Bryce Harper has stepped up for the Philadelphia Phillies and looks like his old self. In his last seven games, Harper has a .462/.588/1.077 line with five home runs and nine RBI. Additionally, Harper hit a home run in the three games against the San Francisco Giants between August 21 and August 23. During the first six games of the stretch, Harper had a .642 wOBA and 315 wRC+, along with a single-digit strikeout rate and a double-digit walk percentage, according to FanGraphs. According to FanGraphs, Harper also had a 7.0 oWAR during those six games. In that period, Harper also had a 0.65 WPA, which led the team among qualified batters in those six games.
So far in August, Harper has a 1.127 OPS and has hit seven of his 12 home runs. Overall, for the season, Harper has a .299/.392/.468 line with 12 home runs and 47 RBI. This is a welcome sign for the Phillies to have their star player performing at such a high level during a crucial part of the season. This comes as Harper adapts to playing first base instead of right field defensively. The Phillies offense works best when the star players are playing well, and that is happening currently. As Harper steps up, watch out for this team in the playoffs because this lineup might become unstoppable in October.
First Baseman Kyle Schwarber
The Phillies should try first baseman Kyle Schwarber when Harper is the designated hitter. It is no secret that Schwarber is not the most outstanding defensive outfielder, and with the emergence of Johan Rojas, it is time to try something out. So far this season, Schwarber has a .968 fielding percentage in the outfield, with a -2.2 dWAR and -17 defensive runs saved. For comparison, Rojas has a .976 fielding percentage this season, a 0.9 dWAR, and nine defensive runs saved. Rojas leads all Phillies outfielders in defensive runs saved, while Schwarber ranks last. To combat the fielding issues Schwarber has, he should play first base when in the field.
This would not be the first time Schwarber has played first base. He did so with the Boston Red Sox during the 2021 season, making nine starts at the position. At first base, Schwarber has a .985 fielding percentage, which is better than his .981 career fielding percentage in left field. Playing Schwarber at first base instead of in left field would keep the Phillies defense stable when Harper needs to be the designated hitter for a game. Furthermore, playing first base is less taxing on the body than the outfield. Making this slight change can be a game-changer for the Phillies defense.
Standings Change As Bryce Harper Steps Up
The standings impact of the Phillies’ recent play has changed the NL Wild Card race. This comes as Harper steps up. As things stand, the Phillies have a 69-58 record and are 2nd in the NL East. They hold a 2 1/2 game advantage over the Chicago Cubs for the top NL Wild Card spot. Additionally, the Phillies currently have a three-game advantage over the last position. With multiple teams now tied for the previous NL Wild Card spot, the Phillies advantage will help them create separation from the other groups. With September right around the corner, every game matters.
Pitching Improvements Can Be Made
The Phillies’ pitching staff has not been at its best lately. Trade deadline acquisition Michael Lorenzen has allowed ten earned runs in his last two starts. Ranger Suárez is currently on the injured list, negatively impacting the starting rotation. Craig Kimbrel has had issues holding leads or keeping the game tied in recent outings. During August, Kimbrel has a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA and a blown save. Through eight innings in August, Kimbrel has allowed seven hits and four earned runs. Opponents have a .250 batting average against Kimbrel in that span. The Phillies have five blown saves in August as well.
It is not all harmful to the Phillies pitching staff, as they have the ninth-best team ERA in August with a 3.90 ERA this month. In addition, the Phillies are one of four teams to have a complete game shutout in August. That would, of course, be the no-hitter thrown by Lorenzen. Matt Strahm has not allowed an earned run in his last seven appearances. In his previous 15 appearances, Strahm has a 2-0 record with a 1.45 ERA, 19 strikeouts, and a 0.91 WHIP. The Phillies bullpen also got a significant boost on August 20, with José Alvarado returning from the injured list. With Alvarado back, the Phillies bullpen has better high-leverage relievers available.
Main Photo Credits: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
