With All-Star week festivities within the rearview mirror, the second half of the 2023 season is off to a bang. MLB had a evening of offense to recollect on Tuesday, with 12 groups scoring double-digit runs — a stage of offensive manufacturing not seen in 129 years.
Regardless of placing up 13 runs, the key league-leading Braves misplaced their third of 4 video games for the reason that All-Star break — earlier than dropping a fourth straight sport Wednesday — in a 16-13 defeat by the Diamondbacks. In the meantime, the Orioles are coming off a collection loss to the Dodgers and now face the Rays in a battle of the highest two American League groups — one with main AL East implications, too, as a Tampa Bay loss and Baltimore win on Wednesday left the pair tied atop the division getting into the four-game matchup.
Who will come out forward because the division chief — and because the finest group within the higher league? The place do all the opposite groups stand getting into the second half of the season?
Our knowledgeable panel has mixed to rank each group in baseball primarily based on a mix of what we have seen to date and what we already knew going into the 162-game marathon that could be a full baseball season. We additionally requested ESPN MLB consultants David Schoenfield, Bradford Doolittle, Jesse Rogers and Alden Gonzalez to weigh in with an remark for all 30 groups.
Second-half preview | Week 14 | Preseason rankings
Report: 61-33
Earlier rating: 1
Matt Olson had 77 RBIs by 93 video games (by Tuesday), placing him on tempo for 134. The franchise file is Hugh Duffy’s 145, set method again in 1894 — which is hardly an apples-to-apples comparability because the Nationwide League averaged 7.39 runs per sport that season (and the Boston Beaneaters, because the Braves have been then recognized, averaged greater than 9 runs per sport). The trendy file belongs to Eddie Mathews, who drove in 135 runs in 1953 for the Milwaukee Braves. The “Atlanta” file belongs to Gary Sheffield, who drove in 132 in 2003.
Minor trigger for concern: Bryce Elder has allowed seven runs in back-to-back begins, getting knocked out within the fourth and third innings. He has a 5.44 ERA over his previous eight begins. Max Fried is getting nearer in his rehab and can throw 60 pitches in his subsequent outing. — Schoenfield
Report: 60-39
Earlier rating: 2
The Rays’ gradual slide accelerated over the past week when, after a second-straight loss to the Rangers on Tuesday, Tampa Bay was on tempo to win fewer than 100 video games for the primary time all season. With a dropping file within the 10-, 20- and 30-game home windows, this cannot be dismissed as a mere stoop — there are some developments in play as nicely.
Let’s take the 30-game window, by which Tampa Bay has gone 12-18, for instance. A part of it has been dangerous luck. The Rays “ought to” have gained 16 video games primarily based on their run differential throughout that point. That they did not is partially a results of going 2-7 in one-run video games. The bullpen has been glorious; just one different group has a greater bullpen ERA throughout that timeframe. The wrongdoer is the injury-battered rotation. Throughout these 30 video games, Rays starters had a 5.07 ERA, rating twenty fifth within the majors. Effectively, Shane McClanahan is again from the injured checklist however, after all, Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs are down for the season. The ethical of all this: The Rays ought to be laser centered on bolstering the rotation from now by the commerce deadline. — Doolittle
Report: 58-39
Earlier rating: 3
Bruce Bochy could make room on his mantle for supervisor of the yr because the Rangers may find yourself with the most effective file within the American League and a No.1 seed within the postseason. There is a lengthy approach to go, however their post-All-Star break efficiency has been stellar. A collection sweep of the Guardians adopted by a collection win over the Rays has Texas positioned to doubtlessly take excessive spot within the league.
