The Philadelphia Phillies went 7-3 during the first ten days of August. They have gone 4-5 since August 11, before the start of their contest on August 22. During their string of games from July 31 to August 10, the club was hitting as well as any other in the league. Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, and J.T. Realmuto looked like they were turning the corner after enduring their share of struggles at the plate during July.
Philadelphia has talent throughout their lineup, without question. This year, Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott have been their most reliable batters despite featuring veteran players such as Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Turner, Castellanos, and Realmuto. During August 12-15 contests, the Phillies scored two runs. Before their August 12 game, the lineup tallied 26 runs in their previous three games.
Is the answer, “That’s baseball,” regarding their recent win-loss record?
Phillies Continue to Exhibit High-Octane Offense
Club’s Power Hitting Has Led Them to One-Sided Victories
The Phillies have played in a few contests during August in which they have won by a large margin. Their most impressive wins were on the following dates:
August 9 – vs. Washington Nationals (7-0)
August 11 – vs. Minnesota Twins (13-2)
August 16 – at Toronto Blue Jays (9-4)
August 19 – at Nationals (12-3)
August 21 – vs. San Francisco Giants (10-4)
Phillies Have Come Up Short in Some Contests
Phillies Have Struggled in Close Games During August
At the time of this writing, the Phillies are 3-7 in games decided by three runs or less in August. They are 8-1 in games selected by four runs or more. The club is driven by its offense and has developed a trend of having trouble winning if they are in a close, low-scoring game. If they are going to be successful in the playoffs, assuming they qualify, they need to win close games.
Championships are won in close contests, and teams need reliable starting pitching and relievers. The Phillies will not only sometimes win by large margins due to their offense in the postseason, but they will face prime pitching. The club needs to break the recent trend they have been in with hard-fought games before it further becomes a more significant concern.
Latest on the Injury Front
Marsh and Alvarado Return From Injuries, Suarez Heads to Injured List
The Phillies received two boosts to their active roster with the returns of Brandon Marsh on August 20 and José Alvarado on August 21. Marsh suffered a left knee contusion and was inactive for two weeks. He is their best defensive outfielder and can play different positions throughout the outfield.
The Phillies recalled LHP José Alvarado from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley (AAA) and reinstated him from the 15-day IL (left elbow inflammation). RHP Luis Ortiz was optioned to Lehigh Valley. INF/OF Weston Wilson was optioned to Lehigh Valley following last night’s game
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 21, 2023
Alvarado returns from his second stint on the injured list with the same injury (left elbow inflammation). The Phillies have missed his presence in their bullpen, as he is arguably their best relief pitcher. He has missed significant time this season with the same injury. It is legitimate to be concerned if he will reaggravate the same ailment again this year. If the club will succeed down the stretch in close games, he needs to be healthy and effective.
As the Phillies appeared to be getting fully healthy, they lost Ranger Suárez to a right hamstring strain. The organization placed the starting pitcher on the injured list on August 19. They have benefitted from having a six-man rotation following the acquisition of Michael Lorenzen during the trade deadline in case of injury or ineffectiveness.
Evaluation of Starting Rotation
Phillies Need More Consistency At the End of Their Rotation
The club needs more consistency from the backend of their starting rotation during the remainder of the regular season. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are usually reliable as the Phillies’ top two starters. Nola has been a mix of good and bad this year, while Wheeler has demonstrated recently he is the club’s ace. Cristopher Sanchez has been solid as a starter in the middle of their rotation.
All Wheels pic.twitter.com/wTuZWWiktA
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 16, 2023
Lorenzen had two starts for the team in which he pitched well, including a no-hitter on August 9 against the Nationals. His last start on August 18 against Washington was forgettable as he gave up six earned runs in 3.1 innings pitched. Was his previous start a sign of inconsistency or an aberration?
Taijuan Walker and Suarez have been up and down this year. Both have had outings in which they have struggled with their location and have had innings with many pitches. Walker did not do well in his last start on August 12 against the Twins. He surrendered two home runs and six walks in five innings pitched. During the remainder of August, he will have opportunities to become a reliable pitcher in their rotation.
The Phillies can build upon their lead in the National League Wild Card race. They are home for the remainder of August and can use the benefit of being at Citizens Bank Park to win the series, thus creating more space between them and the other teams in the Wild Card race.
Main Photo Credits: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
