The Times’ baseball rankings

Statistics through Friday’s game. Last week’s rankings in parentheses:

BEST IN SHOW

1. DODGERS Top dogs: Dodgers are an MLB-best 46-10 since June 22. (1)

2. TEXAS Guide dogs: Rangers go 13-3, take division lead since Cruz’s suspension. (3)

3. TAMPA BAY Loyalty issues: Rays last in MLB in attendance for second straight year. (7)

4. PITTSBURGH Rescue dog: Let go by Twins and White Sox, Liriano tops Pirates with 14 wins. (4)

5. ST. LOUIS Fetch boys! Cardinals lead NL in fielding. (11)

6. DETROIT Marking their territory: Tigers chasing third straight division title, best streak in MLB. (5)

7. ATLANTA Special breed: Braves relievers combine for baseball-best 2.38 ERA. (2)

8. BOSTON Big dog: Papi on pace for most productive season in seven years. (8)

9. CINCINNATI Going for a walk: Votto headed for 126 bases on balls, most in NL since 2007. (9)

10. OAKLAND Lost dogs: Athletics fall 7 1/2 games in standings in August. (6)

STRAINING AT THE LEASH

11. BALTIMORE Dog gone: Davis on pace for 58 HRs, most in AL since Roger Maris is 1961. (13)

12. N.Y. YANKEES Just a dog, period: A-Rod a target for front office, opposing pitchers. (15)

13. CLEVELAND Four dogs playing poker: Top 4 in Indians’ rotation a combined 36-28, 3.83. (14)

14. ARIZONA Lost dogs: Went from 3-game division lead to 10 1/2-game deficit in last month. (12)

15. KANSAS CITY Underdogs: Six-game slide may cost Royals first playoff berth since 1985. (10)

MORE BARK THAN BITE

16. WASHINGTON In the doghouse: Johnson’s job could be next big Nationals loss. (16)

17. PHILADELPHIA New master: Phillies win five of first eight games under Sandberg. (27)

18. SEATTLE Pound(ed) puppies: Mariners’ August ERA of 5.15 highest in MLB. (19)

19. COLORADO Best in class: Rockies cleanup hitters lead MLB with .333 average. (18)

20. MINNESOTA Old dog, new trick: With Morneau gone, Mauer may play more at first base. (21)

21. N.Y. METS Every dog has his day: Mets haven’t made playoffs since 2006. (17)

22. SAN DIEGO Bad dog: Volquez (league-worst 6.01 ERA ) is designated for assignment. (26)

ROLLED OVER AND PLAYING DEAD

23. CHICAGO WHITE SOX Choking dogs: After 85-win season, team on pace for 96 losses. (28)

24. ANGELS Young pup: 22-year-old Trout tops MLB in WAR for second year in row. (22)

25. MILWAUKEE Crime dogs: Woeful Brewers lead MLB with 112 stolen bases. (24)

26. TORONTO What’s that, Lassie? The Blue Jays are stuck in the cellar again? (20)

27. SAN FRANCISCO Stay, sit: Giants have spent 23 of last 27 days in NL West basement. (23)

28. CHICAGO CUBS Doggin’ it: Cubs have MLB’s worst record in August. (25)

29. MIAMI Chew toy: Marlins batting .231 and averaging an MLB-worst 3.22 runs a game. (29)

30. HOUSTON Feeling like a fire hydrant: Astros have losing record vs. 15 teams. (30)