MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers back on track, and Cam Schlittler leads Yankees

Nypost · May 22, 2026 · 1748 words · By Jack Harris

Cy Young Award Race MLB Team Performance

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Daily briefing

What to know about Cy Young Award Race

Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.

Claims checked 59

Techniques found 3

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center0%

Right100%

1 source compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.

Why it matters

Here is this week’s edition (records through Friday afternoon): 1.) Braves (35-16) The Braves simply don’t lose series, improving to 14-1-1 this year after taking two of three from the Red Sox and three of four from the Marlins.

Common ground

While no other first-place team has even a five-game division lead now, Atlanta’s consistency has given them a 9.5-game cushion in the NL East.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Name Calling / Labeling, Exaggeration / Hyperbole: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Cy Young Award Race story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that winless in three straight series against the Orioles, Mets and Blue Jays?
How does this story connect Cy Young Award Race with MLB Team Performance over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/05/22/sports/mlb-power-rankings-dodgers-back-on-track-al…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 3 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 80% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Name Calling / Labeling 70% confidence

Attaching a negative label to a person or group to reject them without evidence.

Why it matters: Recognizing name calling / labeling helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Exaggeration / Hyperbole 60% confidence

Overstating facts or claims to create a stronger emotional response.

Why it matters: Recognizing exaggeration / hyperbole helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 59 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 49

info Single Source 9

help Insufficient Evidence 1

help

Claim 1: “winless in three straight series against the Orioles, Mets and Blue Jays”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found after searching to confirm or deny the series outcomes against the Orioles, Mets, and Blue Jays.

info

Claim 2: “Braves (35-16)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The record is explicitly mentioned in a Nypost cross-reference, but other web results provide all-time records or general standings pages without confirming the specific 35-16 current record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The official standings for the Braves including division and league standings for regular season, wild card, and playoffs.
https://www.mlb.com/braves/standings

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Team Names: Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Braves, Boston Braves, Boston Bees, Boston, Boston Doves, Boston Nationals, Boston Reds. Also played as a National Association Franchise. Seasons: 151 (1876 to 20…
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/leaders_bat.sht…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Atlanta Braves have a 11292-11144 record in the regular-season and playoffs all-time.
https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask?q=braves+record+all-time+in…

+ 1 more evidence source

schedule

Claim 3: “Rangers (24-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 4: “Cubs (29-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 5: “only one player from that team (Adley Rutschman) has accumulated even 0.5 WAR”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 6: “riding a 16-5 surge into an NLCS rematch with the Dodgers this weekend”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 7: “Marlins (22-29)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 8: “Sox not only took two of three but did so in walk-off fashion”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 9: “Diamondbacks (26-23)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 10: “Tigers (20-31)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 11: “Three years ago, remember, the O’s won 100 games”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 12: “Ryan Jeffers ... suffered a hamate fracture that will sideline him for up to two months”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 13: “Since Don Mattingly took over, they are 16-6”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 14: “Mickey Moniak might actually be deserving, with 12 home runs and a .942 OPS so far”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 15: “White Sox (25-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 16: “Davis Martin, White Sox (6-1, 1.61 ERA, 56 innings, 59 strikeouts, 0.98 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 17: “Rays (33-15)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The provided evidence for this claim consists of general information about the city of Tampa and does not mention the team's record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Tampa (/ ˈtæmpə / ⓘ TAM-pə) is a major city on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Hillsborough County. Tampa's borders include the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — For residents and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of family fun in Tampa, whether it’s walking the ecosystems at the Florida Aquarium, enjoying a pro football or hockey game, or riding a thrill-co…
https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-west/tampa…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Explore City of Tampa services, events, and latest news. Access resources for payments, parks, permits, mobility, and more.
https://www.tampa.gov/

schedule

Claim 18: “winners of six in a row and nine of their last 10”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 19: “Mariners (24-27)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 20: “Fernando Tatis Jr., still without a home run”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 21: “Brewers (29-18)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The record (29-18) is mentioned in the Nypost cross-reference, but no other independent sources corroborate it.

compare_arrows

cross reference SUPPORTS — The Cubs (29-21) have hit the skids and lost their NL Central lead to the Brewers (29-18)
https://nypost.com/2026/05/21/sports/cubs-pete-crow-armstron…

info

Claim 22: “They also have the best home record in their return season at The Trop”

SINGLE SOURCE

The provided evidence consists of general city information about Tampa and does not mention the team's home record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Explore City of Tampa services, events, and latest news. Access resources for payments, parks, permits, mobility, and more.
https://www.tampa.gov/

travel_explore

info

Claim 23: “They entered Friday with the best winning percentage in the majors”

SINGLE SOURCE

While evidence mentions the Rays are 'AL East-leading', there is no specific evidence confirming they had the best winning percentage in the majors as of the Friday mentioned.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The official website of the Tampa Bay Rays with the most up-to-date information on news, tickets, schedule, stadium, roster, rumors, scores, and stats.
https://www.mlb.com/rays

