Dodgers have competition atop The Post’s latest MLB Power Rankings

Nypost · Aug 22, 2026 · 1831 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 66

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

Records as of Saturday morning: 1) Brewers (80-49) Last week, we dropped the previously top-ranked Brewers below several teams (including the Dodgers).

Common ground

So, right on cue, they turned around and won a series at Dodger Stadium, then another against the Mariners, then a Friday night opener against the Braves.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Smears, 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 the Cubs made some walk-off magic in back-to-back games against the White Sox this week?
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/2026/08/22/sports/brewers-dodgers-battle-for-top-spot-in-mlb-…

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 90% 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

Smears 80% confidence

Using damaging allegations to undermine a person's reputation.

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

warning

Exaggeration / Hyperbole 70% 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 66 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 56

info Single Source 3

cancel Disputed 3

help Insufficient Evidence 2

verified Verified By Reference 1

check_circle Corroborated 1

info

Claim 1: “the Cubs made some walk-off magic in back-to-back games against the White Sox this week.”

SINGLE SOURCE

One web search result mentions a walk-off for the Cubs against the White Sox involving Alex Bregman, but it does not explicitly confirm 'back-to-back' walk-off games.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Down 3-2 to the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cubs were gifted back-to-back walks. Kevin Alcantara was pinch-running for Miguel Amaya and stationed at second base. Michael…
https://www.si.com/mlb/cubs/onsi/what-fueled-alex-bregman-s-…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Relive the exciting Chicago White Sox walk-off win against the Toronto Blue Jays!The White Sox have already hit three walkoff homers this season—recap, key moments, and what it means for the south sid…
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/white-sox-walk-off-today

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Chicago Cubs Team Logo Chicago CubsChi Cubs.White Sox lose grip on AL Central lead after Tigers score 9 unanswered. Crew works late-inning magic vs. O's to gain ground on regular-season crown. MLB.
https://www.mlb.com/

schedule

Claim 2: “Max Fried returned to the injured list this week.”

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 3: “Cardinals (66-64)”

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: “the Royals have reeled off six in a row.”

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.

cancel

Claim 5: “they’ve won just one other game in their last eight”

DISPUTED

The claim suggests the Cubs won only 3 of their last 8. However, a game blog reports the Cubs have won five of their past six games, which contradicts the claim of a poor recent record.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Cubs have won five of their past six games after suffering a three-game sweep in Anaheim against the Angels last week. Chicago is two games over .500 in its last 16 games since May 29, going 9-7.
https://www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/the-road-trip-begins-i…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — There are no games scheduled for this date. No games match the filters selected.You have selected an away game. Tickets for this game will be purchased from the home club.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/schedule

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Discover how many walk-off wins the Cubs have this season and relive the excitement of their 13 victories with thrilling highlights from recent games.
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-many-walkoffs-do-the-cub…

schedule

Claim 6: “the Astros slumped their way through a 1-4 stretch this week in which they scored just 14 runs and gave up 18 in one game alone (to the Angels, no less!)”

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: “They remain in first”

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: “Orioles (62-67)”

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.

verified

Claim 9: “Dodgers (78-51)”

VERIFIED BY REFERENCE

No evidence was found that specifies the current win-loss record of the Los Angeles Dodgers as 78-51.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers season is the 137th season for the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB), their 69th season in Los Angeles, California, and their 65th season playin…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Los_Angeles_Dodgers_seaso…

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball franchise that competes in the National League. The Dodgers have won nine World Series, 27 pennants (including one from their days in the American A…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Dodgers_se…

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — Below is a partial list of Minor League Baseball players in the Los Angeles Dodgers system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers_minor_leag…

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 10: “Braves (75-54)”

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: “Red Sox (69-59)”

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 12: “Rays (76-52)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The search results for the Tampa Bay Rays record returned irrelevant travel information and no sports data.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Mar 6, 2026 · Discover unforgettable summer vacation ideas. Explore hidden gems, family-friendly spots, and adventurous escapes for your perfect getaway.
https://www.going.com/guides/summer-vacation-ideas;_ylt=AwrE…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Mar 10, 2025 · Make the most of peak travel season by visiting one of the top summer vacation spots in the world. From charming towns to coastal havens, you can't go wrong with a destination on this r…
https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-summer-vacations/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Apr 4, 2025 · Looking for the best US summer vacation ideas? From beach towns to national parks, here are the best places to visit in summer in the USA!
https://www.ourescapeclause.com/places-to-visit-in-summer-in…

schedule

Claim 13: “Twins (63-66)”

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: “Royals (56-74)”

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: “they lost six of seven this week.”

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: “They have started the stretch 3-1.”

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 17: “They’ve won seven in a row.”

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 18: “Rangers (64-65)”

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: “Angels (51-78)”

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: “they’re back within four games in the NL East.”