The wins over Tampa Bay, specifically, have been about pretty much as good because it will get. Each got here by way of late-inning, run-scoring rallies together with a walk-off on Monday. However the story of the Rangers is their pitching workers minus Jacob deGrom. Nathan Eovaldi garners many of the headlines, however Dane Dunning is having a breakout season. He held the Rays to 5 hits and two runs over seven innings on Monday, lowering his ERA to 2.82. It is arduous to think about the common baseball fan would know Dunning ranks within the high 5 within the league in that class. — Rogers
Report: 58-37
Earlier rating: 7
The Orioles owned a share of first place within the AL East for simply at some point — after their season-opening win again on March 30. Since then, they, together with the remainder of the division, have been chasing Tampa Bay. Regardless of the Rays’ traditionally quick begin, the Orioles’ largest deficit has been simply 6½ video games, however they pretty not too long ago hit that nadir — again in the beginning of July.
Baltimore’s gradual crawl in the direction of the lead since then grew to become a dash this week. The O’s really handed the Rays within the loss column, although a disparity in video games performed nonetheless stored the Rays in first. Baltimore has been as many as 22 video games over .500. Whereas its competition final season at the moment was unsure, there is no such thing as a ambiguity this time round. Whether or not you take a look at 30-game or 50-game rolling averages, this model of the O’s has been a constant winner from the outset. The following couple of weeks main as much as the commerce deadline will probably be awfully fascinating. That is what Baltimore’s most loyal followers have been ready for. — Doolittle
Report: 55-40
Earlier rating: 6
Julio Urias supplied up a really encouraging signal to start the second half, tossing six scoreless innings in a street begin in opposition to the Mets on Friday evening. However he adopted that up by permitting 4 first-inning runs to the Orioles on Wednesday afternoon, an outing that did not see him file his first swing-and-miss till his 51st pitch. Urias’ up-and-down season continues. The Dodgers are undoubtedly out there for beginning pitching earlier than the commerce deadline — they should be, provided that Dustin Could is out for the yr, Clayton Kershaw is on the IL and Walker Buehler is getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure — however the provide there’s anticipated to be exceedingly restricted. They in all probability will not get very far if Urias does not begin performing like an ace once more. — Gonzalez
Report: 53-43
Earlier rating: 4
The Astros have performed beneath .500 in opposition to profitable golf equipment this season, however they have been center of the pack by that measure. They’ve solely achieved that nicely as a result of their pitching workers ranks within the high 10 in ERA in opposition to profitable groups. The story has been very totally different for the hitters. By way of Tuesday, Houston’s .792 OPS in opposition to dropping groups is the sixth-best whole within the majors, however in opposition to winners, the .691 OPS ranks twenty third. The disparity (101 factors of OPS) is the third-largest within the majors, behind the Angels (133 factors) and Pirates (123). The Astros have appeared in additional than twice as many playoff video games as another AL membership since 2015, so that they know this higher than anybody: That is not going to play in October. — Doolittle
Report: 53-43
Earlier rating: 9
Toronto’s current surge makes it the AL’s hottest membership proper now. As a result of that spree has coincided with the Rays’ downturn, instantly Toronto seems to be poised to hitch Baltimore and Tampa Bay in a three-team scrum for the AL East crown. With the deadline approaching, depend the Jays as one of many groups that should be mining for rotation assist. Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi have all been strong or higher, and all are trending in the correct path. However after a five-walk/zero-strikeout efficiency by Alek Manoah in his final begin, Toronto has reached the purpose the place it may possibly’t financial institution on him reverting to his 2022 Cy Younger-like kind. You do not abandon Manoah after all, who stays a key side of the Blue Jays’ future, however some extra depth on this spot could be a good suggestion. — Doolittle
Report: 54-42
Earlier rating: 11
