There is still a long way to go before the 2023 MLB World Series launches in October, but baseball fans have already got more than enough thrilling action lined up to keep them satisfied over the summer. And even without quality baseball on display, the MLB’s commercial marketing decisions have ensured the league remains one of the world’s top professional sports events. As an example, just consider the fact that Budweiser has created unique team cans for each franchise – a nice touch that has made fans across the US and Canada very happy.
The Houston Astros won their second championship last year against the Philadelphia Phillies but neither team has so far shown enough form to guarantee they’ll be back. 2023 has triggered a changing of the guard so far this season, with the likes of the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles currently leading the MLB power rankings. August is going to be a pivotal month for several teams going for glory, especially with the number of high-profile matchups being contested. Keep reading for a comprehensive roundup of the best MLB games to watch in August.
Houston Astros vs New York Yankees
The Houston Astros are chasing a third World Series win this season but they haven’t yet shown the same kind of form that took them to victory last year. The matchup against the New York Yankees is anybody’s guess, with both teams equal on most of the main metrics used for sports betting predictions. Astros pitcher Cristian Javier will have to be at the top of his game to lead his team to victory. He is one of a few players who are exceeding their performances of last year, so you never know.
Over in New York, the Yankees must count on Clarke Schmidt to keep pitching as ferociously as he has done so far this season. Although the team is currently languishing in fifth place in the AL East, their recent form has fans hoping that a return to the glory days is imminent. Beating last season’s champions will be a perfect way to signal their intent. Will it happen? Only time will tell. Make sure you don’t miss the Houston Astros vs the New York Yankees this August.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres were one of the leading favorites going into the 2023 MLB season but so far, they haven’t made good on their potential, sitting at fourth in the NL West. The Padres will be looking to prove their credentials and finally make good on their roster’s potential. Juan Soto, Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado are among the Padres’ best players, and fans will be hoping they can overcome a comparatively less star-studded Diamondbacks team.
But here’s the thing: even though the Arizona Diamondbacks may have slightly fewer big-name players, they currently sit in third place, one position ahead of the Padres. They have important players such as Gabriel Moreno and Tommy Henry out to shoulder and elbow injuries respectively, but the team cohesion and solid tactics so far this season should bring them through. Either way, it’s a very interesting matchup that MLB fans should not miss this August.
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees
One of the MLB’s most storied rivalries comes to a head once again as the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees. The two teams have already played each other once in 2023, in a scintillating series in June that took place at Fenway Park. The Red Sox came out on top with three decisive wins, but things could well be different this time around as they take on the Yankees at their home ground in the Bronx. All players will need to be on top form to guarantee success, particularly pitchers Clarke Schmidt and Brayan Bello.
But will the weight of the occasion be too much? This is arguably the biggest rivalry in the MLB, with both NYC teams historically going at it time and time again over the past several decades. In fact, many US sports fans call it the fiercest conflict in the country, which goes a long way in explaining why the August Boston Red Sox vs the New York Yankees matchup is so highly anticipated. While the winner is by no means guaranteed a shot at the World Series this year, they will earn bragging rights over their rivals, which, to some diehard fans, can be even more important.
