MLB power rankings: Brewers’ epic win streak only just the beginning

The streak is over. But its ramifications will live on for months.

Finally, after free burgers and tearful tributes and two weeks that cemented their status as the game’s best club, the Milwaukee Brewers lost a baseball game.

Yet their Aug. 17 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds only snapped a 14-game winning streak. It can’t undo all that was accomplished.

Most notably, the Brewers have a commanding eight-game lead in the National League Central, an advantage so large that the Chicago Cubs can’t even undo it if they somehow sweep this jumbo-sized five-game series the teams play this week. And in a bigger-picture sense, the Brewers are primed to grab either of the Nos. 1 or 2 seed in the NL playoffs – meaning some coastal elite from Philly or L.A. or New York will bear the indignity of the wild-card series while the Brew Crew cools its heels in Dairyland.

And let us not forget, they’ve put a vise grip on the No. 1 spot in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings. Not that they’re too stressed about that very serious designation or other, ostensibly more pressing matters.

‘We have the right level of don’t-give-a-(darn),’ franchise player Christian Yelich says.

A look at our updated rankings:

1. Milwaukee Brewers (-)

• Can clinch season series vs. Cubs with three wins in five games this week.

2. Toronto Blue Jays (+3)

• When Alejandro Kirk is stealing bases and Myles Straw producing multi-homer games, you’re going good.

3. Detroit Tigers (+3)

• Tandem closers Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan combine for 1.26 ERA since the trade deadline.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (-3)

• Will Smith’s bid for rare batting title as catcher still hanging in there.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

• Zack Wheeler’s shoulder injury could prompt a longer look at top prospect Andrew Painter.

6. Chicago Cubs (-2)

• Cade Horton emerging as an ace just in time.

7. San Diego Padres (-)

• Knee tendinitis sends starter Michael King back to injured list.

8. Houston Astros (-)

• Ramon Urías busts up perfect game, notches walk-off RBI against old team.

9. Seattle Mariners (+2)

• Bryan Woo sets major league record with 24th start of six innings and two or fewer walks – breaking Juan Marichal’s mark to start a season.

10. Boston Red Sox (-1)

• Wrist surgery ends Marcelo Mayer’s rookie season.

11. New York Yankees (+1)

• Brian Cashman defends Aaron Boone’s handling of so-so season.

12. New York Mets (-1)

• Striking out eight and beating the Mariners in his debut won’t tamp down expectations for Nolan McLean.

13. Cincinnati Reds (-)

• Jake Fraley the odd man out as Will Benson returns.

14. Cleveland Guardians (-)

• Remember John Means? He begins rehab assignment, could be rotation option down the stretch.

15. Texas Rangers (-)

• Right-hander Jon Gray out indefinitely with thoracic outlet syndrome.

16. Kansas City Royals (+3)

• Climb above .500 for first time since June 10.

17. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)

• Top prospect J.J. Wetherholt has 1.058 OPS, nine homers in first 25 games at Class AAA.

18. Tampa Bay Rays (+2)

• May not see the playoffs, but they’ll certainly Seymour with Bob, Ian on roster.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks (+4)

• Despite sell-off and odd Ketel Marte saga, they suddenly win six of seven.

20. San Francisco Giants (-3)

• Strangely lifeless, not a great sign heading toward off-season.

21. Los Angeles Angels (+1)

• After sweeping season series from Dodgers, lose a series to Athletics.

22. Miami Marlins (-5)

• Kyle Stowers and his 25 homers hit IL with oblique strain.

23. Minnesota Twins (-2)

• Pohlad family’s decision not to sell the latest blow to reeling fan base.

24. Baltimore Orioles (-)

• They’re here: Top prospects Dylan Beavers, Samuel Basallo debut on consecutive days.

25. Atlanta Braves (+1)

• Hurston Waldrep has 1.02 ERA in his three starts.

26. Athletics (-1)

• Getting closer to Yolo County: Top prospect Leo DeVries, 17, has two-homer game at high-A, earns AA promotion.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)

• Andrew Heaney relegated to bullpen, stoking intrigue for Bubba Chandler’s eventual debut.

28. Washington Nationals (-)

• Nathaniel Lowe’s release keeps roster space for all the young outfielders.

29. Chicago White Sox (-)

• Martin Perez returns after four-month absence with elbow injury.

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

• Five wins in 10 games brings them over the White Sox Threshold – no 121-loss pace, for now.