Evan Longoria

Welcome to the fourth edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2021 season.1. Chicago White Sox Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 19-13 7-3 +53 4 (+3) The White Sox earn the top spot without any clear favorite due to their MLB-best plus-53 run differential. Chicago's offensive rating of 18.1, according to FanGraphs, is the league's fourth-best despite long-term injuries to Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez. Meanwhile, the team's pitching staff ranks in the top four in fWAR thanks to brilliant performances from Carlos Rodon and Lance Lynn. The former owns a 0.58 ERA and has allowed just one home run over 31 innings.2. Boston Red Sox Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 22-13 6-4 +36 5 (+3) Xander Bogaerts might finally be getting the appreciation he deserves. The 28-year-old is off to a career-best start through 33 games, slashing .349/.396/.589 with seven home runs, 10 doubles, and a league-leading 45 hits. It's looking increasingly likely that the longest-tenured Red Sox player will opt out of the final three years and $60 million of his contract after the 2022 season and join a stacked free-agent class of shortstops slated to include Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story.3. San Diego Padres Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 19-16 6-4 +19 2 (-) San Diego owns MLB's best ERA at 2.89. That's why the Padres are second in the NL West, as the club just isn't hitting right now. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Trent Grisham are the only qualified Padres position players with an OPS above .800. Ha-Seong Kim, Jurickson Profar, and the team's entire catching corps have disappointed thus far. If San Diego is going to fulfill its potential this season, Tatis and Grisham need a lot of help fast.4. Oakland Athletics Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 21-15 5-5 -10 3 (-1) The A's are still rolling. Bob Melvin's squad has lost just one series (to the Orioles, of all teams) since its season-opening six-game losing streak. The Athletics aren't doing anything spectacular. Instead, they're playing solid all-around baseball, and it's paying off. Their minus-10 run differential might indicate some regression, though.5. Los Angeles Dodgers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-17 2-8 +32 1 (-4) Injuries have decimated the powerful Dodgers, and even their unparalleled depth is being tested. The defending champs lost three of four to Milwaukee before the Cubs swept them at Wrigley Field, and they nearly blew a 13-0 lead to the Angels on Saturday. Despite all of that, the Dodgers are only 2 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West, and they own a plus-32 run differential. The odds are good they'll weather this storm. Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty6. New York Yankees Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-16 7-3 +13 14 (+8) Giancarlo Stanton isn't hearing many boos in the Bronx lately. The much-maligned slugger is helping to right the ship in New York with his sizzling stretch. He's hitting .413.464.762 with six home runs and four doubles over his last 15 games, pushing the Yankees to a 10-5 record over that span.7. San Francisco Giants Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 20-14 5-5 +27 7 (-) After all the offseason hype tied to the Padres and Dodgers, the Giants are the first NL West team to reach 20 wins, and they boast the NL's second-best winning percentage and run differential. A home-heavy schedule has helped (they're 12-4 at Oracle Park). So has outstanding starting pitching from some surprising contributors, and resurgent offensive campaigns from veterans Evan Longoria and Buster Posey.8. St. Louis Cardinals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 21-14 8-2 +23 15 (+7) The Cardinals sit atop the NL Central after winning 12 of their last 16 games, and the ageless Yadier Molina leads their offense. He's produced five home runs and a .997 OPS over 21 contests, while Nolan Arenado paces the club with 23 RBIs. Ace Jack Flaherty is a perfect 6-0 in seven starts, and closer Alex Reyes has authored a 0.53 ERA with 10 saves in 16 appearances during his first season in the role.9. New York Mets Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 16-13 7-3 -3 9 (-) Rat or raccoon? The Mets' five-game winning streak may have received less attention than the tunnel drama between Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil, but New York is finally playing up to preseason expectations. Lindor broke out of his early-season funk while posting a 1.043 OPS during the streak, Pete Alonso got on base at a .400 clip, and Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker have been fantastic behind ace Jacob deGrom with their combined 2.25 ERA. