Dodgers Rise in National Power Rankings Despite Big Injuries

Despite an incredibly unlucky week for the Los Angeles Dodgers in terms of injuries, the Dodgers have risen in Newsweek’s weekly national power rankings. The Dodgers moved up one spot, from No. 5 to No. 4 on the list.

The Dodgers moved past the Cleveland Guardians in the rankings as the Guardians dropped to No. 5. Cleveland lost four of its five games since last week.

The Dodgers have won their last three games, including a miraculous win on Tuesday night in which they came back against the Colorado Rockies thanks to two late home runs. Jason Heyward hit a grand slam, followed by Teoscar Hernández hitting a three-run home run, that gave the Dodgers an 11-9 win, despite the team trailing 9-4 entering the ninth inning.

Overall, the Dodgers are 4-3 since last week’s power rankings, which includes winning two of three games against the Kansas City Royals in Los Angeles.

With two more games against the Colorado Rockies, two games against the Los Angeles Angels, and a series against the Chicago White Sox approaching, the Dodgers are in a great position to continue racking up wins and potentially rise in the rankings. They do not face another top team until July 9, when they begin a series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Of course, the biggest obstacle for the Dodgers is the team is the rotator cuff injury to starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the fractured left hand of shortstop Mookie Betts. Both stars went to the injured list this week.

With both players set to miss time, other players will need to step up to maintain the Dodgers’ place in the rankings. They visit the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday holding a nine-game lead over the second-place San Diego Padres in the National League West standings.

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

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