With around 13 games left in the regular season, the MLB races have some intensity. The American League has just one great battle, with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays going neck and neck for the AL East division title. Just 1/2 game separates these two powerhouse ball clubs. The Central and West divisions are pretty much decided, as the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers have a 10 and 9 game lead (respectively) over second place in their respective divisions.

The National League has a couple of intense races, with the Braves trailing the Phillies by 3 games in the NL East and 3 teams separated by just 1.5 games in the NL West. The Central division is pretty much locked up, as the Reds hold a 6 game advantage over the Cardinals. With all of this in mind, let’s get to the power rankings!

The Rankings

1. Minnesota Twins: They hold onto this spot, as they have a similar record to the Yankees and Rays while playing better baseball lately. Their next 9 games are against the Indians, Tigers, and Royals.

2. New York Yankees: They’re clinging onto a .5 game lead over the Rays, but have a brutal schedule coming up. Their next 10 games are against the Rays, Red Sox, and Blue Jays.

3. Tampa Bay Rays: As mentioned above, they’re just .5 games back of New York, but have an easier schedule coming up. They face the Yankees, Mariners, and Orioles over their next 10 games.

4. Philadelphia Phillies: This National League powerhouse has won 7 in a row and has a 3 game lead over the Braves in the NL East. They have an important series against the Braves starting today.

5. Texas Rangers: They have won 8 of their last 10 games and have a 7 game road trip against the Angels and Athletics.

6. Atlanta Braves: They’ve been playing good baseball of late, just not as good as the Phillies. A sweep against the Phillies this week will put them in contention to win the division.

7. Colorado Rockies: It seems they’re making a push for the division title, and Troy Tulowitski seems determined. They have an easy series coming up against Arizona before a tough date over the weekend with the Giants.

8. San Francisco Giants: They’ve claimed the NL West division lead for the time being. Starting tomorrow, they’ll be on a 6 game road trip to face the Cubs and Rockies.

9. Cincinnati Reds: They haven’t been playing all that well lately, but luckily for them, the Cardinals haven’t been any better. They’ll be on the road for 6 against the Brewers and Padres before coming home to face the Astros.

10. Boston Red Sox: They don’t have much hope to make the playoffs, but this is due to the Yankees and Rays being in the division. It’s amazing they’re just 1/2 game behind the Rangers.