Via: sports.yahoo.com
Phillies return from all-star break and take 3/4 games from San Diego
Via:betprep.com
*stats up to date by 7/20/23
Coming off of a road loss to the division-rival Miami Marlins ahead of the all-star break, the Phillies looked to regain momentum. Things didn’t start promising on Friday in Philly as they hosted the San Diego Padres with a 8-3 loss in the first game. A disappointing start by Christopher Sanchez wasn’t aided by the bullpen or lineup, as they allowed four home runs, 11 hits, and only scored three runs on 7 hits.
The following day, they found themselves completely turned around in a doubleheader. The first game of the day started off intense. Johan Rojas made his MLB debut with an incredible leaping catch and throw back to first for a double play. But things didn’t continue as smooth for them in the early innings, as Trent Grisham blasted a 3-run bomb to deep right-center. The Phils clawed back, as Marsh recorded a 2-RBI double off of Steven Wilson in the 6th, and Schwarber tied it off Nick Martinez with a shot past the center field wall. Kyle Schwarber’s offensive explosion wouldn’t end in this game. Though a typical Manny Machado homer gave the Padres the lead back in the 8th, a series of RBI singles in the bottom of the inning gave the Phillies a 6-4 lead, which they would retain.
Later, the two teams squared up for the second game of the day. Taijuan Walker started on the bump for the Phils, but quickly allowed an RBI groundout in the first, and later gave up an RBI single to Grisham. However, offense started piling up for the Phillies behind Harper’s first home run in over a month, and a Schwarber 3-run homer. The 4-2 lead would only grow behind base-hits and walks, further increasing the damage to 9-3, where the game ended.
Hoping to finish the series strong and win their 3rd straight game, Zach Wheeler looked to dominate on the mound. Wheeler has shown signs of struggle this season and in his previous games, allowing 3 runs to the Marlins, 4 to the Nationals, and 5 to the Mets. His pitching mishaps would continue, as he allowed 3 runs on 2 homers and an RBI double. After he allowed his third run, Wheeler kicked it in, and didn’t allow another baserunner through the 7th inning. As Wheeler revved up, so did the lineup. Home runs from Bryson Stott and Kyle Schwarber put them within one, and a double from Realmuto down the third base line gave them the 4-3 lead. Going into the top of the 8th, down 5-3, Fernando Tatis clapped back for the Padres, as his 2-RBI single tied it and the teams went to extras. A Juan Soto sacrifice fly off of Matt Strahm gave the lead back to San Diego, but Harper tied it up again with a single. Jeff Hoffman beautifully kept it even in the 11th and 12th, and Schwarber’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of inning won them a hard fought game.
The series beatdown makes them 7-2 against the Padres in their last two series, dating back to the NLCS. Schwarber’s heroics along with other key moments from the lineup helped forgive some early pitching blunders, swiftly taking the series 3-1.
A deeper dive into Schwarber’s continuous mid-summer success
Kyle Schwarber, Phillies leadoff power hitter
Via: ontapsportsnet.com
Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber has proved time and time again to be one of the best power hitters, especially in June, and we’re seeing his frenzy continue well into July. Schwarber’s statlines have been some of the strangest to analyze, as he boasts a measly 0.190 BA and -1.0 WAR. However, his OBP is over .300, and his OPS+ is at 106, valuing him as an above league-average player.
Schwarber’s mid-summer performances have been known to be insane, and this year is no exception. He’s hit 13 homers with a 0.811 OPS ever since June started, along with making some notable plays in the outfield. While still not at his absolute finest, Schwarber has made clutch plays at a remarkable rate, and who is to say he’s going to slow down? His OPS since coming back from the all-star break sits at over 1.000, hitting in every single game. A large amount of these hits have shifted games completely, as he’s been by far the most valuable asset to this team as of recent. “I think his fielding and his hitting lately have helped them go on a nice win streak, unfortunately in the last few games they haven’t pulled it out but he’s definitely helped pull out those wins over the weekend,” noted local Phillies fan, Chris Jordan.
Phillies fall flat at home against Brewers, look to bounce back in Cleveland
Via: Fieldlevelmedia.com
The Phillies hosted the Brewers at home starting on Tuesday, fresh off of a win against the Padres. Philadelphia looked to put an end to Milwaukee’s hot streak, where they had won 6 out of their last 7 games. Fans and media were anticipating the debut of Bryce Harper at first base, which manager Rob Thomson delayed. In place of Harper was Darick Hall, who has had shortcomings in the field and at-bat this year. After the series, Hall was optioned to the minor leagues.
