Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Jake Arrieta(49) reacts to making a two base throwing error during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs are winners of 17 of their last 20 games including nine in a row at one point. They have climbed to the third best record in the National League and trail the Pittsburgh Pirates by 2.5 games for the top Wild Card spot entering today.
Anthony Rizzo has played at a MVP-candidate level all season and Jake Arrieta should certainly get a few Cy Young votes. But it has been the supporting cast behind them that has them in position to reach the postseason for the first time since 2008.
No player in that group has stood out more than Kyle Schwarber.
Since being called up a second time this season, the catcher/outfielder has hit .300/.402/.578 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs in 28 games.
The Cubs have six games apiece this season left with the Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. Surpassing the Cardinals in the NL Central will be a tough task as they trail by 7.5 games.
Other notable teams who had success last week include the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.
Team who experienced struggles last week include the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.
Here are the power rankings for the week.
Next: Cubs now in the top five?