MLB Midseason Heats Up: Top Series to Watch
As the MLB season hits its halfway mark, exciting matchups abound. This week features heated division battles and historic rivalries. Get ready for high-stakes games and potential upsets as teams vie for playoff positioning.
Cubs vs. Cardinals: A Classic Clash
The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals rekindle their age-old rivalry with a four-game series. This marks their first encounter of the year. Last season, the Cardinals narrowly won the season series.
The Cardinals are making a surge after a June slump, winning six of eight games. They’re now only 4.5 games behind the Cubs for the division lead. Key contributions have come from Nolan Arenado, Alec Burleson, and former Cub Willson Contreras.
The Cubs, with the second-most runs scored in baseball, are a force. They also boast six players with double-digit home runs, a feat unmatched in the Senior Circuit.
Braves vs. Mets: Star Power on Display
Another key series sees the Atlanta Braves taking on the New York Mets for four games. Last week, the Braves dominated the Mets, winning all three games and outscoring them significantly.
Keep an eye on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto, two dynamic players. Acuña has been exceptional since returning from injury, while Soto is finding his form with recent home runs.
Yankees vs. Reds: Judge’s Slump in Cincinnati
The New York Yankees face the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series. The road team has surprisingly won the last seven matchups.
Although the Yankees are still atop the AL East, they’ve seen their lead shrink. A six-game losing streak coincided with Aaron Judge‘s slump. Despite his struggles, every at-bat by Judge remains must-see viewing, especially at Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly park.
Phillies vs. Astros: A World Series Rematch
This series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros reignites memories of the 2022 World Series, which the Astros won. Both teams are on a roll, making this a crucial series.
The Phillies have surged recently. Their starters have a stellar ERA during this stretch. Meanwhile, the Astros have MLB’s best record this month, fueled by strong pitching.
Dodgers vs. Royals: Ohtani and Witt Jr. Collide
The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to face the Kansas City Royals for three games. This matchup offers the potential for something special, particularly with Shohei Ohtani and Bobby Witt Jr. on the same field.
The addition of rookie Jac Caglianone adds excitement. Caglianone hit his first two MLB homers last week.
This season, the Dodgers have an average of 5.3 runs per game, placing them at the top of the league in scoring, according to MLB.com (MLB).
Ohtani is also set to pitch, which is something fans won’t want to miss. He looked sharper in his second start. His triple, home run, and five RBIs during his last start showcased his incredible talents.