The MLB season is heating up, with several teams vying for playoff spots and division titles. The Red Sox, Astros, Orioles, Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers are all in the mix, making for an exciting race to the finish line. In a recent roundtable discussion on FOX Sports, MLB experts Rowan Kavner and Deesha Thosar shared their insights on some of the key storylines in the league.
The Red Sox have been a surprise this season, leading MLB in OPS. Despite their offensive prowess, Kavner believes that their pitching staff may not be strong enough to carry them deep into the playoffs. On the other hand, Thosar sees the Red Sox as legitimate contenders, especially with the return of injured players like Vaughn Grissom. The team’s offense has been a standout, and they could make a run for a wild card spot.
The Phillies-Dodgers series was a highlight of the week, with the Phillies coming out on top and solidifying their position as the team to beat in the National League. Thosar was impressed by the Phillies‘ performance, while Kavner noted the Dodgers‘ recent struggles and the need for improvement in their bullpen and pitching staff.
The Yankees and Orioles have the same record, but Kavner and Thosar differ on the significance of the run differential between the two teams. While Kavner believes it’s not a major factor at this point in the season, Thosar points out that run differentials can be misleading and may not accurately reflect a team’s performance in the playoffs.
In discussing the Astros‘ chances of winning the AL West, Thosar highlighted Yordan Álvarez as a key player to watch, while Kavner emphasized the importance of Kyle Tucker’s return from injury. Both experts agreed that the Astros‘ pitching staff has been solid, but their offense needs to step up in the second half of the season.
Finally, when asked about the best pitcher in baseball, Kavner chose Zack Wheeler for his consistency and postseason success, while Thosar picked Tarik Skubal for his impressive stats and competitive edge. Both pitchers have been standout performers this season and are key players to watch as the playoff race heats up.
Overall, the MLB season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several teams in contention for playoff spots and division titles. With expert analysis from Kavner and Thosar, fans can stay informed and engaged as the season progresses.