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Braves #1, Dodgers Slip, Reds Rise, Red Sox Fire

4/28/2026

47 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Braves Claim #1

The Atlanta Braves (20-9) move to No. 1 in MLB power rankings, overtaking the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers stay at No. 2 despite a five-of-seven slump and Daniel Diaz’s elbow surgery, while the Cincinnati Reds rise to No. 6 (18-10) on Sal Stewart’s 29 RBIs and a 7-0 record.
The Boston Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora while club sits 11-17 and ties for last in home runs and OPS.

Summary

Rice Leads OPS

Ben Rice leads all MLB first basemen in OPS entering week six.
Munetaka Murakami tops the White Sox in home runs after a five-game homer streak.
Drake Baldwin has the most hits among MLB catchers, the Braves’ most consistent hitter.
Shea Langeliers leads the Athletics in batting average and home runs, among league’s top catchers.
Liam Hicks tops the Marlins in RBI, an offensive contribution for the NL East contender.

History

Historical Context

After MLB’s 1994-95 realignment shifted the Atlanta Braves to the NL East and created the NL Central, the league’s new three-division, wild-card format let teams like the 1995 Braves win the World Series despite a 90-54 record. In 2024 the Braves echo that impact, posting a 20-9 start that propels them to the top NL power ranking.

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Braves Claim #1

The Atlanta Braves (20-9) move to No. 1 in MLB power rankings, overtaking the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers stay at No. 2 despite a five-of-seven slump and Daniel Diaz’s elbow surgery, while the Cincinnati Reds rise to No. 6 (18-10) on Sal Stewart’s 29 RBIs and a 7-0 record.
The Boston Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora while club sits 11-17 and ties for last in home runs and OPS.

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