Mariners hot streak catapults them up the power rankings

May 12, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Hat and glove of Seattle Mariners center fielder Dee Gordon (9) sits in dugout during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners are playing fantastic baseball as of late, and the league is starting to notice. Bleacher Report's latest power rankings this week have seen them catapult from 19th to 11th, thanks to their current seven-game win streak. 

These wins have come against some tough opponents, as the M's had to sweep both the Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and now have a slightly easier task against the struggling New York Mets. 

Rookie sensation Colt Emerson and Julio Rodríguez have been catalysts for the team's recent success, whilst the phenomenal pitching from Emerson Hancock continues. Another thing to note here is that they have had to do this without their 60-home-run, American League MVP runner-up, Cal Raleigh, who has been out since May 14. 

Going forward, the AL West is starting to heat up with the Mariners now being the top dog. It is only a 2.5 game lead over the Texas Rangers, and they don't meet up again until the second half of the season on July 24. 

Raleigh is projected to be back after a few rehab starts, and his re-emergence into the lineup is going to be crucial for this team. They are going to need him to heat back up to his former self from a year ago, especially as they continue to soar up the rankings. 

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