The Philadelphia Phillies will likely make a trade leading up to the deadline. Currently second place in the National League East division, they were unlikely saviors against the Baltimore Orioles on July 26. In the seventh inning of a tie game, an unexpected power source gave the Phillies the lead. Edmundo Sosa hit his seventh home run of the season. The Phillies held onto the lead from that moment on. Additionally, Sosa was not even supposed to be in the lineup. With Trea Turner in the midst of a slump with a .148/.207/.259 line in his last seven games manager Rob Thomson gave him the night off, putting Sosa back in the lineup.
Jake Cave would also deliver antwitt RBI double in the third inning that scored the Phillies’ first run of the game. A Nick Castellanos hit later in the inning saw Cave score a run. Furthermore, in the sixth inning, Cave made a spectacular catch in left field running into the left field wall to record the third out of the inning. The Orioles had a runner on second that probably would have scored if Cave had not caught the ball. This comes after Cave returned from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 21.
Upcoming Roster Decision
The Phillies have an upcoming roster decision to make. This involves Noah Song, who they selected for the Rule 5 Draft last year. MLB rules dictate that the Phillies must either include Song in the 26-man roster or put him on outright waivers before July 28.. If Song were to be placed on waivers and clear waivers rules state, he would need to be offered back to his previous team, the Boston Red Sox, for $50,000. Additionally, Song must be on the active roster for at least 90 days to stay with the team if placed on the 26-man roster.
In eight minor league appearances this season, Song has a 7.36 ERA along with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts in 11 innings. If Song is activated, the team would probably designate Dylan Covey for assignment.. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies feel Covey has a role on the roster. It appears that the team will either place Song on waivers or trade him.. Covey has a 1-2 record with a 5.48 ERA in 12 appearances this season. It is probably for the best that the Phillies and Song part ways, since it is unclear what role he would have.
Phillies Trade Deadline Outlook
There is less than a week to go until the August 1 trade deadline. Philadelphia is one of five teams who are scouting Detroit Tigers pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. With an option at the end of the year, Rodriguez would most likely be a rental player. Regardless of the contract situation acquiring the left-hander enjoyed a strong first half, posting a 2.13 ERA in 11 starts before landing on the injured list for five weeks. He currently owns a 6-5 record with a 2.95 ERA this season. Adding a pitcher like Rodriguez would be a good move by the Phillies to add depth and improve the rotation.
Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound tonight against the Angels
83.2 IP | 2.69 ERA | 3.14 FIP | 0.968 WHIP | 9.5 K/9 | 2.4 bWAR
The trade deadline is in one week. Tip of the cap to E-Rod if this is his final start for the Tigers. pic.twitter.com/tIJkiuIAzM
— Motor City Metrics (@mcmbaseballpod) July 25, 2023
New York Mets outfielder Tommy Pham is another ideal trade candidate for the Phillies. They could use another right-handed right in a lineup that’s mainly lefties. Pham is hitting .266/.349/.464 line with nine home runs and 35 RBI. It wouldn’t ocst the Phillies any high level prospects to acquire the outfielder.
The Phillies Impact In NL Wild Card Race
Taking two out of three against the Orioles is a major development for the Phillies. They are ten games behind the NL East leading Atlanta Braves. However, they hold one of the three NL Wild Card spots and a half game behind the San Francisco Giantsfor the top NL Wild Card spot. Likewise, five teams are currently within a game of the top NL Wild Card spot. Additionally, the Phillies are now 7-5 this season against three of those teams including the Braves, Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays, who all have more than 60 wins.
Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Players/ managers Mentioned:
Edmundo Sosa, Trea Turner,Rob Thomson, Jake Cave, Nick Castellanos, Noah Song, Dylan Covey, Eduardo Rodriguez, Tommy Pham, Rhys Hoskins
