Home US SportsMLB MLB power rankings: Brewers return to No. 1 spot without Tarik Skubal

MLB power rankings: Brewers return to No. 1 spot without Tarik Skubal

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Perhaps some time in October, the Milwaukee Brewers will regret not trading for Tarik Skubal. For the moment, they’re the best team in the major leagues, and have one would-be Skubal pawn to partially thank for it.

The Brewers ascended to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings thanks to two one-run victories over the Minnesota Twins in a taut battle of Upper Midwest playoff contenders. Their series-clinching victory came in 10 innings on a Jake Bauers walk-off single, but it was a catch by right fielder Luis Lara in the top of the inning – his second fantastic grab of the day – that prevented a huge inning and put Milwaukee in position to win.

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Lara, 21, was among the players the Brewers roped off from Skubal talks, having signed him to a team-friendly extension and identifying him as a key part of their future. Ranked by Baseball America as the game’s No. 35 prospect, he boosted Milwaukee on a day Jacob Misiorowski made history but couldn’t close the deal.

No matter. Milwaukee’s 74-44 record gives it a three-game edge over Atlanta for best in the NL as the Brewers maintain a 5 ½-game lead over the relentless Chicago Cubs.

A look at our updated rankings:

Luis Lara saved a pair of extra-base hits with outstanding catches against the Twins, as the Brewers maintained the best record in the major leagues.

  • Four games at Dodger Stadium may evoke bad memories of last October – or a boost toward the next one.

  • 9-15 over last 24 games. Still no reason for concern?

  • Now 25 games over .500, but Griffin Jax‘s elbow discomfort a pop-up concern.

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  • Nearly swept in Yankee Stadium.

  • Craig Counsell slots PCA in at DH for two games, the better to save his legs for the stretch.

  • Lose consecutive games for the first time since June 30-July 1 – against the Athletics, no less.

  • Starters held Dodgers to three earned runs in 19 2/3 innings of series victory.

  • Hagen Smith, fifth overall pick in 2024, pitches two scoreless relief innings in major league debut.

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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.

(Scott Marshall, Imagn Images)

  • No one wants to play them at loanDepot Park. Really – they’re an NL-best 36-24 at home.

  • Lost five of six after nifty trade deadline additions.

  • Jordan Montgomery, their 2023 World Series hero, appears in major league game for first time since 2024.

  • Kaelan Culpepper arrives, homers in second career at-bat.

  • Have not won a series since July 19.

  • Andrés Chaparro starting to excel in pinch-hitting/platoon role.

  • Begin a Rangers-Twins-Rays-Yankees-Rays gauntlet by losing two in Texas.

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Bark at the Park: Furry friends at Major League Baseball games

A golden retriever watches the game between the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants during the annual “Bark in the Park” at Globe Life Field on Aug. 4, 2026.

(Raymond Carlin III, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

  • Jackson Jobe completes Tommy John surgery comeback with five scoreless innings.

  • This incredibly disappointing year should probably produce consequences.

  • Daulton Varsho trade gives Brett Bateman a shot to turn heads in centre field.

  • Their season long since ruined, they’re now spoiling it for others (Guardians, Pirates).

  • Matt Chapman out for rest of year after sports hernia surgery.

28. Athletics (-)

  • GM David Forst learns a lesson as old as time: Few get out of Yolo County alive.

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29. Colorado Rockies (-)

  • Zac Veen with a three-homer, 5-for-5 eruption at Class AAA.

  • Trade deadline prize shortstop Arjun Nimmala starts with Class AA Trash Pandas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Brewers return to No. 1 spot without Tarik Skubal

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