Diamondbacks slip in MLB Power Rankings amid Wild Card race pressure

Just as they did the previous weekend against the Astros, the Arizona Diamondbacks staved off a disastrous series sweep with an offensive explosion against the Milwaukee Brewers. With both the Mets and Braves also losing on Sunday, Arizona extended its lead in the National League Wild Card race back to two games.

However, there are troubling signs on the horizon. Since August 27th, the Diamondbacks have posted a 7-10 record. While injuries have certainly been a factor, the real culprit has been their pitching. Arizona’s staff has allowed an alarming 8.5 runs per game in September. Fortunately, their top-ranked offense has managed to keep the team afloat during this stretch.

In the latest MLB Power Rankings from Will Leitch at MLB.com, the Diamondbacks slid two spots. After reaching a season-high No. 7, they dropped to No. 9, positioned between the Royals and the Astros.

Leitch highlighted the Diamondbacks’ volatility, writing, “Look out, Arizona: The Braves and the Mets are catching up on them in the Wild Card standings. In a topsy-turvy season for the Diamondbacks — they looked very wobbly for a while, then got so hot they were challenging the Dodgers atop the division, and now they’re fighting for a spot in the playoffs at all — it would be rather remarkable at this point if they found a way to fall short, no?”

At the top of the rankings, the Philadelphia Phillies reclaimed the No. 1 spot, edging out the Dodgers, who dropped to No. 2. The Yankees hold steady at No. 3, while the Brewers surged into the No. 4 position, followed by the Guardians, who jumped several spots to round out the top five.

Meanwhile, the Orioles, once perched atop the rankings, plummeted to No. 7 after a rough 3-7 stretch in their last 10 games, seemingly destined for a second-place finish in the AL East.