MLB Week Ahead June 3-June 9

We’ve arrived at the first full week of June and London is calling. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will be playing two games in jolly old England. Here is hoping these Saturday and Sunday contests will be the best the game has to offer. On paper it doesn’t look appetizing as the Phils lead the Amazins’ by 16.5 games in the National League East. However, Philadelphia will most likely be without Ranger Suarez as the Cy Young candidate hurt his pitching hand on a comebacker over the weekend.

Let’s see what else is happening this week.

Series to watch: Seattle Mariners at Kansas City Royals

Two of the premier teams in the American League square off in Kansas City this weekend. The Mariners, winners of seven of their past eight games, are starting to put distance between themselves and the rest of the American League West. They are four games ahead of the Texas Rangers and took three of four games from the Houston Astros last week, dropping the ‘Stros 7.5 games out of the top spot. The Royals were nearly opposite, going 2-5 last week. KC also has to go on the road for three games in Cleveland against the first place Guardians prior to coming home. Two starts from Seth Lugo and his 1.88 ERA would be optimal for the second place Royals.

Player to watch: Rhys Hoskins

One of the most beloved players in recent Phillies’ history returns to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the last visual of Hoskins in a Philly uniform is him going off the field in Spring Training 2023 with a torn ACL. Now with the Milwaukee Brewers, he is tied for the club lead in home runs with nine. Hoskins has seven hits in his last 20 at bats with six RBI’s. He has been the Crew’s primary DH, helping them open up a seven game lead in the National League Central. Expect a warm ovation and a touching video on Monday night.

Trade Deadline Chatter

Now that the trade deadline is officially next month, talk surrounding potential deals with intensify. However, with so many teams still in realistic playoff contention, any talk prior to June 20 is premature. Even the Oakland A’s, at 24-37 are on the fringes of the Wild Card chase. The early talk asks the question of whether or not Oakland would trade their Rookie of the Year candidate, reliever Mason Miller. Check back in three weeks to see where teams are in the standings.