MLB Power Rankings: Red Sox off to tough start

Clayton Kershaw isn’t the only ace in Los Angeles. Zack Greinke is 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 47.1 innings.

Who needs Adam Wainwright? The Cardinals lead MLB in wins and ERA and have only lost one series this season.

The Royals subscribe to the old adage that defence wins championships. Kansas City is 15-3 when they don’t commit an error this season.

The Yankees are doing just fine without David Robertson. Relievers Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances have yet to give up an earned run in 36.2 innings.

Did the Tigers overpay for a career year? Victor Martinez has just one home run and 15 RBI with a .603 OPS in 125 plate appearances this season.

Before Sunday’s loss, the Astros posted a franchise-best road record through 15 games at 12-3. They are tied with the Yankees for the MLB lead in road victories.

Bartolo Colon isn’t just a GIF machine/cult hero, he’s also a control freak. Not in the way you’d think, though: Colon has only issued one walk in 46.1 innings. Aaron Sanchez could learn a thing or two from him.

Bryce Harper became the youngest player (22 years old) in big league history to hit five home runs in a span of two games. Washington has won eight of their last 10.

After scoring just 3.91 runs per game in April, the Twins have bumped up their scoring average to six runs per game in May. Minnesota is 9-3 over that stretch.

If only the Rays could play the Blue Jays in every series. They are 5-1 against Toronto this year. Against everyone else: 14-15.

A healthy Garrett Richards makes a big difference for the Angels. Richards has allowed three earned runs with 20 strikeouts over his last 19.2 innings. He nearly no-hit the Astros on Sunday.

Kris Bryant is living up to the hype. The Cubs’ super-prospect has three home runs, 19 RBI in 25 games with an on-base percentage of .411.

The offensive additions to the Blue Jays have been impactful. Per FanGraphs, Russell Martin (8th), Josh Donaldson (15th), and Devon Travis (26th) all rank in the top 30 in wins above replacement (WAR) for batters.

On Saturday, the Pirates turned the first triple play of the season, which just so happened to be the first 4-5-4 triple play in MLB history. Prior to that, it had been 35 years since Pittsburgh pulled off a triple play

It’s going to take time for a rebuilt Padres lineup to gel. However, newcomers Justin Upton (.868 OPS), Wil Myers (.833 OPS), and Derek Norris (.782 OPS) are fitting in just fine.

Who knew Aroldis Chapman was human after all? The Reds closer allowed his first earned run since Aug. 17, 2014 on Sunday, ending a streak of 28.1 dominant innings.

It’s an odd year, so it’s a safe bet that the Giants won’t win the World Series. However, they know how to win in style. They lead the league with four walk-off victories this season.

Dee Gordon isn’t just tearing it up on the basepaths. The Marlins second baseman is the league leader in WAR.

It’s early but Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt is on pace for a career-high 45 home runs. His previous best is 36.

Where do the Orioles find these guys? A year after Steve Pearce came out of nowhere, little-known utility player Jimmy Paredes is hitting .364 with a 1.050 OPS in 21 games since coming off the disabled list.

Felix Hernandez, 29, became the fourth-youngest pitcher since 1900 to rack up 2,000 career strikeouts. Only Bert Blyleven, Sam McDowell and Walter Johnson reached the milestone at a younger age.

Starting pitching is a major issue for the Red Sox, but for some reason Clay Buchholz loves pitching at Rogers Centre. He is 9-3 with a 2.30 ERA and 36 walks in 94 career innings in Toronto. Weird, huh?

The road has not been friendly to the White Sox. As of Tuesday, Chicago ranks last in the AL in ERA, and opponents’ batting average away from home.

The Rangers are getting the most out of Wandy Rodriguez, who set a team record by retiring 34 straight batters over his last two starts. He broke Ken Hill’s franchise record of 31 from 1996.

Jason Grilli has quickly established himself as one of the most valuable players on the Braves. Atlanta’s bullpen fell apart without him this past weekend, allowing 10 runs in 6.2 innings.

There’s the Corey Kluber we remember. The Indians ace struck out 18 in a shutout win over St. Louis, the most by an AL pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1998. He tied Bob Feller’s club record from 1938.

It’s a small sample but the Brewers look improved under new manager Craig Counsell. Milwaukee is 5-5 since replacing Ron Roenicke after 7-18 start.

Where’s the defence? The Athletics rank last in MLB in errors (36) and fielding percentage. Oakland has lost eight of their last 10 games.

Outside of a fan catching a foul ball with a baby strapped to his chest, there haven’t been many bright spots for the Phillies. They rank last in MLB with a run differential of minus-65.

Yikes. The Rockies have the league’s longest losing streak (11 in a row) and there are rumblings that star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki wants out. Losing closer Adam Ottavino to Tommy John Surgery was a major blow.