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Sport / Getty10. Toronto Blue Jays Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 17-16 6-4 +25 8 (-2) The Blue Jays somehow continue to stay above .500 despite an avalanche of injuries. George Springer is on the IL again and catcher Alejandro Kirk has joined him, along with a bunch of high-leverage relievers. Despite all the bullpen's health issues, the group's 2.92 ERA is fourth-best in the majors. Meanwhile, Toronto's offense is beginning to look like the juggernaut it was projected to become. The club has scored at least seven runs in four of its last 10 games.11. Tampa Bay Rays Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 19-17 6-4 +1 11 (-) Mike Zunino was one of the league's worst offensive players during the shortened 2020 campaign, but he's rebounded significantly in 2021 without lighting the world on fire. The catcher has already surpassed his 2020 home run total, and he's one of three Rays regulars with an OPS over .750. If Zunino can sustain his current production, Tampa Bay's chances in the hyper-competitive AL East will keep improving.12. Houston Astros Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-16 5-5 +33 13 (+1) The Astros managed to survive the Bronx and a hostile first series against the Yankees following the sign-stealing scandal. Houston can now focus on finding some consistency with Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez heating up. The 2019 AL Rookie of the Year has recorded multi-hit games in four straight contests and six of his last seven, resulting in a 1.033 OPS this campaign.13. Milwaukee Brewers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 19-16 4-6 -6 6 (-7) A recent six-game losing streak put a damper on the Brewers' good start to the season. Milwaukee will struggle to compete for a division title without a healthy Christian Yelich, who's on the IL with a back issue again, and a productive Keston Hiura. The latter is in the minors after posting a .513 OPS over 26 games. The pitching trio of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta will need to continue carrying the team.14. Philadelphia Phillies Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-17 6-4 -8 17 (+3) The Phillies are staying within shouting distance of first in the NL East while dealing with a barrage of injuries, a lack of anything resembling production from the center-field spot, and one of the league's worst bullpens. The bullpen's latest collapse happened in Atlanta on Saturday when Philadelphia's relievers blew leads in the ninth and 12th innings. Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zack Eflin can be incredible, but the Phillies might remain NL East bridesmaids if their bullpen stays broken.15. Atlanta Braves Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 17-17 5-5 -12 10 (-5) The state of Georgia breathed a huge sigh of relief when Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered just a bruised finger from being hit with a 97-mph pitch on Saturday. A long-term injury would have been a crushing blow. Instead, the Braves can move past the scary moment and build on a solid week while trying to get above .500 before June. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty16. Cleveland Indians Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-14 7-3 +15 22 (+6) The Indians are second in the AL Central, but that standing doesn't fit a team that's already been no-hit twice this season. Cleveland has won seven of its last 10 games, even though the club's 86 wRC+ over that stretch ranks 26th in MLB. How are the Indians managing to be successful? Jose Ramirez slugged .600 with 10 runs scored during those 10 games, while the trio of Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, and Aaron Civale have combined to strike out 141 hitters in 134 2/3 innings this season.17. Chicago Cubs Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 17-17 7-3 -5 21 (+4) Kris Bryant's revenge tour hasn't been able to elevate the Cubs. The 2016 NL MVP has slashed .308/.397/.650 with nine homers over 32 games in what could be the impending free agent's last season on the North Side. Chicago's starting pitching is really holding the team back. The rotation's 5.32 ERA is the worst in baseball.18. Cincinnati Reds Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 15-16 6-4 -4 16 (-2) After losing seven straight, the Reds recovered to take a series on the road from the Dodgers before nabbing four wins against tough competition in the Cubs, White Sox, and Indians. While Nick Castellanos continues to hit with authority (.632 slugging percentage), Jesse Winker's play is standing out. The 27-year-old's .354 batting average leads the NL, while his 1.044 OPS ranks only behind Bryant.19. Seattle Mariners Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-17 5-5 -15 19 (-) Yes, the Mariners are in third place in the AL West and one game above .500. But they've also posted a minus-15 run differential, and the team has played .500 ball over the last two weeks. The Mariners are young and raw too, as catcher Luis Torrens showed with his mental error that allowed a run to score on Saturday. Still, there's talent and hope in Seattle for the first time in a while, even if these Mariners are starting to regress. