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With the 13th week of 2024 MLB action now upon us, it is hard to believe that the mid-way point of the season is just around the corner. Although the season is passing us by quickly, there are still multiple head-to-head matchups to look forward to.
This week, several series' are on offer for fans to enjoy. Today, we will be examining the matchups that fans can look forward to, as well as some of the storylines that underpin these exciting showdowns.
Top 5 Must-Watch MLB Series' this week
Padres vs Phillies
On Monday, the San Diego Padres will arrive in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies, who remain the top team in the National League.
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"According to Fangraphs, the Phillies have a 99.5% chance to make postseason and a 13.0% chance to win the World Series." - Phillies Tailgate
Both the Padres and Phillies have struggled mightily in terms of pitching lately, and coming into this series, are ranked 25th and 26th, respectively, in combined ERA over the past week. With that said, both clubs still tout two of the most potent offenses in the league. The series will also be the first chance for fans at Citizens Bank Park to catch a glimpse of shortstop Trea Turner's move to the outfield.
Red Sox vs Blue Jays
With a game and a half seperating the Sox from the trailing Blue Jays in the AL East, the two sides will seek to gain a leg up on the other in a three-game series in Toronto this week.
"Please enjoy all 9 (yes, NINE) stolen bases from tonight." - Red Sox
Despite a sluggish start to the season, the Boston Red Sox have hit .298 since June 1, giving them MLB's best team average this month. Over that stretch, Sox outfielder Jarren Durran has led the way, hitting .353 with two home runs and seven RBIs. The Blue Jays, fresh off a series win over the Cleveland Guardians will trot out their three best arms this series in the form of Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt, and Kevin Gausman.
Mariners vs Guardians
After a series loss in Toronto, the Guardians will return to Cleveland for a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners, due to kick off on Monday. With an MLB-best home record of 21-8, manager Stephen Vogt's club has been difficult to beat at Progressive Field, but will face a test with the surging Mariners.
7-3 in their last ten, Seattle now sits comfortably atop the AL West standings, with a record of 43-31. The Mariners' rotation has also been the best in MLB over the past week, with the team pitching staff having surrendered just 12 earned runs over their past 56 innings of work.
Royals vs Rangers
On Friday, the Texas Rangers will welcome the Royals to Globe Life Park for the second clash of the season between the two clubs. In their last meeting, a three-game series in KC in early May, Texas took two of three.
"Bobby Witt Jr.'s speed is insane" - MLB Now
Although the Royals' pitching is not as strong as it was earlier in the season, the club still has a top-10 rotation that will challenge Texas, who has lost three straight as of Monday. Moreover, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been the AL's best hitter in June, hitting .392/.426/.608 with two home runs and nine RBIs since the first of the month.
Yankees vs Orioles
Indeed, the three-game, midweek showdown between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees has fans of all stripes waiting with baited breath. The two clubs sit right atop the AL standings, with the Yankees maintaining a three-game lead over the O's, and have the best record in MLB.
"Daaaaaaaa Yankees lose! And with that the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees will meet in the Bronx on Tuesday with just 1.5 games separating them." - Zach Bollinger
Although the tandem of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have been extraordinary for New York, the Orioles are getting offense from a more diverse array of players. While Baltimore and New York rank first and second in home runs respectively, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have been responsible for 40% of the team's long balls, while Baltimore has been able to rely on several bats for their MLB-leading home run figure.
