Marlins Rise 2 Spots in Week 12 MLB Power Rankings

A hot start to June has helped the Miami Marlins (37-38) rise in the ESPN MLB Power Rankings, as they finished 19th in the Week 12 iteration released Thursday morning.

Miami placed 21st in the Week 11 edition of the power rankings. Four straight series wins over the Washington Nationals (39-36), Tampa Bay Rays (41-30), Arizona Diamondbacks (38-36) and Pittsburgh Pirates (38-37) have played a significant role in the team's rise.

The Marlins won 10 out of 12 games across those four series, dropping the opener against the Rays and the second game against the Pirates. Their scorching start to the month lifted them back into the wild-card picture.

Otto Lopez, Heriberto Hernandez and Kyle Stowers emerged as key contributors in the club's 10-2 run. Despite the trio's productivity, Miami is struggling to knock balls out of the park.

"Otto Lopez led the way over those 12 games, hitting .396, and Heriberto Hernandez hit four home runs and had an OPS over 1.000, and Kyle Stowers drove in 11 runs," ESPN MLB expert David Schoenfield wrote. "But the Marlins continue to rank near the bottom of the majors in home runs, with Liam Hicks their only player with more than seven."

Miami became one of the hottest teams in the MLB during its stretch, but it has cooled down a bit. The club suffered its first series loss in June against the Philadelphia Phillies (40-34).

They lost two straight games in blowout fashion -- 7-0 on Monday and 8-2 on Tuesday. The Marlins played a complete game in the series closer on Wednesday to prevent a sweep.

Philadelphia couldn't stop a hot bat from Stowers en route to a 12-4 victory. He hit two home runs and recorded more RBI (five) than the Phillies' total score. 

Stowers set the tone, and his teammates followed suit. Joe Mack, Owen Caissie and Jakob Marsee each hit a home run and seven of the Marlins hitters recorded an RBI except Javier Sanoja and Estuery Ruiz. 

The Marlins have one day of rest before a six-game home stand at LoanDepot Park. They face off against the San Francisco Giants (31-43) on Friday and the Texas Rangers next Monday (35-39). 

Miami's last full series in June is against the St. Louis Cardinals (40-32), starting next Friday. The series against the Colorado Rockies (28-47) extends into July.

The club must continue its June dominance to remain in the wild-card picture and continue to jump up the power rankings. 

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