MLB Power Rankings: Week 18

Aug 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Braves and the Indians made a jump, and there was a change at the top of the rankings as the Pirates knocked the Cardinals from their perch.
Here are the rankings for Week 18:
8. Cleveland Indians (62-49)
11 ^ 3The Indians are on fire. They’ve gone 9-1 to take a half game lead in the race for the second Wild Card.9. Texas Rangers (62-50)
12 ^ 3Texas closed within 2.5 games of Oakland for 1st place in the N.L. West and a half game of Cleveland for the 2nd Wild Card. Today was dominated by the report that the Rangers were “blindsided” by the fact that Nelson Cruz accepted his 50 game suspension due to his involvement with Biogenesis. Cruz will be eligible to return for the Playoffs (assuming the Rangers are there).10. Los Angeles Dodgers (61-49)10 —The Dodgers stayed hot, winning 4 straight to close the week. However, they lost both Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig to injury last night. Puig may be able to play through his thumb injury, but Ramirez may be out for a bit with an injured shoulder.