Another week in the books and the MLB landscape is changing rapidly. The top contenders are strengthening their positions while some unexpected teams are making a serious run at the playoff picture.

The established giant that is the Boston Red Sox remains leading the pack, though their control is being challenged by a resurgent Atlanta Braves.

Meanwhile, down in the National League West|On the other side of the league, the race is heating up with the San Diego Padres making noise the established teams. This week's power rankings reflect these movements and more.

• See below this week's complete order of the MLB's top teams.

Inside the Diamond: Latest MLB Headlines & Rumors

The MLB is heating up as the regular season unfolds, and fans are buzzing with eagerness. A few key whispers are swirling around the league, suggesting some major transactions could be on the horizon. One hot topic is centered around star pitcher Carlos Carrasco, who may be moving to a new squad. Sources say that the New York Yankees are among the clubs showing serious interest in acquiring his skills.

Another situation to watch is the condition of injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton. His comeback could be a turning point for his club, and fans are eagerly expecting his resurgence to the lineup.

Stay tuned for more developments as we delve deeper into these fascinating MLB storylines.

Catch Every Thwack: This Baseball Results

Baseball fans, get ready to leap into the heart of the action! With scores updating in real-time, you won't be late for a single moment. Check out our up-to-date list of live baseball scores below and stay in the know on all the game's excitement.

• Team 1 vs. Team 2
• Team 3 vs. Team 4
• Team 5 vs. Team 6

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Gems for August

August is here and the fantasy baseball season is a critical juncture. Your team's roster may need ashakeup to make that final push towards the playoffs. Don't worry, there are still plenty of hidden gems lurking on the waiver wire waiting to be discovered. You can find some serious sleepers in this month's deep league, so keep your eyes peeled and your roster flexible.

• One name to watch is first baseman Jane Smith from the Astros. He's been raking it lately with a impressive OPS, and his recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere.
• A sleeper is catcher Sarah Jones. He may not be a household name yet, but he's been putting up solid numbers and could be a valuable asset down the stretch.
• Finally pitcher Carlos Rodriguez . He's shown flashes of potential throughout the season, and now seems to be finding his form.

Remember to check your league's specific waiver rules and deadlines. Good luck with your waiver wire pickups this month! You might just find the difference maker(s) that helps you win it all.

Dominate Your League: Top Pitcher Matchups This Week

This week in fantasy baseball promises explosions on the mound as some of the league's premier pitchers take the field. Seeking to rack up wins and strikeouts? Look no further than our expert analysis.

• Lead up your fantasy roster with unstoppable {arm{Clayton Kershaw, who's facing a sluggish squad this week.
• Explore grizzled ace Justin Verlander, targeting a weak batting order.
• Don't sleep the rising phenomenon of budding pitcher, Julio Urias, who has been pitching like a champion.

Remember that pitching situations are always evolving, so be sure to monitor trends and make modifications as needed.

Building a World Series Contender: Fantasy Baseball Trade Ideas

Want to take your fantasy team from/to/over the top and snag that coveted trophy/championship/hardware? It's time for/to/about strategize some blockbuster trades. Identify/Target/Pinpoint those baseball highlights teams/squads/lineups with surplus value and look for deals/opportunities/bargains to bolster your own roster/ lineup/composition. Don't be afraid/shy/hesitant to swing/make/execute a deal that restructures/shifts/transforms the landscape/dynamics/outlook of your fantasy team.

Think outside the/your/that box! Maybe it's time to cash in/flip/unload some high-priced veterans/rookies/stars for a promising prospect/youngster/up-and-comer. Or perhaps you can leverage/utilize/exploit your team's strengths/assets/advantages to acquire/secure/obtain a player who fills a critical/key/essential need.

A few/couple/handful of well-placed trades can ignite/fuel/boost your team's performance and put you in the driver's seat/thick of it/running for a World Series title/championship/victory.