The comeback kids do it again for the Philadelphia Phillies against the San Diego Padres to take the series. In each of the Phillies’ three wins in the series, they trailed at one point. The most dramatic of these comebacks came in the first game of the July 15 doubleheader. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th inning the Phillies rallied to score three runs to take a 6-4 lead. Craig Kimbrel earned his 15th save of the year to close out the game. In addition down to their last three outs on July 16 the Phillies came back again. This time Bryce Harper tied the game in the 10th inning and the Phillies would win in the 12th inning. Harper also ended his career-long home run drought.
Furthermore, the bullpen continues to excel. Jeff Hoffman pitched two shutout innings that allowed the Phillies to walk it off on July 16. Even with Gregory Soto blowing the save in the top of the 9th inning the Phillies still found a way to win. Additionally, the team has won six in a row after blowing a save with the last loss coming on May 3. Moreover, the Phillies bullpen has an MLB-best 3.17 ERA since April 16. It does not matter who the hero is the comeback kids find a way to win games. The so-called Phillies daycare that helps make up the comeback kids has been having a field day lately with postgame celebrations.
THE KYLE SCHWARBER WEEKEND #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/TSBR2XM3gx
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 17, 2023
The Comeback Kids
Leadoff Spot Secured
The leadoff spot has been secured by Kyle Schwarber. Since moving to the leadoff spot on June 2nd, Schwarber has an .833 OPS with 12 home runs per Jack Fritz. Along with Trea Turner, Schwarber rewarded manager Rob Thomson for his patience with them at the top of the order. Schwaber hit three home runs in the Phillies wins in the series. In the doubleheader, the two had a combined .389 batting average with 7 RBI. Thomson putting Schwarber in the leadoff spot has seen the Phillies go 26-11 since the switch. It took some time but the top of the lineup is playing as expected.
Lineup Changes
With Cristian Pache on the injured list, the Phillies promoted Johan Rojas to the major league roster. With Harper set to play first base in the upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers, this became a major decision. Thomson put Rojas in centerfield for his debut game on July 17th, and Rojas delivered immediately. During the top of the first inning, Rojas became the first Phillies player since Jackie Mayo in 1948 to have an outfield assist during their first game per Elias Sports. So far Rojas has proven he can fill the spot in the outfield that will open up by Harper taking over duties at first base.
At the plate, Rojas had 2 RBI with 3 hits in the second game of the doubleheader. Through three games, Rojas has a .273 batting average with a .546 OPS. Rojas will provide the Phillies with much-needed improvements to the outfield defense. The 6th ranked Phillies prospect by MLB Pipeline, Rojas could truly become part of the roster depending on the length of time Pache is out for. If Rojas continues his early success, the Phillies may shift their trade deadline strategy. Instead of trading for a corner outfielder, the Phillies might instead make a move for a starting pitcher to solidify their rotation.
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Comeback Kids Impact Standings
The Phillies are currently 51-42 and are 3rd in the NL East 10 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves who lead the division. With each team’s performance over the weekend, the Phillies have come 1 1/2 games closer to the Braves. They are also a 1/2 game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the last Wild Card spot. As crazy as it sounds the Phillies are 1 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants for the top Wild Card spot showing just how tight the NL is. As shown against the Padres, the Phillies’ comeback ability could come in handy in close games. The comeback kids give the Phillies an advantage in the Wild Card race.
Main photo credits:
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Craig Kimbrel, Bryce Harper, Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Johan Rojas, Jackie Mayo
