In a perfect world, theend of the Rafael Devers erain Boston would give way smoothly to the rise of the Roman Empire. Few could have forecast that the long-awaited promotion of top prospectRoman Anthonywould have coincided with the stunning early-seasontrade of Devers. That's how this wild week shook out, however. And funny thing about the Devers deal: It comes as the Red Sox are playing their best baseball of the season. It just so happened to coincide with the promotion of Anthony, who has just one hit in his first 17 at-bats. Yet the Red Sox have not lost since Anthony delivered that one hit, a two-run double that lifted them to a victory over theTampa Bay Rays. They've now won five in a row after a sweep of theNew York Yankees, giving them five consecutive wins over their division-leading rivals. And while we won't know the effects of Devers' loss for several weeks, for now, Boston has leapt five spots in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings. In winning 10 of their last 15 games, the Red Sox vaulted the .500 mark for the first time since May 24, and creeped within 6 ½ games of the front-running Yankees. And now a nine-game trip that includes a visit to San Francisco and old friend Devers looms. A look at our updated rankings: Loss ofJackson Jobe to Tommy John surgerya big blow for this year and next. In sixth major league start, Cade Horton pitches to a standoff against Paul Skenes. Sufferfirst sweep of the season, thanks to Tampa Bay. Aaron Judge struck out three times thrice against Red Sox. Kiké Hernández shows at least someone isconcernedabout their fans. Casey Schmitt, of all people, becomes first Giant with grand slams in consecutive games. Ranger Suárez has a 1.16 ERA in his last seven starts. Cam Smith and Mauricio Dubón deliver consecutive walk-off hits for team that's won 16 of 22. Jackson Merrill lost to concussion IL after tag by Ketel Marte. Where did this offense come from? Have scored at least six runs nine times in last 23 games. Another IL stint for Royce Lewis, this time a hamstring strain. Quinn Priester has 2.23 ERA since first brutal outing. Need to find a solution to their Bowden Francis (6.05 ERA) problem. Have won three straight series for the first time all season. From eight games over .500 to 37-35 in barely a week. Perhaps they should just play the Yankees: 20-12 in their last 32 meetings. J.P. Crawford hits grand slam on first Father's Day as a, well, father. They're 19th with a 3.99 team ERA, which is decidedly un-Guardianslike. Tyler Mahle's right shoulder is barking again. Finallyclimb above .500. Now they go? A players-only meeting can't stop sweep by A's and 22nd loss in 32 games. Per Anaheim custom, Christian Moore reaches majors less than a year after he's drafted. They're a different team when Jordan Westburg is healthy. Spencer Strider punches out 13 Rockies and maybe he's back-back. Eight losses in a row as .500 mark again far off in the distance. First three-game sweep of season comes at Washington's expense. Lose three of four at Wrigley because they only scored seven runs all weekend. What's hotter? Mason Miller's fastball or the 100-degree forecast for Yolo County on Wednesday? Can't spell"Vatican"without "Rate Field." (Well, maybe you can). Chase Dollander with an encouraging six-inning start. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:MLB power rankings: Red Sox rise as Rafael Devers trade stuns baseball
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