WagerTalk MLB handicapper Tony Finn gives us his updated MLB power rankings heading into week 3 of the MLB season. Which teams are climbing up and falling down his power rankings? Read his MLB betting advice now! Also, check out WagerTalk’s ultimate guide to betting on baseball.
MLB Power Rankings: Week 3
1. Atlanta Braves – Record: 12-4 (Week 2 ranking: 1)
The Braves played their way to the top of the National League East without the services of Cy Young hopeful and starting pitcher Max Fried (out / hamstring) in the first full week of the season. This week the Braves were a perfect 5-0 to remain atop the WagerTalk MLB Power Poll.
Shortstop Orlando Arcia (wrist) left Wednesday's contest with Cincinnati after a pitch hit his wrist; he's on the 10-day IL and it’s unclear how long he will be out.
Catcher Travis d'Arnaud (concussion) landed on the 7-day IL this past Sunday following a collision at home plate.
OF Michael Harris II (back) had not been cleared to take live batting practice and was eligible to be activated today but his return is still in question.
For all of the talk about the two young lefties for Atlanta this spring (Shuster and Dodd) it is the vanilla-flavored Bryce Elder that has plugged the hole in the dyke.
His first 12 1/3 innings of work resulted in Atlanta victories. Elder worked consecutive scoreless quality starts and took a third turn in an Interleague matchup against the Royals on Saturday that resulted in the young righthander being the pitcher of record stretching his record to 2-0 on the young season.
Starter Kyle Wright, who led all of baseball a season ago with 21 wins was activated off the IL and took the ball for a three-inning start at Truist Park against the Reds on Tuesday and again on Sunday in Kansas City versus the Royals. Wright was not involved with either decision but the Braves earned wins in both of Wright’s starts.
2. Tampa Bay Rays – Record: 14-2 (Week 2 ranking: 2)
Rays ace Shane McClanahan pitched six effective innings in his fourth straight win on Sunday, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by topping the Toronto Blue Jays 8-1 on Sunday. The victory ended the club’s two-game losing streak, Friday and Saturday night losses, the first and second of the season after beginning the new campaign 13-0.
Tampa Bay promoted one of the organization’s top prospects Taj Bradley to make his big-league debut on Wednesday against the Red Sox; the 22-year-old allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out eight over five innings of work.