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 21: “Nationals (61-69)”

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.

cancel

Claim 22: “Brewers (80-49)”

DISPUTED

The claim states a record of 80-49. However, a web search result explicitly states the Milwaukee Brewers have a record of 81-51 this season.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2025 Milwaukee Brewers season was the 56th season for the Brewers in Milwaukee, their 28th in the National League, and their 57th overall. The Brewers' home opener on March 31, 2025, an 11–1 loss …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Milwaukee_Brewers_season

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2026 Milwaukee Brewers season is the 57th season for the Brewers in Milwaukee, their 29th in the National League, and their 58th overall. They improved on their previous season’s record and franch…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Milwaukee_Brewers_season

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 1996 Milwaukee Brewers season was the 27th season for the Brewers in Milwaukee, and their 28th overall. The Brewers finished third in the American League Central with a record of 80 wins and 82 lo…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Milwaukee_Brewers_season

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 23: “the Braves remain in first place.”

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.

cancel

Claim 24: “Cubs (74-55)”

DISPUTED

The claim states a record of 74-55. However, a StatMuse web search result explicitly states the Chicago Cubs have a record of 74-53 this season.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2001 Chicago Cubs season was the 130th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 126th in the National League and the 86th at Wrigley Field. The Cubs finished third in the National League Central …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Chicago_Cubs_season

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2003 Chicago Cubs season was the 132nd season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 128th in the National League and the 88th at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were managed by Dusty Baker in his first year …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Chicago_Cubs_season

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2026 Chicago Cubs season is the 155th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 151st in the National League, and the Cubs' 111th season at Wrigley Field. They are members of Major League Baseball…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Chicago_Cubs_season

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 25: “their 19th straight winless series against the two-time defending champions, a franchise record.”

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: “historic 22-0 shellacking against the Brewers.”

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: “The team has won 19 of its last 26 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 28: “winning five straight games this week”

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: “Atlanta is in a serious rut now, with losses in six of eight games (including a sweep by the Twins).”

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 30: “the White Sox bounced back with a walk-off win over the Mets on Friday”

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 31: “Athletics (49-80)”

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: “Mets (58-71)”

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: “Pirates (63-67)”

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: “Blue Jays (63-67)”

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: “Their new-look lineup has scored at least six runs in all but one of those wins.”

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: “Phillies (71-58)”

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: “trade deadline acquisitions Casey Mize and Robbie Ray are starting to pitch better.”

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 38: “Padres (69-60)”

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 39: “sweeping the Braves at home this week.”

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 40: “the Red Sox responding from a five-game losing streak with a 5-3 stretch this week”

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: “Cade Cavalli... has thrown 14 scoreless innings with 21 strikeouts over his last two outings.”

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: “Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers (13-5 record, 1.68 ERA, 216 strikeouts, 145 innings)”

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: “Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is coming back from the injured list.”

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: “Diamondbacks (68-61)”

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: “Giants (52-76)”

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: “Mariners (61-68)”

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: “Guardians (63-66)”

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.

check_circle

Claim 48: “they’ve gotten back to winning the “big moments” again — which has helped them win four in a row for the first time in almost a month.”

CORROBORATED

Two independent web search results confirm the Dodgers won four consecutive games for the first time in a significant period (one mentions 'since late July', another mentions 'for the first time this season').

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — Below is a partial list of Minor League Baseball players in the Los Angeles Dodgers system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers_minor_leag…

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 49: “they lost six of eight”

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: “Marlins (65-64)”

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 51: “they turned around and won a series at Dodger Stadium, then another against the Mariners, then a Friday night opener against the Braves.”

SINGLE SOURCE

While evidence confirms the Brewers won six games against the Dodgers and had an 11-game win streak, there is no specific evidence confirming the sequence of winning a series at Dodger Stadium, then the Mariners, then a Friday opener against the Braves.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Milwaukee Brewers Reverse World Series Curse (or the Brewers World Series Curse) is a baseball-related superstition that derives from the fact that every baseball team that the Milwaukee Brewers l…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Brewers_Reverse_Worl…

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 52: “Cristopher Sánchez, Phillies (16-4 record, 2.51 ERA, 187 strikeouts, 161.2 innings)”

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: “Rockies (50-78)”

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.

help

Claim 54: “Yankees (73-55)”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found regarding the New York Yankees' record.

schedule

Claim 55: “Pete Alonso... belting seven home runs... and posting a 1.147 OPS”

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 56: “Ketel Marte... was placed on the restricted list and now is on the injured list with a knee injury”

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: “Rafael Devers is returning to Fenway Park this weekend for the first time since last year’s trade.”

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: “They’ve dropped five in a row.”

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: “Tigers (61-67)”

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 60: “White Sox (67-61)”

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 61: “Chris Sale, Braves (12-9 record, 2.20 ERA, 166 strikeouts, 135 innings)”

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 62: “Corey Seager... has strung together five straight two-hit 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 63: “Astros (65-64)”

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.

help

Claim 64: “the Rays’ cushion is back down to three games.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found regarding the Rays' lead in the American League.

schedule

Claim 65: “Jefry Yan gave up a walk-off homer”

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 66: “Reds (61-68)”

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.