In a perfect world, the end of the Rafael Devers era in Boston would give way smoothly to the rise of the Roman Empire.
Few could have forecast that the long-awaited promotion of top prospect Roman Anthony would have coincided with the stunning early-season trade of Devers. That’s how this wild week shook out, however.
And funny thing about the Devers deal: It comes as the Red Sox are playing their best baseball of the season. It just so happened to coincide with the promotion of Anthony, who has just one hit in his first 17 at-bats. Yet the Red Sox have not lost since Anthony delivered that one hit, a two-run double that lifted them to a victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
They’ve now won five in a row after a sweep of the New York Yankees, giving them five consecutive wins over their division-leading rivals. And while we won’t know the effects of Devers’ loss for several weeks, for now, Boston has leapt five spots in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
In winning 10 of their last 15 games, the Red Sox vaulted the .500 mark for the first time since May 24, and creeped within 6 ½ games of the front-running Yankees. And now a nine-game trip that includes a visit to San Francisco and old friend Devers looms.
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Detroit Tigers (-)
- Loss of Jackson Jobe to Tommy John surgery a big blow for this year and next.
2. Chicago Cubs (-)
- In sixth major league start, Cade Horton pitches to a standoff against Paul Skenes.
3. New York Mets (-)
- Suffer first sweep of the season, thanks to Tampa Bay.
4. New York Yankees (-)
- Aaron Judge struck out three times thrice against Red Sox.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
- Kiké Hernández shows at least someone is concerned about their fans.
6. San Francisco Giants (+1)
- Casey Schmitt, of all people, becomes first Giant with grand slams in consecutive games.
7. Philadelphia Phillies (+1)
- Ranger Suárez has a 1.16 ERA in his last seven starts.
8. Houston Astros (+1)
- Cam Smith and Mauricio Dubón deliver consecutive walk-off hits for team that’s won 16 of 22.
9. San Diego Padres (-3)
- Jackson Merrill lost to concussion IL after tag by Ketel Marte.
10. Tampa Bay Rays (+1)
- Where did this offense come from? Have scored at least six runs nine times in last 23 games.
11. Minnesota Twins (+1)
- Another IL stint for Royce Lewis, this time a hamstring strain.
12. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
- Quinn Priester has 2.23 ERA since first brutal outing.
13. Toronto Blue Jays (+1)
- Need to find a solution to their Bowden Francis (6.05 ERA) problem.
14. Cincinnati Reds (+4)
- Have won three straight series for the first time all season.
15. St. Louis Cardinals (-5)
- From eight games over .500 to 37-35 in barely a week.
16. Boston Red Sox (+5)
- Perhaps they should just play the Yankees: 20-12 in their last 32 meetings.
17. Seattle Mariners (-)
- J.P. Crawford hits grand slam on first Father’s Day as a, well, father.
18. Cleveland Guardians (-3)
- They’re 19th with a 3.99 team ERA, which is decidedly un-Guardianslike.
19. Texas Rangers (-)
- Tyler Mahle’s right shoulder is barking again.
20. Arizona Diamondbacks (-)
- Finally climb above .500. Now they go?
21. Kansas City Royals (-5)
- A players-only meeting can’t stop sweep by A’s and 22nd loss in 32 games.
22. Los Angeles Angels (+1)
- Per Anaheim custom, Christian Moore reaches majors less than a year after he’s drafted.
23. Baltimore Orioles (+2)
- They’re a different team when Jordan Westburg is healthy.
24. Atlanta Braves (-)
- Spencer Strider punches out 13 Rockies and maybe he’s back-back.
25. Washington Nationals (-3)
- Eight losses in a row as .500 mark again far off in the distance.
26. Miami Marlins (+2)
- First three-game sweep of season comes at Washington’s expense.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (-1)
- Lose three of four at Wrigley because they only scored seven runs all weekend.
28. Athletics (-1)
- What’s hotter? Mason Miller’s fastball or the 100-degree forecast for Yolo County on Wednesday?
29. Chicago White Sox (-)
- Can’t spell ‘Vatican’ without ‘Rate Field.’ (Well, maybe you can).
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
- Chase Dollander with an encouraging six-inning start.
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