Thanks to some hot streaks (Blue Jays, Brewers, Mets) and some not-so-hot streaks (Tigers, Dodgers, Astros), the MLB standings have, right on the cusp of the Trade Deadline, gotten almost absurdly tight.

Pallante has fallen on hard times, posting a 9:5 K:BB ratio while allowing 17 runs over 15.2 innings during his past three starts. The righty can sometimes use his heavy groundball lean to limit scoring, but is likely to hurt a fantasy team’s WHIP. His recent slump and overall lack of skills will relegate Pallante to waivers in points leagues.

Ryan Sloan, the Mariners’ 19-year-old right-hander in his first season of pro ball, is quickly building a reputation as Seattle’s next great pitching prospect.

With the unofficial second half of the season underway and the stretch run around the corner, our Hitter Power Rankings have seen quite a shakeup since our last edition. While the slugger at the top retains his perch,

Brewers extend winning streak to 11 with 6-0 shutout of Mariners, claiming MLB’s best record this late for first time since 1982.