Author: Jesse Yomtov, USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are 7½ games better than the second-best team in baseball.

The Atlanta Braves moved up two spots to No. 3 in this week’s power rankings, right behind the New York Mets.

New York and Atlanta play a critical four-game series this week, while the Phillies have taken command of a playoff spot

New York didn’t make a splash at the trade deadline, but welcomed Jacob deGrom back this week and won a crucial series vs. Atlanta.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone 7-3 since the All-Star break to move ahead of the New York Yankees.

Top trade candidates this year include pitchers Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas, catcher Willson Contreras and first baseman Josh Bell.

The Midsummer Classic was a nice break in the action, but big things could be happening in the weeks to come.

The Midsummer Classic was a nice break in the action, but big things could be happening in the weeks to come.

Live score updates and highlights, with Clayton Kershaw and Shane McClanahan the starting pitchers in LA.

Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber are two of the top contenders in this year’s home run hitting contest.