MLB power rankings: Dodgers remain at No. 1 despite losing series to Padres

Round 2 of the heated Padres-Dodgers series goes to San Diego. 

The Padres won three of four games — including the epic 11-inning comeback Sunday night — against their rival in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers remain at No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' weekly MLB Power Rankings.

“Definitely a good preview of what should come in October," said Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer, whose 11th-inning sacrifice fly proved big. 

The Padres and Dodgers have already met seven times this season and it's only April, with San Diego leading the head-to-head matchup 4-3. The Dodgers won the first series 2-games-to-1. 

Meanwhile, the the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners were the biggest movers in the rankings, each moving up nine spots.

The Los Angeles Angels, who peaked at No. 5 last week, dropped 16 spots to No. 21.

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Trent Grisham celebrate after defeating the Dodgers 8-7 in extra innings. (Photo: Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous rank: 1)

The Dodgers were left stunned after blowing a 7-1 lead in the seventh inning to the Padres on Sunday. 

2. San Diego Padres (2)

Fernando Tatis Jr.: Two homers off Clayton Kershaw, two off Trevor Bauer, one off Dustin May. 

3. Oakland Athletics (T-8)

Their 13-game winning streak — third-longest since moving to Oakland in 1968 — snapped by Orioles on Sunday . 

T-4. Boston Red Sox (3)

Early returns have Boston fans feeling like the October baseball a possibility.

T-4. Milwaukee Brewers (6)

Catcher Omar Narvaez batting .389 (21-for-54) with 3 HR, 11 RBI.

6. Chicago White Sox (8)

Michael Kopech stellar out of the bullpen — will he force his way into rotation?

7. Tampa Bay Rays (T-12)

The Rays have allowed 107 runs, third-most in baseball.

8. Houston Astros (T-12) 

Kent Emanuel pitches 8 ⅔ innings in relief to win MLB debut.

9. San Francisco Giants (18)

Kevin Gausman (1-0, 2.14 ERA in five starts) looking like a true ace.

10. Atlanta Braves (T-15)

Marcell Ozuna (.184 average, one HR) off to a slow start after monster 2020.

T-11. New York Mets (7)

Woes with runners in scoring position continue.

T-11. Kansas City Royals (T-19)

Success probably isn't sustainable but early returns are good following active offseason.

13. Seattle Mariners (22)

Mitch Haniger and Ty France thriving atop Seattle's lineup.

14. Philadelphia Phillies (14)

Bryce Harper has reached base safely in 20 of his last 29 plate appearances over his past six games. 

15. Toronto Blue Jays (10)

Pitchers have combined for an AL-best 3.04 ERA this season.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (17)

The Cardinals have scored 51.6% (49 of 95) of their runs this season via the home run.

17. Chicago Cubs (25)

Kris Bryant gets his contract year off to a great start: 5 HR, 12 RBI, .971 OPS.

18. Cincinnati Reds (4)

Started the week in first place in the NL Central, ended in last place after seven-game losing streak.

19. New York Yankees (T-19)

Gerrit Cole's 50 strikeouts in his first five starts are the most for any pitcher in New York's storied history.

20. Cleveland (11)

Shane Bieber's 57 K's through the first five starts of the season are the second-most in MLB history behind Nolan Ryan, who struck out 59 in 1978.

21. Los Angeles Angels (5)

Jared Walsh proving last season was no fluke as first baseman-in-waiting behind Albert Pujols. 

22. Minnesota Twins (T-15)

The Twins have lost 11 of their last 13 games.

23. Miami Marlins (21)

Top prospect José Devers makes his major-league debut.

24. Arizona Diamondbacks (26)

Zac Gallen, Madison Bumgarner shut down Braves offense in Sunday's doubleheader.

25. Washington Nationals (23)

Max Scherzer could be a possible trade candidate.

26. Baltimore Orioles (24)

The Cedric Mullins Appreciation Society is accepting new members.

27. Texas Rangers (T-27)

Set to host a seven-game homestand against the Angels and Red Sox.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (30)

Richard Rodriguez continues to shine out of the bullpen and has not allowed an earned run in nine appearances.

29. Colorado Rockies (29)

Charlie Blackmon has a career batting average of .302 but is hitting just .153 this season.

30. Detroit Tigers (T-27)

Tigers last in the league with a -37 run differential.

Source: Read Full Article