3. Atlanta Braves (62-43)
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Week: 3-1 vs. SD, 2-1 @ BAL
The Braves spent 11 weeks slotted into the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in these rankings before stumbling a bit and falling as low as No. 8. Now they have climbed back into the upper echelon thanks to a 13-9 record in July and three straight series wins. A playoff-caliber starter to slot behind Chris Sale in the rotation looks like the most obvious missing piece.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (66-39)
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Week: 2-1 vs. NYM, 2-1 vs. COL
With a plus-142 run differential and the best ERA in the National League (3.43), the Brewers have narrowed the gap to just a half-game for the best record in baseball. Rookies Cooper Pratt (116 PA, .290/.362/.410, 7 XBH) and Luis Lara (40 PA, .303/.400/.424, 4 XBH) have both settled nicely into regular roles, as the in-house pipeline continues to churn out impact talent.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-39)
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Week: 2-1 @ PHI, 2-1 @ NYM
The Dodgers continue piling up wins, and with Blake Snell currently on a rehab assignment and Tyler Glasnow facing live hitters, they are inching closer to some major in-house reinforcement. That won’t stop them from making a splash at the trade deadline, and a loaded farm system should make them major players for anyone they decide to zero in on.
