2015 MLB Power Rankings: Blue Jays enter top five

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop

(2) and starting pitcher

(14) and right fielder

(19) celebrate the win during the eleventh inning in a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, the Toronto Blue Jays dominated headlines for the trades they made. This week, they continue to dominate because they have won eight straight games and 11 of their last 12.

Over the weekend, the Blue Jays swept the New York Yankees and now sit just 1.5 games out of first place in the American League East. They also now have a firm lock on an AL Wild Card spot.

David Price is 2-0 with 0.66 ERA since joining the team. While Troy Tulowitzki has been quiet in the leadoff spot for the Blue Jays, Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista have combined for 19 home runs and 41 RBIs since the All-Star break.

The pitching staff as whole has also got the job done as they have held opponents to just two runs or less in eight of their last 12 games.

While the Blue Jays are the talk of the AL right now, in the National League, everyone is starting to take notice of the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs are coming off of a four game sweep of the San Francisco Giants and are winners of 11 of their last 13. Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester have been one of the best 1-2 rotation punches in the game over the last two months and a young rookie by the name of Kyle Schwarber has sparked their offense.

They now have the third best record in the NL and have gained some distance of their own in the NL Wild Card picture.

Other teams coming off of strong weeks include the Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

Teams trending down this week include the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros.

Here are the power rankings for the week.

Next: Three of the top six belong to the NL Central