The first game didn’t take long to start, as Kyle Schwarber delivered a leadoff homer off Julio Teheran, his 4th in 4 games. Aaron Nola, starting for the Phillies, was aided with an even larger lead, as the game quickly became 3-0 Phils by the end of the 3rd. Schwarber’s leadoff home run would prove to not be his most notable play of the game, as he scaled up the left field wall to rob Owen Miller of an extra base hit. The defensive jem would quickly be overlooked, as Andruw Monasterio hit a deep RBI double to center, and Darick Hall’s error allowed another run to score later in the inning. The Brewers had massively chopped into the Phillies’ lead, but an insurance run by Bryson Stott in the bottom of the inning helped them. Nola continued through 7.1, and Gregory Soto and Craig Kimbrel closed it out at 4-3.
Christopher Sanchez took the mound in game 2, looking to extend the Phillies’ win-streak to 5 games. Sanchez, like Nola, faced early issues due to defensive mishaps. Edmundo Sosa’s error paved the way for 3 runs for Milwuakee, while Colin Rea did an impressive job holding down the Phillies offense. Things started kicking in for the lineup, as Castellanos hit a solo shot in the 4th, and Schwarber’s RBI single took advantage of Miller’s error. Tied 3-3, Jeff Hoffman relieved Sanchez, but allowed an RBI double to former division-rival, William Contreras. After Contreras hit another RBI double into deep right-center, he gunned down Stott at 2nd, sealing the Phillies’ fate. The rest of the offense tried to fight back, but came up short, losing 5-3. One of the weirdest moments of the series took place in the 6th inning of the game. Bryce Harper was up to hit, and drew the count to 3-2 without taking the bat off of his shoulder. Hoby Milner delivered a strike, and Harper went down without attempting to swing. Fans have speculated what it could’ve been, such as a fever, weird approach to walking, etc, but there’s no definitive answer.
Trying to win the series, as well as come back from the tough loss on Wednesday, the Phillies lineup faced up against former Cy-Young winner Corbin Burnes. Taijuan Walker started for the Phillies in an early day game, having a 1.84 ERA in his previous 7 starts. Corbin Burnes immediately started dealing, shutting down the Phillies offense completely. His impressive start wouldn’t slow down at all, as he pitched 8 innings, only allowing 3 runners on base and recording 10 K’s. To back him up, Milwaukee’s offense came in guns-blazing, as Yelich gave them a quick 3-0 lead on a homer. William Contreras added onto his impressive series with an RBI single, and with Philly’s lineup turned completely upside down, the Brewers took the game 4-0.
“Right now they’re not hitting, their pitching hasn’t been too bad but they gotta start hitting and get back to the basics,” said Chris Jordan. The Phils travel to Cleveland today for a 3-game series, where Ranger Suarez will be facing Gavin WIlliams and the Guardians. Wheeler and Nola are expected to pitch the following games, and Harper is expected to make his first base debut tonight as the Phillies look to fight to retain their wild card spot.
Andrew Painter further shut down, recommended Tommy John surgery
Andrew Painter, top pitching prospect in the minor leagues
Via: readingeagle.com
The Phillies have a bright, young future star in Andrew Painter, but his time to bloom in the majors is now further delayed. On Wednesday, Tommy John and nerve transposition surgery were suggested for the 20-year-old pitcher. Painter, a Florida native, was drafted 13th overall to the Phillies in 2021, and has worked through the minor leagues. Top prospect rankings show him to be one of the best pitching prospects in the minor leagues, and even one of the best prospects in the entire league. He ended with AA Reading last year with a 1.56 ERA and 0.887 WHIP in the minor leagues and looked for a possible major league debut this season. But he’s been limited to no playing time outside of spring training, when he was sidelined due to a strained ligament in his elbow. “I wish they would’ve done the surgery back in March, but I think it’s really going to set them back, the farm-system for sure. Hopefully some of the other younger guys can step up,” Jordan remarked.
