The Philadelphia Phillies observations of the second half are plenty. The Phillies enter a defining week after series losses against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Guardians. Their 53-46 record has them sitting in second in the NL East behind the surging Atlanta Braves. Additionally, the Phillies are a half-game behind for the last NL Wild Card Spot. This week, the Phillies have two series against the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With the August 1 trade deadline approaching, the Phillies must win these series and get back on track. With the teams around them also losing series this weekend, it is important for the Phillies to capitalize on this opportunity. Being in the playoffs at the trade deadline gives the team more leverage in negotiations. Taking control of second in the NL East while the Miami Marlins struggle will help the Phillies tremendously. The teams face off again between July 31 and August 3 in Miami.
Phillies Observations In The Second Half:
It’s Not Always Sunny for the Phillies
During this eventful weekend, the Phillies lineup changed as Bryce Harper started playing first base. One of the losses against the Guardians was preventable. The sole run in the game was scored on a pop-up where Nick Castellanos or Brandon Marsh did not call off Bryson Stott; that was one of the worst defensive blunders this season. One of Castellanos or Marsh should have called off Stott in that situation.
During the Phillies lone win in the series, Craig Kimbrel blew a save for the first time this season. Philadelphia could have won in extra innings after scoring four runs in the top of the 10th. But Jeff Hoffman almost blew a save in the bottom of the inning before being replaced by Yunior Marté after loading the bases and allowing a run. It’s no surprise why the Phillies have now won seven games in a row after blowing a save. Bryson Stott had four stolen bases with three walks, as this was the 12th instance of this happening since 1901.
A Defining Week Ahead
The Phillies defining week is now, not in the middle of September. It starts with manager Rob Thomson, who must find a way to get the top of the lineup going. Perhaps making changes to the lineup could make a difference. For instance, Stott has been good since being moved up in the order. Since the move, he’s hitting .304/.348/.436 with nine home runs and 36 RBI. Some Phillies fans have been arguing for a lineup makeover with Stott moving to the lead off spot. This comes as current leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber is struggling mightily. Schwarber is hitting a dismal .185/.311/.433, but he’s got 26 home runs and 61 RBI to back up. A new look lineup might be needed to wake up the Phillies bats. Sometimes, change is good for the better.
Is More Pitching Help Coming to Philly?
Philadelphia’s pitching needs to complement the bats. Aaron Nola continues to allow home runs and has allowed 23 this season, leading the NL. Don’t be fooled by that because the Phillies need to add another top-end starter to this team. The Phillies must find a reliable fifth starter with the news that Andrew Painter needs Tommy John surgery. Christopher Sánchez must prove he is the guy against the Orioles on July 24. He has an 0-3 record with a 3.06 ERA. Besides the brutal news, help could be coming sooner than later. Seranthony Dominguez is expected to be back sometime in the next week. He struck out three in a 1-2-3 inning with Triple-A Leigh Valley. Dominguez will likely need more than one outing before his activation from the injured list.
If this does not go well, then a trade for a starting pitcher at the deadline should be seriously considered. They could look into acquiring Marcus Stroman or a quality arm in Lucas Giolito.
Photo Credit: © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Players/managers mentioned:
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Craig Kimbrel, Jeff Hoffman, Rob Thomson, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter, Seranthony Dominguez, Marcus Stroman, Lucas Giolito
