The Week That Was: May 22–28

Not much changed in the playoff picture this week, but there was still plenty of action.

Source: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America

Standings

There is still a few weird teams in first place…

Playoff Odds

National League

With the Mets and Giants taking big falls, the Rockies and D’backs have been big risers.

American League

The American League is a lot more clustered than the National League.

Standout Performers

American League West:

• Jed Lowrie, IF, Oakland Athletics: 9–18, 2 BB, 14 TB
• JC Ramirez, RHP, Los Angeles Angels: 12 IP, 16 K, 6 BB, 3 ER

National League West:

• Charlie Blackmon, CF, Colorado Rockies: 12–30, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 24 TB
• Robbie Ray, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks: 7 IP, 9 K, 0 BB, 0 ER

American League Central:

• Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox: 14–31, 3 2B, 2 HR, 23 TB
• Ervin Santana, RHP, Minnesota Twins: 9 IP, 6 K, 2 BB, 0 ER

National League Central:

• Jordy Mercer, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: 12–27, 2 HR, 3 BB, 21 TB
• Chase Anderson, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers: 7 IP, 11 K, 3 BB, 0 ER

American League East:

• Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox: 10–25, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 15 TB
• Masahiro Tanaka, RHP, New York Yankees: 7.1 IP, 13 K, 0 BB, 1 ER

National League East:

• Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington Nationals: 9–21, 3 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 4 BB, 24 TB
• Stephen Strasburg, RHP, Washington Nationals: 7 IP, 15 K, 1 BB, 0 ER

Injury Report

• Mike Trout suffered a left thumb sprain that should only be day-to-day following negative X-rays after the game.
• Houston Astros right-hander Charlie Morton was placed on the 10-day DL with a right lat strain. He is expected to miss more than one start.
• Manuel Margot was placed on the 10-day DL by the Padres with a right calf sprain.
• Ian Kinsler was placed on the 10-day DL with a left hamstring strain.

Play of the Week

Hit of the Week

Pitch of the Week

Matchups to Watch: May 8–14

Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins: May 29–31

A battle of two first place teams. This should be a good one.

Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres: May 29–31

The Cubs make a rare trip out west for a three game set with the Padres.

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles: June 1–4

Let’s face it, when these two teams face off it is always entertaining.

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers: June 2–4

A full 10 games back of the division leading Astros, this is the Rangers chance to start closing some ground.