Weekly Recap: Phillies Prepare for Big Week Ahead
The Phillies spent the entire last week at home, starting with a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants and closing out the home stand with a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.
Giants Series
- Game 1: Giants 10, Phillies 4
- Game 2: Phillies 6, Giants 4
- Game 3: Giants 11, Phillies 4
- Game 4: Phillies 6, Giants 4
The Phillies went with a new look lineup for this series, leading off with Bryson Stott, and I love it. Having Stott at the top of the order adds much more depth to the lineup. Stott is a great leadoff hitter as he knows how to work ABs and find ways to get on base. It opens the door for Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber also to have more protection in the lineup and see better pitches.
PHOTO: Kyle Ross/Imagn Images
While the lineup changes were beneficial, this series in particular highlighted the glaring issues the Phillies have in center field. Both Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have struggled so far this season, and the pressure is beginning to mount. While top prospect CF Justin Crawford is off to a hot start in Triple-A, I doubt the Phillies want to rush his development. It’s going to be interesting if or when they make a move surrounding the CF position.
Overall, splitting the series against a good team like the Giants isn’t alarming to me. They are 14-8 and have been a nice surprise out of the loaded NL West. The alarming part of this series came from Aaron Nola’s tough start in game three. Nola’s final line was 5.1 IP, 9 hits, 6 earned runs, 8 strikeouts, and 4 walks. These are not typical Aaron Nola numbers, and the struggles he’s had this season are starting to become a concern.
He is now 0-4 with a 6.65 ERA and has so far looked like the weakest link in a pretty strong rotation. Knowing the veteran that Nola is, I doubt this will become the new normal for him. However, Nola bouncing back is a key part of the success of this team and their pitching rotation.
Marlins Come to Town
- Game 1: Phillies 7, Marlins 2
- Game 2: Phillies 11, Marlins 10
- Game 3: Marlins 7, Phillies 5
This series was a rollercoaster of emotions, as it usually is when the Phillies play the Marlins. After a strong win in game one of the series, the Phillies nearly blew a 9-1 lead in game two after Jordan Romano came in and allowed 6 earned runs on 6 hits in the 9th inning. Romano was supposed to make up for the loss of Jeff Hoffman, and so far, Romano has struggled in a Phillies uniform. Jose Alvarado had to come in and get the final out for the Phillies.
After nearly blowing game two of the series, the Phillies blew it completely during the third and final game of the series. A three-run homer off the bat of Javier Sanoja gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead in the 8th. Cal Stevenson tied the game in the 9th for the Phillies at 5-5. The Marlins then scored two runs in the top of the 10th, taking a 7-5 lead, which would be enough for the win.
The Phillies have now blown six saves throughout the early part of the season, which leads all of baseball.
They also have a 5.81 bullpen ERA, which is the 2nd worst in baseball. The Phillies have a bullpen problem and need to address it fast. You cannot be a formidable World Series contender with a bottom-tier bullpen. It just won’t happen.
Big Week Ahead
When the Phillies start experiencing some pressure, they will head to New York to take on the Mets for a three-game series. They have an off day on Thursday and then head to Chicago, where they have a three-game weekend series with the red-hot Cubs, who are currently leading the NL Central.
It’s a huge week for the Phillies, and if they can find a way to win two out of three in New York and Chicago, I think the team and fan base will be able to take a deep breath. It’s a huge test to see where this team stacks up with the other contenders, not naming the Dodgers in the National League.
The series against the Mets starts tonight with Aaron Nola on the mound for the Phillies. Trevor Megill, who is 2-2 with a 1.40 ERA, gets the start for the Mets.
This is a massive start for Nola as he tries to get back on the right track following a shaky start to the season. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
PHOTO: Kyle Ross/Imagn Images
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.