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty20. Kansas City Royals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 16-17 1-9 -31 12 (-8) The Royals plummeted following a seven-game losing skid after starting the season 16-9. Kansas City scored just 18 runs during that period, including being shutout in back-to-back games against the Indians and White Sox. Despite the team's recent struggles, left-hander Danny Duffy is turning heads with a 1.26 ERA over six starts.21. Minnesota Twins Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 12-20 5-5 -2 18 (-3) Byron Buxton's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Minnesota's hottest hitter is expected to miss several weeks after slashing .370/.408/.772 through 24 games. The Twins only managed 12 wins over 32 contests with Buxton producing like an MVP, so the next little while could be painful for them. At least they're still in a division with the Tigers.22. Miami Marlins Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 15-18 5-5 +20 25 (+3) Young hurlers Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez, and Trevor Rogers are keeping the Marlins hovering around .500 despite a woeful offense that's missing Jazz Chisholm. Only four teams have hit fewer homers than Miami's 31. The good news? Every NL East club has been average to start the season, and the Marlins are the only one with a positive run differential.23. Los Angeles Angels Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 15-18 3-7 -27 20 (-3) The unexpected release of Albert Pujols overshadows a very tough week for the Angels, who have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games. Los Angeles also lost Alex Cobb to the IL with a blister, leaving a hole in its rotation. Going from Pujols to Jared Walsh at first base should help, and Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani will keep doing what they do. But it's starting to again feel like another wasted season is beginning for the Halos. Perhaps they should have bit the bullet on Pujols' contract earlier.24. Washington Nationals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 13-17 5-5 -17 24 (-) During the same week when Pujols was unceremoniously dumped, Max Scherzer was on the mound proving that not all megadeals end miserably. The right-hander has been excellent early this season, posting a 2.33 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts over 46 1/3 innings. Scherzer has been worth an MLB-best 35.5 WAR among pitchers since signing a seven-year, $210-million contract in 2015. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty25. Texas Rangers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 18-18 7-3 -4 29 (+4) Adolis Garcia has emerged as a bright spot for the rebuilding Rangers. The outfielder leads all rookies and his team with nine homers. Garcia is one of many good young pieces who will make the Rangers fun to watch, even if they aren't in contention.26. Baltimore Orioles Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 15-19 5-5 -16 26 (-) John Means is an ace. The right-hander is coming off a masterpiece no-hitter against the Mariners when he struck out 12 batters and was a wild pitch away from a perfect game. Means' 1.37 ERA is the third-best in the majors, and he's allowed two or fewer runs in six of his seven starts. At 28, Means is a bit older than the rest of the rebuilding Orioles' core. Baltimore could build around him, or use Means as an intriguing trade chip with three-plus remaining years of team control.27. Arizona Diamondbacks Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 15-19 3-7 -15 23 (-4) It's been a rough start to the month for the D-Backs. Arizona has recorded one win in May, which came over the lowly Rockies. Asdrubal Cabrera is the only qualified hitter in the D-Backs' lineup with an OPS over .700 this month. At least Madison Bumgarner is rediscovering his old form. The team's ace has allowed eight hits and three runs over his last four starts.28. Pittsburgh Pirates Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 14-19 2-8 -30 28 (-) The Pirates lost eight of 10 after playing surprisingly well in April. The team will also be without rookie stud Ke'Bryan Hayes for a while after he was transferred to the 60-day IL with a wrist injury. Pitchers JT Brubaker and Richard Rodriguez - who hasn't allowed a run in 12 appearances - are providing encouraging results.29. Colorado Rockies Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 12-22 3-7 -24 27 (-2) The Rockies' old buddy Arenado and the Cardinals completed a sweep of Colorado, ending a series between teams heading in opposite directions. Colorado has now lost eight of its last 11 games to drop to the NL West basement. However, it hasn't been all bad news for the Rockies, as Raimel Tapia is emerging as a breakout candidate. The 27-year-old outfielder is currently on a nine-game hit streak, boasting a .417 average over the span.30. Detroit Tigers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank (Change) 10-24 2-8 -68 30 (-) Winning will be pretty difficult for AJ Hinch's club if it can't score. The Tigers are only averaging 3.3 runs per game, and their minus-68 run differential is the MLB's worst by a significant margin. As the old adage goes, a team can't score if it can't get on base. Detroit's hitters have combined for a league-worst .277 OBP, with only three of the squad's regulars - Robbie Grossman, Jeimer Candelario, and Niko Goodrum - posting marks above .300.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's MLB editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, and Jason Wilson answer some of the biggest questions six weeks into the 2021 season: Which team has been the most surprising? Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / GettySan Francisco Giants: Somehow, it's the Giants - not the powerful Dodgers or Padres - who are sitting atop the NL West after a month-plus. Gabe Kapler's team has done it despite a boatload of injuries, and thanks to some great pitching. Kevin Gausman has continued last year's resurgence, while newcomers Anthony DeSclafani and Aaron Sanchez have been pleasant surprises. Offensively, it's been veterans Buster Posey and Evan Longoria leading the way with renaissance seasons. On the other side, they've had a relatively easy schedule thus far outside of a few series against San Diego, and it'll stay that way until they face the Dodgers for the first time later this month. So that begs the question: Will it last? And the truth is, it's hard to say right now. - Sharkey-GotliebBoston Red Sox: The Red Sox are tied for the most wins in the majors and sit atop the AL East. This comes after many predicted the club to finish fourth behind the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Rays. Boston's offense, thanks to a big bounce back from J.D. Martinez, leads all of baseball with a 20.4 offensive rating, according to FanGraphs. The team's pitching, which was supposed to be a weakness, owns the second-best fWAR (5.4). The Red Sox should also get a boost when Chris Sale rejoins the team at some point this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. - RuminskiOakland Athletics: Oakland looked poised to take a step back after losing Liam Hendriks and Marcus Semien to free agency and watching closer Trevor Rosenthal go down with an injury before the season started. The A's gave doubters further credence by opening the campaign 1-7. Since then, they've won 19 of 26 and sit atop the AL West. Matt Olson, Ramon Laureano, and Jed Lowrie have led the charge on offense, while Chris Bassitt, Cole Irvin, and Sean Manaea have done yeoman's work in the rotation. The lesson? Write the A's off at your own risk. - WilsonWhich offseason acquisition has been most disappointing? Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / GettyFrancisco Lindor: To say the four-time All-Star has been a disappointment with the Mets would be a colossal understatement. Lindor is slashing .175/.302/.247 with two home runs and zero stolen bases over 27 games. This isn't the type of production expected from a player on a $341-million contract. The star's struggles, along with several other key members of the offense, resulted in hitting coach Chili Davis getting fired. - RuminskiGeorge Springer: This isn't an indictment of Springer's skills or a suggestion that the Blue Jays made a mistake when they signed the outfielder to a six-year, $150-million contract this winter. Nor is it casting blame on him for what amounts to a couple of freak injuries. But, seeing the 32-year-old limited to just four games and 18 plate appearances can only be characterized as massively disappointing. - WilsonJosh Bell: The Nationals attempted to address their lack of homers in 2020 by trading for Bell during the offseason, but the early results are hugely underwhelming. Bell has just three homers and 10 RBIs, while his .319 slugging percentage ranks 202nd out of 251 hitters with at least 70 plate appearances. - McwilliamWhich offseason acquisition has been most impressive? Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / GettyTyler Naquin: It's hard to imagine the Reds thought they would get elite production from Naquin when he signed a minor-league deal. The 30-year-old has been a revelation with six homers, 19 RBIs, and a .864 OPS in 26 games. Sustainability will be a question moving forward. However, Cincinnati may have found a diamond in the rough. - RuminskiAnthony DeSclafani: The Giants' one-year deal with DeSclafani has been a terrific under-the-radar signing. The 31-year-old already surpassed his innings total from last season and owns career-best marks in WHIP (0.94) and FIP (3.32). His 2.40 ERA ranks 12th in the NL - far better than the 7.22 mark he posted in 2020. - McwilliamJoe Musgrove: It seemed like Musgrove would mostly serve as the Padres' fifth starter when they acquired him with the team already adding Yu Darvish and Blake Snell to the rotation. The San Diego native has exceeded expectations, especially since tossing the first no-hitter in franchise history. He's also shown that his inflated strikeout numbers from 2020 may not have been a fluke as he's punched out 47 batters in 34 innings. - WilsonWhich team's slow start is most concerning? Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / GettyLos Angeles Angels: Another year, another wasted effort from Mike Trout in the making. Once again, Trout sits near the top of most offensive categories, and the Angels are playing sub-.500 ball. While they were among the teams vying for Gerrit Cole before he signed with the Yankees a couple of offseasons ago, the fact is the Angels haven't successfully added a frontline starter to help bolster the club's chances. Only the Tigers have a worse team ERA in the AL. This organization hasn't won a playoff game since 2009. - WilsonMinnesota Twins: The Twins entered 2021 with high expectations and aren't living up to the hype. Minnesota sits 12-19 despite outstanding production from Byron Buxton, Nelson Cruz, and Luis Arraez. The trio has scored 37% of the Twins' runs this season, which is part of the problem. Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, and Ryan Jeffers have combined for a minus-0.2 fWAR, while Josh Donaldson has two homers. Kenta Maeda and Matt Shoemaker haven't done much to help the cause, either. The right-handers have combined to allow 69 hits and 40 runs in 56 2/3 innings. - McwilliamWhich struggling player are you most worried about? Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / GettyMarcell Ozuna: Ozuna's looked nothing like the guy who slugged his way into a $65-million contract. He owns a .626 OPS and recorded just seven extra-base hits through his first 138 plate appearances. It's tempting to point to the NL not having a universal DH this year as the reason for Ozuna's struggles, but he's a career National Leaguer who knows the grind of playing the outfield every day. The worry here is that Atlanta paid for the mirage of a 60-game season. Ozuna was absolutely brilliant during that two-month run last summer, producing his best all-around campaign. Right now, though, he looks poised to turn in a season more akin to his two average and disappointing years in St. Louis. - Sharkey-GotliebKeston Hiura: Hiura looked like a superstar in the making two seasons ago. He mashed 19 home runs while hitting .303 in 84 games as a rookie. Unfortunately, he struggled in 2020 other than maintaining his power with 13 homers, and things have only gotten worse this year. Through 26 games, he's hitting .152/.247/.266 with one home run while striking out in 36% of his at-bats. Hiura was benched before being demoted to Triple-A this past week. - WilsonEugenio Suarez: Since 2015, no player has hit more home runs or recorded more RBIs on the Reds than Suarez, but things seem to be going in the wrong direction. Suarez's 98 OPS+ from last season has dropped to 40 this year, while his 49 wRC+ is one of the worst among qualified hitters. He's also leads MLB in strikeout percentage, and his .306 slugging percentage is a career worst. If Suarez can't figure things out, the remainder of his contract - owed $33 million through 2024 - could be a disaster for Cincinnati. - McwilliamWho has been the most under-appreciated player this season? Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / GettyCedric Mullins: Perhaps it's because he plays for a team lacking star power, but Mullins has been one of baseball's best players that few are talking about. Baltimore's leadoff man owns a .317 average and ranks third in the majors in hits and second in doubles. The 26-year-old owns a .293/.346/.462 slash line with eight homers in his last 80 games. He's also scored 33 runs, drawn 21 walks, and swiped 10 bags. His 1.5 fWAR in 2021 ranks seventh in the majors. - McwilliamJared Walsh: The young Angels first baseman has been so good that he basically ended Albert Pujols' tenure in Los Angeles. Everybody talks about Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani, allowing Walsh to go under the radar despite a .318/.393/.542 slash line with six homers and 22 RBIs this season. The 27-year-old slugger possesses a .953 OPS in 62 games since 2020. Only seven players have a better fWAR than Walsh among first basemen over that span. - RuminskiMadison Bumgarner: Everyone seemed to think MadBum was cooked after his rough first season with the D-Backs in 2020 (6.48 ERA over 41 2/3 innings). That sentiment continued into the early portions of 2021 when he allowed 17 runs over his first three starts. However, since then, he's earned three straight wins, thrown a pseudo-no-hitter, and allowed two runs on six hits in 17 innings while striking out 18. He may not be the ace he once was, but Bumgarner might not be out of gas just yet, either. - WilsonWho will be the first star player traded? Daniel Shirey / Getty Images Sport / GettyTrevor Story: At least the Rockies won't have Jeff Bridich running point on a deal for Story. Colorado will look to a different general manager to maximize a solid return for the impending free agent after Bridich fumbled the Nolan Arenado trade. Story, a two-time All-Star, owns a career .878 OPS with 138 round-trippers and 84 stolen bases over six years in the majors. The 28-year-old is one of the best all-around shortstops and could instantly turn a contender into a World Series threat. - RuminskiKris Bryant: The Cubs should trade Bryant sooner rather than later if they want to get the most value back for him. The 29-year-old is performing like the 2016 MVP version of himself. He ranks first in OPS+ and second in fWAR and homers among NL hitters. Chicago is also playing .500 baseball, shifting toward a rebuild, and has been a part of several trade discussions involving Bryant over the past few years. The writing is on the wall. - McwilliamJoey Gallo: The Rangers aren't contending, and Gallo's name has occasionally popped up as a potential trade chip ahead of the deadline. Several teams would benefit from adding a left-handed bat (Blue Jays, Cardinals) or an extra outfielder. Specifically, the injury-riddled White Sox have a desperate need to fill the void left by Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez's lengthy absences. Gallo is hitting .218 with a sterling .381 OBP in 33 games. The power hasn't come around as he's hit just four homers, but he went deep a combined 81 times across 2017 and 2018 and posted a .598 slugging percentage in 2019 over 70 games before losing most of the season to injury. - WilsonCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Evan Longoria makes it a 4-0 Giants lead with a two-run base hit to right field in the bottom of the 5th inning

The 2021 National League West race was supposed to be a two-horse affair between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres , both of whom had conspicuous superteam vibes at the outset...

The Giants made Brandon Crawford a late scratch from yesterday’s lineup due to quad tightness. Evan Longoria also missed his second consecutive game with hamstring tightness, after the same issue forced him to make an early exit from last Thursday’s game. To add some extra infield help, the Giants called up Jason Vosler from the…