The decision to shut down Andrew Painter was delayed, and is a major blow to the Phillies farm system and Painter’s career. At earliest, he’s expected to return in 2025, as he recovers from the Tommy John and nerve transposition surgeries. He will be in his age 22 season when he returns to the mound. Many saw him as one of few farm-system assets that could have leverage in trading for top players, which is no longer the case. “Andrew Painter is good in their farm system, either we can trade him or develop him,” said my peer and fellow Phillies fan, Nathan Kleinfelter. Either developing him or getting a good package for him would have been good options, now limited by his injury.
Phillies approach the trade deadline, looking to add onto the roster in hopes for another World Series run
Shohei Ohtani, former-MVP, hitting and pitching star that may leave Anaheim
Via: johnsonhies1939.blogspot.com
Needs and expectations:
The Phillies look to continue their very solid 2023 season into the playoffs, but there’s some holes to fill. “We need a couple outfielders and some bullpen guys,” said Philly fan Ben Ruppert. But will they take the same approach as last year, or will they go after star potential? Last year’s acquisitions such as Brandon Marsh, Edmundo Sosa, and Noah Syndergaard all had major impacts and were a huge factor into their World Series run. They were a driving factor in the NL Pennant run, and getting more guys like them can help with another run. “Guys like Marsh really stepped up,” said Ruppert.
The superstars on the market:
As previously mentioned, the Phillies have been known to acquire stars like Harper, Realmuto, Wheeler, Turner, Schwarber, the list goes on. But out of the bunch, Realmuto was the only one to be traded for. Do the Phillies really have the trade leverage in their farm system to get a guy like Ohtani who can do it all, or Soto who can fill an outfield slot? They probably don’t, especially after losing Andrew Painter until 2025. Scattering out the talent on players that I’ll continue to discuss later will be much more beneficial and cheap
The Cardinals market to shop from:
The St. Louis Cardinals are awful, there’s no other way to put it. Aside from the Goldschmidts or Arenados that the Phillies could dream of having, the 4th place Cardinals have an extensive roster that have multiple chips that would benefit the Phillies. Notable arms to grab for the rotation could be Jordan Montgomery or Jack Flaherty, both near the time in their careers that should be their primes. Both are on cheap deals that end after the season, with little to nothing needed to acquire them.
Montgomery boasts a 3.14 ERA, and hasn’t allowed more than a run in his past five starts. He was traded to the Cardinals last year and signed a 1-year deal with them for 2023, becoming a free agent after this season. His consistency and good starts could land him a good spot in the Phils rotation, probably being the 3-4 starter. On the other hand, Flaherty has a 4.29 ERA with a 1.530 WHIP and a recent reputation of giving out high amounts of runs to his opponents. Though on the surface he doesn’t seem ideal, Flaherty is only 27, and is three years removed from placing 4th in the Cy Young voting.
Blake Snell, top pitcher and potential acquisition
Via: Todaybreeze.com
The Padres market to shop from:
Just like the Cardinals, the San Diego Padres sit at 46-51, which isn’t ideal for general manager AJ Preller and his almost $200 million team. Besides Soto, the Padres may have a lot on the potential market, particularly pitching. There have been whispers about a possible deal for former Cy Young winner, Blake Snell. Snell, in his age 30 season, has had an incredible resurgence after some average seasons. Snell has a 2.71 ERA, 1.223 WHIP, and 139 K’s. But even more remarkably are his recent stats. From May 25th onwards, he has a 0.62 ERA, only allowing 4 runs in 10 starts. He’s been the nastiest pitcher in the league in the span, and an all-star snub for sure. It wouldn’t be so easy acquiring Snell, but there’s a chance Dombrowski can get it done. Snell’s contract expires after this season.
Besides Blake Snell, the Padres have some other options to trade to the Phillies. Joe Musgrove has been a consistent arm in the rotation, something needed in Philly. Musgrove signed a 5 year, $100 million contract through 2027, and has a 3.16 ERA, 1.137 WHIP, and 0.8 HR/9 for San Diego. Acquiring Musgrove could be a long-term investment for something that the Phillies have needed for ages –– good consistent pitching. If San Diego would be willing to let go of his long-term deal, there’s a chance he ends up in the middle of the Phils rotation.