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Tampa Bay has won 10 straight and 20 of 21 when scoring four or more.The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Friday night for their 11th victory in 13 games.
https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/sports/2026/05/12/aranda-homer…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League East Division.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_Rays

schedule

Claim 24: “Reds (26-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 25: “Since their second 10-game winning streak already this year, they have dropped 9 of 11 games since”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 26: “Dbacks’ five-game winning streak”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 27: “Astros (20-31)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 28: “Giants (20-30)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 29: “lost nine of 10 and are only a half-game clear of having the worst record in the AL”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 30: “Atlanta’s consistency has given them a 9.5-game cushion in the NL East”

SINGLE SOURCE

Yahoo Sports reports the Braves leading the division by 9 1/2 games, but no other independent source confirms this specific cushion.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Braves enter Wednesday leading the division by 9 1/2 games -- a gap that is 6 1/2 games bigger than in any other division. The Braves aren’t just the best team in baseball so far; they’re the only…
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/braves-lead-most-chaotic-d…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Acuna, Rosario lead Braves past Mets in NL East showdown. Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr.“I think tonight's game felt like a playoff game.” Eddie Rosario hit a three-run homer in the first inning and…
https://www.tsn.ca/acu-a-rosario-lead-braves-past-mets-9-6-i…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The official website of the Atlanta Braves with the most up-to-date information on news, tickets, schedule, stadium, roster, rumors, scores, and stats.NL East. Atlanta Braves Team Logo Atlanta BravesA…
https://www.mlb.com/braves

schedule

Claim 31: “seven wins in their last 10 games”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 32: “Nationals (25-26)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 33: “Mets (22-28)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 34: “Twins (23-27)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 35: “Rockies (19-32)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 36: “The A’s were three outs away from the season’s first no-hitter … only to lose on a walk-off home run to the Angels”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 37: “offense ranks last in scoring in May”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 38: “improving to 14-1-1 this year after taking two of three from the Red Sox and three of four from the Marlins”

SINGLE SOURCE

The specific series record of 14-1-1 is reported by 'Battery Power', but not corroborated by other independent news sources.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Atlanta just continues to roll along, as they are now 14-1-1 in individual series so far this season. Another good developlment is the production of Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Riley, who both went de…
https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-news/131965/brav…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The official website of the Atlanta Braves with the most up-to-date information on news, tickets, schedule, stadium, roster, rumors, scores, and stats.Field View: Drake Baldwin's 10th homer of the sea…
https://www.mlb.com/braves

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Here you can find the live streaming of Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox today at Sat, May 16, 2026, 23:15 UTC. Stay with us to get access to the live match stream on this page.
https://www.streameast24.net/live/mlb/match/atlanta-braves-v…

info

Claim 39: “Yankees (30-21)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The record (30-21) is mentioned in the Nypost cross-reference, but other search results are irrelevant to the Yankees' record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Live news, investigations, opinion, photos and video by the journalists of The New York Times from more than 150 countries around the world.
https://www.nytimes.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — New statewide housing law goes into effect June 11. How do local city leaders, organizations feel about it? This event honors, supports youth experiencing homelessness. Here’s what to expect.
https://myedmondsnews.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Head spas, which offer scalp and face massages, are gaining popularity in the U.S. Hundreds of locations, especially in California and New York, now offer these services.
https://apnews.com/

+ 1 more evidence source

schedule

Claim 40: “He leads the AL in ERA, wins and WHIP, and trails only Dylan Cease in strikeouts”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 41: “Phillies (25-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 42: “Padres (29-20)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 43: “Blue Jays (23-27)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 44: “Angels (17-34)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 45: “Pirates (26-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 46: “Athletics (26-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 47: “Juan Soto has gone from good to elite during this stretch, with five home runs and a .359 batting average”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 48: “Cardinals (28-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 49: “upstart Nationals team currently leading the majors in scoring”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 50: “Orioles (21-29)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 51: “Dylan Cease, Blue Jays (3-2, 2.98 ERA, 57.1 innings, 84 strikeouts, 1.22 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 52: “Payton Tolle (2.05 ERA) and Connelly Early (3.33 ERA)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 53: “rotation (which ranks third in ERA this month)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 54: “Red Sox (22-27)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 55: “Dodgers (31-19)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The record (31-19) is mentioned in the Nypost cross-reference, but other search results for 'Los Angeles' are irrelevant to the team's record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Greater Los Angeles, a combined statistical area that includes the Los Angeles and Riverside–San Bernardino metropolitan areas, is a sprawling metropolis of over 18 million residents.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 1 day ago · Los Medanos College important dates, events and workshops
https://www.losmedanos.edu/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Los Rios Community College District is one of the nation’s most respected learning institutions and the second-largest community college district in California, serving the greater Sacramento regi…
https://losrios.edu/

+ 1 more evidence source

schedule

Claim 56: “sixth-ranked offense (by runs scored and OPS) and an eighth-ranked pitching staff (by team ERA)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 57: “Guardians (30-22)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 58: “Royals (20-30)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 59: “Cam Schlittler, Yankees (6-2, 1.50 ERA, 66 innings, 75 strikeouts, 0.86 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.