Camilo Doval got here out of the bullpen to file a save on Tuesday afternoon — then got here out of the bullpen to do it once more just a few hours later, changing into the primary pitcher this season to file two saves on the identical day (although the primary of these video games was a make-up from Monday). It gave Doval a significant league-leading 30 saves for the season and ran the Giants’ profitable streak to seven video games, protecting them in competition with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks for the highest spot within the NL West. The emergence of their bullpen — which has the majors’ third-lowest ERA, fifth-lowest WHIP and fifth-highest strikeout-to-walk ratio for the reason that begin of June — has been a giant cause why. — Gonzalez
Report: 52-43
Earlier rating: 12
The Phillies gained 4 of their first 5 video games popping out of the break, together with taking three of 4 from the Padres. Bryce Harper ended his lengthy house run drought (166 plate appearances) on Saturday, and Taijuan Walker gained his seventh consecutive begin — he is 7-0 with a 1.84 ERA and .187 batting common allowed in that span. Harper continues to get pregame work at first base, though his debut on the place continues to get pushed again — possibly we’ll see him there this weekend. On the dangerous information entrance, high prospect Andrew Painter will now bear Tommy John surgical procedure after initially attempting a conservative rehab program. The timing means he’ll probably miss all of subsequent season, too, after not pitching in 2023. — Schoenfield
Report: 54-42
Earlier rating: 5
The D-backs misplaced eight of their first 11 video games this month, a stretch that noticed them slash simply .210/.297/.326. Then they broke out for 16 runs in a wild back-and-forth sport in opposition to Atlanta on Tuesday, getting a number of hits from 5 members of their lineup. The D-backs’ offense has confirmed to be adequate and deep sufficient to not be held in verify for very lengthy. However they’re going to nonetheless want pitching earlier than this yr’s commerce deadline in the event that they hope to maintain tempo with the Dodgers and Giants within the NL West, each for the center of their rotation and the again finish of their bullpen. And so they have the younger gamers to get virtually no matter they need. — Gonzalez
Report: 51-46
Earlier rating: 17
The Crimson Sox are nicely into an prolonged smooth stretch of their schedule, one which has been no less than partially liable for their rise to inside a sport or two of the AL’s final playoff slot. (Which, in 2023, can be inside a sport or two of final place within the division.) The schedule from right here on out is extra rugged, particularly the upcoming stretch in opposition to the Mets, Braves and Giants that takes them nearly to the commerce deadline. So, the place does that go away lead exec Chaim Bloom by way of his deadline strategy?
Currently, Bloom’s feedback to the media have been noncommittal — win between now and the tip of July and Boston may search for pitching assist, however lose and instantly that strategy would flip. On the very least, the Crimson Sox stay in place to make one thing of a season that hasn’t seen them increased than fourth place since early Could. They seem to be a middle-of-the-road group, however that does not imply they’re with out alternative. — Doolittle
Report: 53-43
Earlier rating: 14
Milwaukee flexed its muscle groups in two collection wins over Cincinnati, each earlier than and after the All-Star break. The sweep this previous weekend was particularly spectacular because it included two shutouts — and the Brewers additionally shut out the Reds proper earlier than the break, too. All season, oddsmakers have pointed to the Brewers because the overwhelming favourite to win the NL Central, and so they’re proving why proper now. They’ve the most effective pitching workers and the most effective supervisor within the division. Which may merely be sufficient to take house the title. — Rogers
Report: 53-45
Earlier rating: 10
With 5 straight losses popping out of the All-Star break to no less than quickly drop out of a wild-card place, there will probably be elevated strain on the Marlins to do one thing on the commerce deadline. The bullpen misplaced 4 of these video games, so including some reduction assist could now be GM Kim Ng’s No. 1 precedence. Will they be keen so as to add a lot payroll? Pretty much as good because the Marlins had performed heading into the All-Star break, the schedule actually picks up beginning July 31. Try this slate of collection: vs. Phillies, at Rangers, at Reds, vs. Yankees, vs. Astros, at Dodgers, at Padres. — Schoenfield
Report: 50-47
Earlier rating: 8
As a franchise, the Yankees personal lots of baseball’s single-season and combination group information. So wouldn’t it be becoming if the Bombers emerged as the most effective last-place group in historical past? Effectively, if we’re going by won-lost information, that may be the case if the season ended now, as there has by no means been an above-.500 cellar dweller.
