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MLB power rankings: The early powerhouses, surprises, and duds

By Kevin Henry

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 and George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2022 in New York City. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 and George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2022 in New York City. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (last ranking: 28)

After Friday’s loss at the New York Mets, the Diamondbacks were hitting .135 as a team (28-for-208). That is reportedly the worst batting stretch in team history and only eight teams in MLB history have been more putrid at the plate during that same length of time than Arizona was to start the 2022 season.

26. Pittsburgh Pirates (last ranking: 30)

The Pirates have not only been playing well on the field, but they have also committed resources to Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes to start the season as well. Give them a rise in the rankings for not only what they’re doing on the diamond this year, but also what they’re doing to generate some hope for the future as well.

25. Miami Marlins (last ranking: 22)

An Opening Week road trip to the West Coast to take on the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels didn’t do the Marlins any favors as they went 1-4 on the trip. However, a return back to south Florida and to competition in the National League East has seen the Fish show some signs of life. Jesús Sánchez has been a good early story to watch as the young outfielder drove in the game-winning runs in each of Miami’s first two wins of the campaign.

24. Minnesota Twins (last ranking: 16)

Byron Buxton is back on the shelf and Sonny Gray could miss some time with a hamstring injury. Minnesota had a tough stretch to open the season (home against Seattle and the Los Angeles Dodgers and on the road against the Boston Red Sox), so we will see how the team overcomes injuries and settles into a rhythm against American League Central competition this coming week (Kansas City and the Chicago White Sox).

23. Oakland Athletics (last ranking: 26)

Cristian Pache, acquired in the trade that sent Matt Olson to the Atlanta Braves, hit a home run on Saturday to help Oakland to a road win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The rebuilt A’s are showing some early life, but can it last?

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