The Philadelphia Phillies cost themselves against the Pittsburgh Pirates between July 28 and July 30. After winning the series’ first game, self-inflicted mistakes led to the Phillies losing the two remaining games. As things stand, the Phillies are now 56-49, 3rd in the NL East 12 games back of the Atlanta Braves commanding division lead. Furthermore, the Phillies sit a 1/2 game behind a Wild Card spot. In addition, this comes as second place in the NL East will be on the line against the Miami Marlins in a vital series from July 31 to August 3. The NL playoff race is just getting started.
Of the errors against the Pirates, a baserunning miscalculation in the third game was the worst. In the tenth inning, Trea Turner was at the plate with runners at second and third. The Phillies should score a run here, according to basic logic. However, the Phillies turned that into a double play. Bryce Harper miscalculated the fly ball Turner hit to right field. That should have been an easy run. In the next half inning, the Pirates walked it off to win. Additionally, in the second game of the series, the Phillies had the bases loaded with less than two outs. They scored one run out of that on a Kyle Schwarber walk.
Phillies Slugger Makes History
On July 28, Schwarber did something that no player ever did before. According to OptaSTATS, Schwarber is the first player since RBI became an official stat in 1920 to have at least three walks, have multiple extra-base hits, and drive in all of the runs scored by their team in a win. This was a bright spot on a weekend where the Phillies cost themselves. While it is impressive, it can also be concerning that Schwarber drove in every run. This comes with Turner being moved down the order because of a slump following that game. Harper and Nick Castellanos failed to deliver behind Schwarber in the lineup and were a combined 0-8 in that game.
Upcoming Key Series After Phillies Cost Themselves
As the Phillies cost themselves on the field and standings, they head into a critical series. The Phillies will face the Marlins with the trade deadline active while the series is ongoing. This series will significantly impact the battle for second in the NL East. Whoever wins this series will have an advantage over the other. The Marlins will secure the coveted head-to-head tiebreaker if they win the series. This might come into play if the two teams are in a tight battle for a Wild Card spot come September. This is a must-win series if the Phillies are serious about making a postseason run.
Taijuan Walker must set the tone for the series on the mound on July 31. Walker has been excellent for the Phillies this season with an 11-4 record, a 4.06 ERA, and 98 strikeouts in 21 starts. Additionally, Walker has a 5-1 record with a 3.09 ERA and 40 strikeouts in his last seven starts. Taking game one of a road series against a team the Phillies are battling with for a Wild Card spot would give them the needed momentum. As things stand, Ranger Suarez is starting the second game of the series. In addition, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are creating the other two games as things stand.
Phillies Make Decision About Rule 5 Draft Pick
The Phillies decided what to do with their 2022 Rule 5 Draft Pick Noah Song. On their deadline to activate him, the team has opted to go with the designated assignment route. Furthermore, this means the team can trade Song up until the deadline. Expect the Phillies to attempt to trade him in a deadline deal. Additionally, if the Phillies do not trade Song, he will go on unconditional waivers on August 2. If Song clears waivers, MLB rules state he must be offered back to the Boston Red Sox, who he was drafted for $50,000. Song had a 7.36 ERA in 11 innings in eight minor league appearances between all three levels.
Main photo credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned: Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Noah Song,
