Farah Ben Gamra
As the MLB season winds down, this week has some real playoff implications. Division rivalries to wild card races, here are five series you can’t miss.
Cubs vs Brewers (July 29 – 31)
The Cubs and Brewers are tied in the NL Central and this series in Milwaukee might be the line of demarcation. They are 62-43 as they go into the week and the Brewers have won 10 in a row.
The Cubs just lost a series to the Cardinals and need to respond here to stay in the hunt. It’s a rivalry with real MLB playoff stakes.
Yankees vs. Rays (July 29–August 1)
The Yankees visit Tampa to take on the Rays in a four-game set in the AL East. Tampa is right around .500 and has some significant deadline decisions to make.
The Yankees are dealing with injuries but with Max Fried starting the first game they hope to get back on track. Both teams are chasing the Orioles and this series could shake up the standings.
Dodgers vs. Reds (July 29–31)
The Dodgers are in Cincinnati looking for revenge. The Reds swept them last year and L.A. hasn’t forgotten. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will try to lead the way for the Dodgers while the Reds will go with rookie Chase Burns who has a great arm but has trouble with walks.
Both teams are in the playoff mix and the deadline is approaching so this could be a series that sets the tone.
Mets vs. Giants (August 2–4)
The Mets and Giants are both in the hunt for a National League Wild Card and this weekend series in San Francisco is huge. New York is rolling behind the bats of Pete Alonso and Juan Soto while the Giants are hoping Rafael Devers can spark their offense.
This is the first of two straight series between these teams, and whoever wins could be in the driver’s seat for October.
Mariners vs. Angels (August 2–4)
The AL West is still up for grabs and this Mariners-Angels series in Anaheim could be the spark. Seattle is trying to close the gap on the Astros and Rangers while the Angels are trying to stop the bleeding after getting swept by the Mets.
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch in the series and everyone will be watching. The deadline is looming and both teams need to perform, and stay in the mix.
