The panic buttons are getting pushed all across Major League Baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton? Fired, after a 12-26 start and six seasons where the franchise put the overmatched skipper in an untenable spot. Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black? Escorted into early retirement, after the Rockies compiled one of the worst starts in major league history and posted a casual 21-0 loss – yes, that’s 21 runs, not three touchdowns.
A few weeks ago, the Minnesota Twins might have fallen into a similar sinkhole. But after losing their first four games, 11 of their first 15 and 15 of their first 22, they are, stunningly, in the black.
An eight-game winning streak sends Minnesota roaring into this week with a 21-20 record, a seven-spot gain in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings. The Twins are suddenly perched just five games out in a startlingly competitive American League Central. Hot streaks are in vogue there: the Kansas City Royals just completed a 16-2 heater to stay within hailing distance of the indomitable Detroit Tigers.
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
As if the pitching concerns weren’t already real, Rōki Sasaki has a 1.49 WHIP.
2. New York Mets (-)
The Griffin Canning Joyride continues – a 2.36 ERA in eight starts.
3. San Diego Padres (-)
Once fired Bud Black as manager, and then got him fired with a Coors Field explosion.
4. Detroit Tigers (-)
Hamstring strain sends Casey Mize to the IL.
5. San Francisco Giants (-)
Heliot Ramos on an 18-for-43 (.419) heater.
6. Chicago Cubs (-)
Pete Crow-Armstrong hits his 10th home run – matching his 2024 total.
7. New York Yankees (-)
Giancarlo Stanton taking batting practice in progression back from elbow malady.
8. Philadelphia Phillies (+1)
Bryson Stott thriving in leadoff role.
9. Seattle Mariners (-1)
Bryce Miller’s ERA balloons to 5.22.
10. Cleveland Guardians (-)
Gabriel Arias’ .735 OPS more than 100 points better than career mark entering year.
11. Kansas City Royals (+5)
Set a club record by giving up just four runs in four-game sweep of White Sox.
12. St. Louis Cardinals (+10)
Ivan Herrera returns from IL and roster has four-ish catchers on it now.
13. Boston Red Sox (-2)
Sometimes you just gotta let Raffy cook.
14. Houston Astros (-1)
Hunter Brown tied for major league lead with six wins, trails only Max Fried with 1.48 ERA.
15. Arizona Diamondbacks (-)
A four-game split with Dodgers – though they gave up 22 runs in the two Ls.
16. Toronto Blue Jays (+2)
Sweep in their Seattle home-away-from-home gets them back to .500.
17. Milwaukee Brewers (+2)
Have not been swept since ugly opening series at Yankee Stadium.
18. Minnesota Twins (+7)
Bullpen posts a 0.43 ERA during 6-0 homestand.
19. Texas Rangers (-5)
Corey Seager’s barking hamstring might put him on the IL.
20. Cincinnati Reds (-8)
Real feast-or-famine vibe to this offense.
21. Atlanta Braves (-1)
Spencer Strider almost back from hamstring injury.
22. Tampa Bay Rays (-5)
11-17 in their temporary Steinbrenner Field digs.
23. Athletics (+1)
Luis Severino has the Yolo County yips: His home ERA balloons to 6.75.
24. Washington Nationals (-3)
Worst bullpen in baseball (7.13 ERA) makes team look far less competitive than it is.
25. Baltimore Orioles (-2)
Have lost eight of 11 series, with two splits.
26. Los Angeles Angels (-)
Matthew Lugo gets first major league hit, homer over weekend.
27. Miami Marlins (-)
Sandy Alcantara loses five consecutive starts for first time in career.
28. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)
Affable Don Kelly wins first game as manager.
29. Chicago White Sox (-)
Tim Elko’s first major league hit a big one: Go-ahead three-run homer.
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
They fired their manager, but troubles have only just begun.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: AL Central standings with Twins getting hot
