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USA TODAY
MLB power rankings: All-Star break arrives with new life for Red Sox, Mets and Astros
By Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY,
1 day ago
It’s more than necessary to slap “symbolic” in front of “halfway point” as this year’s All-Star break arrives across Major League Baseball.
After all, every time sailed past the 81-game mark weeks ago, with the 100-game plateau looming once the second half begins. And so many teams have already lived and died enough that this season must feel like an eternity.
This week, several clubs with renewed life are making a dent in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
The Boston Red Sox? Firmly in playoff position and knocking on the door of the ostensibly transcendent Orioles and Yankees. The Houston Astros ? The Texas Rangers ? Those ALCS combatants nearly looked down for the count yet suddenly, both are within striking distance of the always-scuffling Seattle Mariners .
And let’s welcome everybody into the pool for the National League wild card, led by the New York Mets, a team with virtually no identity a few weeks back but – OMG – suddenly are charismatic and competitive.
A look at our updated rankings:
Rafael Devers and the Red Sox are within five games of first place in the AL East at the All-Star break. Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
1. Philadelphia Phillies (-)
All-Star total now up to eight. Mike Schmidt probably waiting by the phone.
2. Cleveland Guardians (+1)
First team to have No. 1 overall pick while ranked No. 2 in power rankings? We'll look it up.
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