Finally, Josh Hader is an option for more bullpen depth. The Phillies have proved time and time again how important it is to have a good bullpen, as it’s improved upon the years. Hader is signed through 2023 and has proven to be the most dominant closer in the league since 2018 with his 3 pitch repertoire. The punch of Kimbrel and Hader would be deadly, and along with the rest of the arms already on the Phils, they could have one of the best bullpens in the league. Hader, like Snell, wouldn’t be a guaranteed chip that the Padres would want to sell, and would be at a huge price if they did.
The rest of the pitching options:
Aside from the already mentioned pitchers for possible targets, there’s a few more various players that may find themselves on the market. One is starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, whom I find similar to Jack Flaherty. They’re both in their late 20’s, signed through this season, first round picks out of California, haven’t had the best 2023 season, but have shown ace potential. Giolito has had some bad starts recently, allowing 8 runs to New York on Tuesday. His ERA sits at 3.96, and he’s looking to bounce back to his all-star form.
Opposite of Giolito’s inconsistency is another starter, Eduardo Rodriguez of the Tigers. Detroit signed Rodriguez on a 5-year, $77 million deal through 2026, who has had an impressive 2023 campaign. He only has one start this season with over 4 runs, while also having 4 scoreless outings that went for 7+ innings. This should be an absolute lock for Dave Dombrowski to contact the Tigers about, who have essentially no talent and are bottom-dwellers in the AL. The long-term investment into Rodriguez, and ability to go deep into games and allowing few to no runs is extremely valuable to this Phillies team. His high K/9 (9.5) and low H/9 (6.9) can also help take some pressure off the notoriously bad defense.
Finally, another bullpen arm, a nasty lefty, could be very valuable. Since Hader isn’t just an easy trade, a guy like Brent Suter could be lights out. Suter plays for the Rockies, another bottom-dweller, but also a team where pitchers tend to struggle. His ERA at 2.81 is good but nothing to go crazy over, but his ERA+ really shows his value. His ERA+, which takes the Coors effect into play, is 181. Even in Coors Field he’s only allowing 0.4 HR/9, which is elite, and could easily fit into high leverage moments deep into the postseason for the Phillies. He won’t be an overwhelmingly expensive piece to get, so it’s well worth it to add pitching depth deep into games.
Andrew Mccutchen, former Phillie
Via: calltothepen.com
Additional outfielders:
Considering most of my picks so far have been starting and relief pitchers, the Phillies main concern is still more outfield depth. Some of these guys that could fit in are Tommy Pham, Andrew Mccutchen, and Eloy Jimenez, all on teams that have decent to strong chances of selling at the deadline.
The Mets strategy of buying out a rich superstar team has apparently failed, and there’s no reason for Tommy Pham to stay after his deal expires after this season. With the Mets most likely on course to missing the playoffs, Pham could be one of those guys they shift to another team. Pham has stood out with a .838 OPS and .274 BA while playing average corner-outfield defense. He would fit right into this Phillies lineup and make major contributions through October, as he’s proven himself multiple times as a strong postseason hitter. The package being sent to New York would be notable, but nothing unrealistic to the Phils farm-system.
Mccutchen is familiar with Philadelphia, having spent 3 years there before departing to Milwaukee. He landed back with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his longtime team who he had his best years with. Mccutchen is having a pretty good year, with an almost .800 OPS and 0.266 BA. On the other hand, his team is not, having plummeted all the way from first to last place in the NL Central like the fashion of a Six Flags Roller Coaster. His familiarity with Philly, decent statlines, veteran leadership, and outfield utility are a perfect combination for an acquisition, especially considering the low cost to trade for him.
Eloy Jimenez is tricky, as the White Sox have fallen on their face completely, and they only have control over him through 2024. But if they can lock up Jimenez and Robert Jr. long term, and then build back up around them, they’ll be serious contenders. If that goes south, Jimenez may be on the market. Jimenez, a 26-year-old and former top-prospect, is having a decent year. He has a 0.776 OPS and 0.269 BA, but also isn’t the best defender. If he somehow finds a place in Philadelphia, he could rotate between corner-outfield and DH, and could possibly find himself here long term.
Whether it’s Shohei Ohtani, Tommy Pham, or Jordan Montgomery, there is a huge variety of targets that the Phillies could be eyeing up to suit their needs at this trade deadline. There’s no doubt that the front office can trade for the right pieces to fill in the right holes, but the big question is who are we giving up and what are we getting in return?
Adam Cooke Journalism 