In response to my newest simulations, the Yankees have a few 48% probability of ending final regardless of a mean win whole of 84.4. This, together with the opportunity of an AL Central champ with a dropping file, is the seedy underbelly of the brand new everybody-plays-everybody scheduling system that everyone appears to like. Until MLB makes some tweaks, we in all probability ought to get used to this type of factor. Anyway, suffice to say, if a last-place profitable season is the last word destiny of this yr’s Yanks, it will be zero solace for followers within the Bronx. — Doolittle
Report: 51-46
Earlier rating: 13
The Reds are dropping after they rating and after they do not, as their skid hit a low level throughout a doubleheader loss to the Giants this week. Nevertheless it was the post-All-Star break sweep by Milwaukee that actually harm — the Reds scored simply three runs in three video games, which included two shutouts. Maybe their younger roster wasn’t ready popping out of the break or possibly they’re simply regressing to the imply as many predicted. Cincinnati will not mortgage its future on the deadline, however a pitching addition ought to assist give it that year-ahead-of schedule probability at overtaking the Brewers. View it as an extended shot than simply 10 days in the past. — Rogers
Report: 50-47
Earlier rating: 15
The Twins have swept three-game collection in opposition to bottom-feeding Oakland and Kansas Metropolis this month, whereas largely struggling within the video games they’ve performed in opposition to higher golf equipment. This has been a season-long development. Whereas it is solely pure {that a} membership would do higher in opposition to dangerous groups than good groups, the size of the Twins’ disparity appears uncommon.
By way of Tuesday, Minnesota was 26-16 in opposition to sub-.500 groups however simply 23-31 in opposition to everybody else. The hitters have seen just about no disparity in efficiency primarily based on high quality of opponent. It has been the pitchers: Minnesota has a 3.21 ERA in opposition to dropping groups and 4.19 in opposition to everybody else. That does not bode nicely for the playoffs, however after all the Twins should get there first. With traits like this, it’d make the standard of the remaining schedule extra related for Minnesota than different groups. If that is the case, it is excellent news for Twins followers. Primarily based on the remaining common high quality of their opponents, solely the White Sox and Cubs have a neater slate than the Twins. — Doolittle
Report: 47-48
Earlier rating: 18
The Mariners wanted to get on a sizzling streak with 10 video games at house popping out of the All-Star break, however that did not occur. They misplaced two of three to the Tigers after which misplaced 10-3 to the Twins on Tuesday, a sport by which they scored three runs within the first inning regardless of getting two runners thrown out at house plate. If the Mariners cannot beat the Tigers and Twins at house, they’ll neglect about making a run for the playoffs. So far as the commerce deadline goes, the Mariners are straddling the road. No, they are not going to commerce Logan Gilbert or George Kirby as a part of a Shohei Ohtani commerce, and so they could not add a lot in any respect. This can be a clear case of enchancment needing to come back from inside and a minor commerce or two is hardly an answer. — Schoenfield
Report: 46-50
Earlier rating: 19
The Padres’ maddening inconsistency has already been on show within the early a part of this second half. It started with them breezing previous the Phillies on Friday. Then they misplaced three video games in a span of two days, all of which they led at one level. Then they confirmed up in Toronto on Tuesday evening and routed the Blue Jays on the power of 4 house runs. The Padres have not had a profitable file since Could 10. Each time they creep shut, they slip additional again, solely to get shut once more. Small shake-ups have already occurred, with Nelson Cruz and, extra not too long ago, Rougned Odor getting designated for project. If the Padres do not present some consistency quickly, a lot greater modifications could be afoot. — Gonzalez
Report: 49-48
Earlier rating: 16
The whole baseball world appears to be fantasizing about Ohtani on any variety of different groups, however the Angels, no less than for now, nonetheless appear centered on making their case to maintain him. They started the week having misplaced 11 of 13 video games, a precipitous fall that prompted the Ohtani discuss within the first place. However then they swept a three-game collection in opposition to the scuffling Yankees, and now they’re occupied with getting a number of of their injured gamers — Brandon Drury and Anthony Rendon within the close to future, maybe Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe not lengthy thereafter — again into the lineup. They’ve the Pirates and Tigers subsequent. In the event that they reap the benefits of that smooth spot of their schedule — earlier than a brutal stretch of video games in opposition to contenders — Ohtani may keep. If not, nicely … — Gonzalez
Report: 47-49
Earlier rating: 20
The entrance workplace has made it clear that under no circumstances will they mortgage the long run for some win-now trades, so do not count on Cleveland to be too lively on the deadline. It is simply not the way in which the Guardians function, even when the AL Central stays up for grabs. The issue is Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill — their three finest starters from final season — are all now on the IL. Certainly, given McKenzie has made simply two begins and Quantrill is 2-6 with a 6.45 ERA, Cleveland is lucky to be proper there with the Twins.
