Cleveland Indians up to No. 4 overall in ESPN MLB power rankings

The Cleveland Indians had a great week against some lesser AL Central opponents en route to moving up a few spots in ESPN’s MLB power rankings.

A 5-2 week was nearly a perfect one for the Cleveland Indians.

The team picked up two one-run losses but the five wins help maintain a giant lead in the American League Central. The lead is at 12 games entering play today.

The main stories surrounding the team now have to do with injuries, whether that be Leonys Martin‘s mysterious illness or Edwin Encarnacion getting some time off to get healthy. There are no major injuries that have derailed the team’s postseason chances, so optimism should still be high.

The great week has bumped the Indians up two spots in ESPN’s MLB power rankings to No. 4 overall. The top four is all AL teams, although the next AL Central team doesn’t show up until No. 20 overall.

The weak division has been cited all season long but if the Indians beat the other top AL contenders in the postseason, the excuse dies down. Having such bad competition, or lack thereof, in the division is what allows Encarnacion to get some rest on the DL and what allows the Indians to hopefully give someone like Yandy Diaz a longer look.

There is also still some time to make some trades and with the giant lead, new players can be eased in without the pressure of a pennant race.

The Indians are in a great situation and even though it is easy to get frustrated with some bad performances, the main focus remains on winning in October. The key now is to get everyone healthy. Adding another player either in the outfield or the bullpen wouldn’t hurt either. Perhaps both!