Just how far will the New York Yankees fall?
They have not won a series in their last seven tries. They’ve fallen from first place in the American League East to three games behind the Baltimore Orioles.
And in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings, it’s taken less than a month for to tumble from No. 1 to No. 5.
The latest indignity came Sunday night, when they lost a second consecutive series to the Boston Red Sox, leaving them just 4 ½ ahead of their resurgent rivals – or, nearly as close to third place as they are to first. After the giddiness of rookie Ben Rice’s three-homer game, the Yankees once again failed to win consecutive games – which they last did on June 12.
Now, just one week to get better before the All-Star break.
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A look at our updated rankings:
1. Philadelphia Phillies (-)
2. Baltimore Orioles (-)
- Heston Kjerstad 11 for 30 (.367) with 12 RBIs in 10 games since return from minors.
3. Cleveland Guardians (-)
- José Ramírez celebrates 10 years of service time and sixth All-Star selection on same day.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (+1)
- Shohei Ohtani first player to 20 homers, 20 steals.
5. New York Yankees (-1)
- Back pages react gently to rookie’s three-homer game: BEN THRICE, ALL RICE, THE BENBINO.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
- Christian Yelich on a heater, boosts OPS to .940.
7. Atlanta Braves (-1)
- Have won 11 of last 19 to simply tread water, eight games back.
8. Minnesota Twins (-)
- Have won 10 of last 14 – and shaved deficit from 7 1/2 to six games.
9. Boston Red Sox (+3)
- On a 16-6 tear, and have won 12 of last 17 vs. Yankees.
10. Kansas City Royals (-)
- This might have seemed impossible a year ago, but they’re sending two starting pitchers – Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans – to the All-Star Game.
11. Seattle Mariners (-2)
12. San Diego Padres (-1)
- Luis Arráez will represent third team in three years – Twins, Marlins, Padres – at All-Star Game.
13. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)
- Manfred Rule strikes again, as Ryan Helsley loses consecutive-save streak when Ghost Runner crosses home.
14. Houston Astros (-)
- Made up eight games on Seattle in 18 days.
15. New York Mets (-)
- OMG – they’re a .500 team.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)
- Christian Walker on pace for 40 homers, 115 RBIs.
17. San Francisco Giants (+1)
- Heliot Ramos went from Sacramento shuttle to All-Star in a hurry.
18. Tampa Bay Rays (-2)
- Pivotal stretch before trade deadline begins with 10 games vs. Yankees, Guardians.
19. Washington Nationals (-)
- What a week for James Wood: A hit in first at-bat, changes numbers, homers, drives in five runs.
20. Texas Rangers (+1)
21. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)
- Paul Skenes’ last five starts: 1.39 ERA, 40 strikeouts in 32 ⅓ innings.
22. Cincinnati Reds (-2)
23. Chicago Cubs (-)
- Shota Imanaga joins Sam Jones (1955) as just the second Cubs rookie pitcher to make All-Star team.
24. Detroit Tigers (+1)
- Tarik Skubal, All-Star starter? Seems like a no-brainer.
25. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)
- In 12 games, George Springer has boosted his OPS from .559 to .672.
26. Los Angeles Angels (-)
- Shut out three times in past five games, but Anthony Rendon is back.
27. Oakland Athletics (+1)
- Would a contending team acquiring Mason Miller treat him as carefully as A’s?
28. Colorado Rockies (+1)
- With 14 home runs, All-Star Ryan McMahon should easily surpass his career high of 24.
29. Miami Marlins (-1)
- Jake Burger’s walk-off home run lets the No. 30 White Sox know just who’s boss.
30. Chicago White Sox (-)
- Now 26-66, if you’re still counting.