Cool second in Friday’s loss to the Rangers: Bo Naylor hit a two-run house run within the third inning and 4 batters later, his older brother, Josh Naylor, additionally hit a two-run homer. They grew to become the fourth set of brothers to homer in the identical inning for a similar group, becoming a member of Justin and B.J. Upton (twice for the Braves in 2013), Cal and Billy Ripken (for the Orioles in 1990 and 1996) and Henry and Tommie Aaron (Braves, 1962). — Schoenfield
Report: 45-50
Earlier rating: 21
Amidst the disappointing season, a vivid spot has been rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez, who homered twice on Tuesday to run his season line to .242/.303/.534 with 19 house runs (seven in July). That already locations him second on the all-time checklist for many house runs by a 21-year-old catcher. We knew in regards to the energy potential, however the shock has been his protection. He ranks within the 79th percentile in Statcast’s pitch framing metric, and he is allowed simply 4 handed balls. It is a powerful package deal for such a younger catcher — with areas to enhance on (swing-and-miss price, throwing accuracy). — Schoenfield
Report: 45-50
Earlier rating: 22
A crucial, post-All-Star a part of Chicago’s schedule did not begin out nicely because it misplaced three of its first 4 video games — all at house. Whereas there’s nonetheless time forward of the commerce deadline — each sport as much as it, save their final one, is in opposition to sub-.500 groups — the Cubs are working right down to the wire. In the event that they do get to .500 (or higher), it’d put a pause on buying and selling Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger. It will assist if lefty Drew Smyly discovered his sport once more. His first 9 begins produced a 2.50 ERA, however his final 10 have a 6.50 ERA connected to them. Inconsistency has been the secret for the Cubs this yr — although they continue to be the one NL Central group with a optimistic run differential. — Rogers
Report: 43-53
Earlier rating: 23
There’s some life in St. Louis, because it lastly acquired out of the cellar within the NL Central on Tuesday — however that would say extra in regards to the Pirates than the Cardinals. Jordan Montgomery goes to be a extremely sought-after commerce chip, with him peaking on the proper time. He tossed one other six good innings in a win over the Marlins this week, which helped produce a glowing 1.17 ERA over his final 5 outings. He and Jack Flaherty are probably headed out of city. In reality, it will be a shock in the event that they weren’t on the transfer by Aug.1. — Rogers
Report: 43-52
Earlier rating: 26
After I requested everybody final week to think about a world by which Detroit seems to be so as to add on the deadline, the Tigers went out and continued to carry their very own. They continue to be in that five-to-six video games behind zone that hardly clarifies their ongoing standing. In reality, a wild 11-10 loss to the Royals on Tuesday left them 5-5 over their final 10, 10-10 over their final 20 and 15-15 over their final 30. Is that competition? In a division with a .500-ish chief … possibly? The excellent news is that the Tigers’ administration doesn’t appear anxious to punt on the season. President of baseball operations Scott Harris informed the media final week {that a} sizzling streak may encourage the group to take a optimistic strategy to the deadline. So … dream on. — Doolittle
Report: 42-54
Earlier rating: 24
The free fall that began a few month in the past has continued after the break. Pittsburgh acquired swept by the Giants after which was hammered by the light-hitting Guardians who scored 21 runs within the first two video games of the collection. All-Star Mitch Keller seemed something however on Tuesday when he gave up eight runs on 10 hits, together with two house runs. Quinn Priester‘s MLB debut the evening earlier than was solely barely higher as he allowed seven runs on seven hits — additionally together with two house runs. The 2019 first-round choose joined a rotation that now ranks twenty second in ERA after being within the high half of the league the primary couple months of the season. Issues have modified dramatically in Pittsburgh since then. — Rogers
