MLB Power Rankings: Misiorowski Eyes ERA History and Ohtani Targets Mound Return

Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski leads the MLB Power Rankings with a sub-2.00 ERA while Pete Crow-Armstrong pursues a historic 40/40 campaign for the Chicago Cubs.

Jacob Misiorowski enters September as the only qualified pitcher in either league with an ERA under 2.00, positioning the Milwaukee Brewers at No. 1 in the latest MLB Power Rankings with an 87-53 record. Misiorowski could become the first pitcher this decade to finish a season with an ERA of 1.70 or below. In the American League, Yordan Alvarez is chasing the first Triple Crown since 2012, leading the league with a .317 batting average and 94 RBIs while sharing the home run lead with Junior Caminero at 37. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers suffered a 15-2 loss on Tuesday, falling to a 24-42 record in games without Tarik Skubal.

National League Power Shifts and Milestone Chases

The Los Angeles Dodgers (82-57) remain at No. 2 as Shohei Ohtani attempts to return to the mound for the first time since July 3. Ohtani’s scheduled one-inning start against the Tigers was recently aborted following a 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday due to ongoing knee and biceps injuries. At No. 3, the Atlanta Braves (83-57) face the fifth-toughest remaining schedule, including seven games against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies (79-61) posted an MLB-best 21-7 record in August to move within striking distance of the NL East lead.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is currently approaching 10.0 fWAR and could reach 11.0 by season's end. His historic season includes a potential 40/40 campaign and a bid for the Platinum Glove. In Washington, CJ Abrams is aiming to become the first player in Nationals history to join the 30/100 club, having already surpassed 30 steals. The San Diego Padres recently promoted 20-year-old Ethan Salas, who became the youngest catcher to appear in a major-league game since 1991 during a hitless four-at-bat debut against the Reds.

American League Contenders and Roster Moves

The Tampa Bay Rays (83-56) sit at No. 4 following the trade deadline acquisition of Freddy Peralta. Over his last two starts, Peralta has surrendered only one run across 12 innings of work. The New York Yankees (80-60) are anticipating the return of Aaron Judge, who is expected to receive 60 to 70 plate appearances over the final 15 to 18 games of the regular season. The Baltimore Orioles represent the week’s biggest riser, jumping five spots to No. 14 after acquiring Luis Robert Jr. and his $4 million contract balance to sit 1.5 games out of the final wild card.

Cleveland has won nine of its last 12 games, supported by Chase DeLauter’s .363 August batting average and Steven Kwan’s .347 mark. In the AL Central, the Chicago White Sox (73-66) added veteran Tommy Pham via a trade with the Phillies to bolster their depth against left-handed pitching. Conversely, the Minnesota Twins (67-73) have faded in the standings after retaining pending free agent Ryan Jeffers and ace Joe Ryan at the deadline.

Statistical Leaders and Injury Updates

Miami Marlins hitter Otto Lopez recorded 26 hits in 27 August games, bringing his season total to 165 hits. In Cincinnati, rookie Sal Stewart is pursuing a 40-homer, 120-RBI season, a feat achieved by only three rookies in MLB history. Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi threw 50 pitches on flat ground Tuesday, his first activity since being placed on the IL with elbow inflammation on August 10.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte returned from the injured list on Monday following a two-week absence due to left knee inflammation, though the team fell 2-1 to the Phillies. In Toronto, the Blue Jays remain in wild-card contention despite Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s regression, fueled by Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer. The Pittsburgh Pirates (68-72) are seeking their first .500 finish since 2018, despite underachievement from a pitching staff that includes Paul Skenes. St. Louis is evaluating a rotation featuring Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante, while Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker have recorded career-best offensive years.