Phillies Regain NL East Lead
After starting the weekend series tied for first place with the New York Mets, the Phillies took 2/3 from their division rivals, giving the Phils a one-game lead in the NL East.
The Gang Takes Over First Place
Just a few weeks ago, the Phillies were five games back and struggling to gain any momentum. The Pirates swept them, and at that point, the team looked lost.
Since June 9th, the Phillies are 10-3 and have put together their best baseball of the season.
They appear to be playing as a team and feeding off of each other, especially at the plate. It becomes very noticeable when this team is in a groove, as the offense continues to click.
Pitching
The pitching staff also appears to have figured something out, with the bullpen looking better and better recently. I still fully expect the Phillies to push for another bullpen arm at the trade deadline. Aaron Nola was placed on the 60-day IL earlier this week so that the main rotation will be without Nola for quite some time. Ranger Suarez and Christopher Sanchez both look like the pitchers they were last year. They have both strung together some very impressive outings lately, which has been a huge boost for this rotation.
Jesus Luzardo had a great performance in the rubber match game of the Mets series. Aside from two horrible starts from Luzardo (he was tipping pitches), he has been great for the Phillies. He threw 6.2 innings scoreless, striking out seven and only giving up three hits. It was the performance the Phillies needed from him if they wanted to take over first place. Luzardo seems to have figured some things out and looks like the pitcher he was in the first two months of the season.
Offense
PHOTO: Kyle Ross/Imagn Images
As for the offense, this is what we expected to see with a lineup like this. Keep in mind this hot streak has been without Bryce Harper in the lineup as he continues to work through injuries. Trea Turner has been great offensively all year, and players like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, and Otto Kemp have had great offensive production over the last week, helping this team take 3/4 from the Marlins and 2/3 from the Mets.
If this offense can stay this consistent through at least the All-Star break, they have a good shot at building a slight lead in the NL East.
Otto Kemp
I’m curious to see how Otto Kemp is going to play in LF while he splits time with Max Kepler once Bryce Harper returns to first base. Kemp has played great at first, but no one is going to move Bryce Harper off his position. Kemp played LF in Triple-A this season, preparing for the opportunity to be a platoon player for the Phillies.
Kemp should be able to adjust pretty well to LF if given the consistent reps. He has played all over the diamond and showed flashes of his defensive ability while at first base.
Upcoming Week
The Phillies get a much-needed off day on Monday as they travel to Houston for a three-game series against the Houston Astros (45-33), who are in first place in the AL West. During the weekend, they will be in Atlanta taking on the Braves (35-41), who are still struggling to get off to a good start this season.
It’s an important week for the Phillies, as they have a chance not only to make a statement against one of the AL’s top teams but also to solidify their lead over the Braves.
Weekly Predictions: Otto Kemp has come close so many times now, but I think Houston is where Kemp will hit his first career homer.
The Phillies will also take 2/3 from the Braves in Atlanta this weekend.
PHOTO: Kyle Ross/Imagn Images
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