I’m just trying to keep my focus on my learning process and to be prepared for next year.”
TEAMS RISING AND FALLING
A month ago, the Minnesota Twins appeared to be fading. Perhaps the most surprising 2017 contender of the season’s first half, the Twins had collapsed and fallen into this bottom 10 of the Power Ranking for the first time.
However, Minnesota has picked themselves up off the canvas, and lifted up the rankings once again. You won’t find them below, as Paul Molitor‘s charges have regained control of an AL Wild Card berth thanks to a fantastic 20-10 month of August.
For the first time this season, the Philadelphia Phillies are out of the rankings basement. However, they remain the worst club in the NL. The Phillies’ .381 winning percentage entering Saturday’s games remains the lowest in Major League Baseball.
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SEPTEMBER 2017 MLB POWER RANKING: 30 – 21
30. Chicago White Sox
29. Philadelphia Phillies
28. San Francisco Giants
27. Oakland Athletics
26. Cincinnati Reds
25. Detroit Tigers
24. San Diego Padres
23. New York Mets
22. Atlanta Braves
21. Pittsburgh Pirates