The Tampa Bay Rays have been successful at their temporary home, winning seven of their first 12 games at Steinbrenner Field, which they are using due to damage to their Tropicana Field caused by hurricanes. The location in Tampa is convenient for many fans who are enjoying the rare experience of outdoor major league baseball in the area. However, upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will test the loyalty of the local fans. The Yankees graciously allowed the Rays to use Steinbrenner Field, where the spring training takes place, for this season only. The AL East division is very competitive at this early stage, with all the teams being within 2 ½ games of each other. The Rays are holding their own in the middle of USA TODAY Sports’ MLB power rankings, while the Red Sox and Yankees have slipped from their previous positions. The division race is expected to be tight, starting off with split loyalties in the cozy 10,000-seat park.
Here are the updated rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. San Diego Padres
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. New York Yankees
6. Texas Rangers
7. San Francisco Giants
8. Detroit Tigers
9. Chicago Cubs
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
11. Toronto Blue Jays
12. Kansas City Royals
13. Boston Red Sox
14. Baltimore Orioles
15. Houston Astros
16. Tampa Bay Rays
17. Los Angeles Angels
18. Seattle Mariners
19. St. Louis Cardinals
20. Milwaukee Brewers
21. Cincinnati Reds
22. Cleveland Guardians
23. Atlanta Braves
24. Minnesota Twins
25. Washington Nationals
26. Miami Marlins
27. Pittsburgh Pirates
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28. Athletics still waiting for sellouts in Yolo County since opening day.
29. Chase Dollander impresses in two starts, except for four home-run balls.
30. White Sox leadoff hitter Miguel Vargas struggling at 8 for 54 this season.
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