MLB 2022 Weekly Preview - Week 14
Major League Baseball is starting to heat up week in and week out. There is clear excitement from fans across the globe with most teams competing at an absurdly high level. There have been comebacks upon comebacks and the average game has been lasting longer due to the intensity of matchups. In today’s game you’d be hard pressed to find one team having a huge advantage over another on any given night and that is where elite pitching staff and clutch hitting comes into play. As it stands currently, the teams who are able to put bat on ball in innings eight or later have been doing massive work. Clubs and their managers will be working to figure out the right formulas for their team as the season progresses while trying to maintain enough balance to rest players on the roster. We’re just about reaching the half-way point in the season and potential all-stars will be making their final pushes to convince fans to vote them in. These next two weeks are going to be crucial heading into the break. Stake.com has your back on all things MLB so take advantage of our odds and promos now!
Analysis Game 1 - Tampa Bay Rays @ Boston Red Sox - Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 The Tampa Bay Rays have been playing decent ball as of late, but their expectations have this team at a much higher level. They are the owners of one of the best pitching staffs in the whole American League but their consistency within the offensive side has been poor. Just a couple hitters above .300 in the club, Tampa Bay needs to find a spark plug on offense fast. Their pitching is holding down the fort for the moment but there isn’t much to say that it could break down at any time. Look for the Rays to approach this series from an optimistic lens and get back on track with some solid runs.
Boston is playing around the same level of baseball as the Rays currently, but their pitching looks to be on the uptrend. After starting the season with a horrible team ERA, their level has plateaued into a maintainable average. The ability of their hitters is never in question, but they are currently playing above their pay grade. These next few weeks before the break will be a huge indicator as to what Boston will be doing in the near future.
Prediction - Rays money line in a battle between the division’s rivals.
Game 2 - Philadelphia Phillies @ St.Louis Cardinals - Friday, July 8th, 2022 Philadelphia are dealing with tough news as their MVP starman Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a fractured thumb this past week. They will be severely limited for a couple of months giving him time to recover. In that time span they will need to find ways to beat ball clubs and maintain their position in the MLB playoff race in the NL.
St. Louis is beyond happy with the production it's currently getting from its offense. However, their pitching has left things up for desire in multiple games this season. They will face a hobbled Phillies team and get through with the tough win.
Prediction - Cardinals Money Line.