Report: 40-57
Earlier rating: 25
The 2-year nightmare that has been the present model of the White Sox is coming to an finish. For the reason that 2021 All-Star break, Chicago has been a mediocre membership regardless of making the playoffs that season. Lucas Giolito and probably Lance Lynn will probably be traded by the Aug. 1 commerce deadline, however the largest query revolves round shortstop Tim Anderson. A change of surroundings is so as, although with a group choice for subsequent yr, it is unclear when that transfer may occur. He is been higher these days, however he is having a horrible total yr on the plate — it has been over a calendar yr since his final house run — and within the discipline. Would somebody take an opportunity and play him at second base? It is potential, however he wants a sizzling end to the month. — Rogers
Report: 38-58
Earlier rating: 27
“We’re open for enterprise,” GM Mike Rizzo introduced throughout a press convention previous to Tuesday’s 17-3 loss to the Cubs. “We have now a plan in place, now we have a blueprint in place for this rebuild. We’re at all times open-minded and we’ll at all times be aggressive. That is to not say we’ll transfer all people.”
Effectively, after all not: There are a restricted variety of Nationals gamers who will draw curiosity. Jeimer Candelario is the obvious since he is on an expiring deal. Groups may even ask about Lane Thomas, who has two extra years of group management.
“I see Lane Thomas as having an All-Star first half of the season,” Rizzo mentioned. “He is acquired instruments, he is younger and he is a terrific participant. If one other group views him solely as a part-time or bench participant, we cannot have a deal. But when any individual views him as the way in which I view him and the way in which our workers views him, then we would have a dialog.” — Schoenfield
Report: 37-59
Earlier rating: 28
The Rockies’ depressing season skilled a uncommon spotlight over the weekend: a collection win over the star-studded Yankees to start the second half. It was sealed by none apart from Chase Anderson, who entered his Sunday begin with a 6.89 ERA however held the Aaron Decide-less Yankees scoreless by the primary 5 innings. Later, Anderson mentioned, “I wish to be the starter that may stabilize the rotation.” Anyone has to. — Gonzalez
Report: 28-69
Earlier rating: 29
Let’s examine … let’s give a Jordan Lyles replace. He seemed like he would enhance to 2-11 after tossing six scoreless innings on Monday in opposition to the Tigers and leaving with a 2-0 lead. Besides these are the Royals and the bullpen blew the lead, so Lyles acquired a no-decision. That leaves him with one victory in 18 begins. What sort of historical past is within the making right here?
Seven pitchers have made no less than 20 begins whereas profitable precisely one sport (not together with Ryne Stanek, who made 27 begins as an opener for the Rays in 2019). Jordan Zimmermann began 23 video games for the Tigers in 2019 and went 1-13. Homer Bailey made 20 begins for the Reds in 2018 and went 1-14. So this is not unprecedented territory for Lyles. The all-time “file” right here: Jack Nabors went 1-20 for the 1916 Philadelphia A’s, making 30 begins. Oh, wait … I’ve simply been knowledgeable that Zack Greinke is 1-9 in 18 begins. Benefit from the remaining two months, Royals followers! — Schoenfield
Report: 27-71
Earlier rating: 30
In the course of what’s going to go down as fairly probably probably the most miserable season in franchise historical past, the A’s acquired an encouraging signal for his or her future. It got here on Tuesday, within the midst of a 3-0 win over the Crimson Sox, when Luis Medina, their electrical 24-year-old right-hander, allowed solely 4 baserunners and 0 runs in 5â…” innings. Medina entered that begin with a 6.34 ERA. The A’s had implored him to take extra command of his off-speed pitches to stability out his upper-90s fastball, and Medina did simply that, incorporating all 5 of his pitches in what was by far his finest main league outing but. — Gonzalez
