The Philadelphia Phillies are on the cusp of completing a three-game sweep against the Boston Red Sox, leading the NL East with a narrow half-game edge over the New York Mets. Pitcher Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.29 ERA) is set to take the mound for the decisive match on July 23 at Citizens Bank Park, aiming to regain his early-season form after a stellar start yielded a 5-0 record with a 2.15 ERA. His last performance was overshadowed by Christopher Sanchez's impressive complete game on July 22, where Sanchez struck out 12 over nine innings in a 4-1 victory.

Luzardo's ability to return to his previous dominant state will be crucial, especially as the Phillies face a challenging matchup against Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.49), who poses a formidable threat. The stakes are high for the Phillies as they seek to solidify their lead in the division.

The Boston Red Sox are facing significant challenges in their starting rotation, aside from Garrett Crochet. While Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito have contributed positively to the team's Wild Card aspirations, a trade for a solid innings eater with playoff experience is critical as the deadline approaches.

Veteran Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals emerges as a strong candidate for Boston, boasting a 2.67 ERA in 101 innings this season. His contract, a manageable three-year deal with a player option, positions him as a potential rental, making the acquisition all the more appealing for Boston.

Although Lugo may lack the star power fans desire, his performance since becoming a full-time starter in 2023 indicates he could be the asset Boston needs to solidify their rotation for a playoff push.

The Boston Red Sox are gaining traction as serious contenders after winning 10 consecutive games, underscoring a remarkable turnaround this season. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal asserts that the team is not a fraud, although they need support, particularly in their bullpen. In a relatively weaker American League, they are seen as potential World Series threats.

Their success has hinged on standout performances from pitchers Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito. Bello's post-Braves outing has seen him flourish, boasting a 2.69 ERA over his last ten starts. Meanwhile, Giolito has excelled with a staggering 0.70 ERA in his past six appearances. Together with ace Garrett Crochet, these players form a formidable trio as the season progresses.

While the American League East remains competitive, with the Blue Jays holding the top position, the Red Sox's deadline moves could significantly influence their standing. They must prove that their winning streak is genuine, not merely a product of facing weaker teams.

The Boston Red Sox, currently on a ten-game winning streak, are set to clash with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. With strong performances, including a solid return from Alex Bregman, the Red Sox are looking to close the gap in the AL East, sitting just three games behind Toronto.

Lucas Giolito (6-1, 3.36 ERA) takes the mound for Boston, hoping to continue his impressive season against Colin Rea (7-3, 3.91 ERA) of the Cubs. The Cubs, leading the NL Central, boast a potent offense led by Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong, both pivotal in their successful run, where only the Dodgers have scored more runs than them this season.

The odds reflect a tight matchup with the Cubs favored at -128 on the moneyline and a total of 8 runs. Bettors should note the Red Sox's recent performance, having covered the run line in their last three road games. Expert predictions lean towards the Red Sox at +1.5 and a suggested over on the total runs.

The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing starting pitching as the trade deadline approaches, with reports indicating that they have reached out to various teams for bolstering their rotation. Among the names that have surfaced is Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox, who has displayed solid performance with a 3.36 ERA this season. The Cubs' interest in Giolito underscores their ambition to strengthen their pitching staff as they aim for a playoff push.

However, it remains uncertain whether the Red Sox are willing to part with Giolito, especially as they have been performing well recently with a 9-1 record over their last ten games. Given the Red Sox's competitive stance in the postseason race, retaining a veteran pitcher like Giolito could be beneficial for them. Nevertheless, the Cubs are not limited to Giolito and have several other options available if the Red Sox choose not to trade their ace.