To quote arguably the greatest boy band in history, “Quit Playing Games with my Heart.” The Red Sox just swept the Phillies in a two-game series. The Phillies sat 5 games out of the final wild-card spot with 14 games. 11 of those games were on the road, starting with the division leaders, Atlanta Braves. Oh, and the Braves had a chance to clinch the NL East, their magic number sitting at 3.
Ener the Phillies and their two stud pitchers in Vince Velasquez and Zack Eflin. The two starters turned in really good performances to win the first two games and clinch the series. This also clinched the season series they sit 10-9. The Phillies could not end the season against the Braves as they started it, with a sweep. They also lost their 6th consecutive Aaron Nola Start. The Phils now sit 3.5 games back of the Cubs.
This season has been a rollercoaster. The Phillies win big games every time they seem to be done. I still think they miss the playoffs and am not ready to jump back on. Every time I get back on board, they freeze and it all unravels. Call me the jinx. So, in the interest of Phillies Fans everywhere, I am not jumping back onboard. Plus, they still haven’t proven that they can put together a winning streak.
Kapler forced to Tinker
Earlier this week the Phillies announced that Corey Dickerson is out for the remainder of the season with a broken foot. This is not good news as Kapler had finally found his ideal lineup. Plus Dickerson was one of the Phillies’ best hitters. However, the injury has allowed Kapler to go back to his ways of tinkering with the lineup.
On Tuesday, Kapler tinkered, oner again sitting Adam Haseley, this time for minor league player Jose Pirela. Well, it worked for him this time. Pirela went 1 for 2 with a home run and two RBI. The issue is that Kapler continues to try to play the numbers. In doing so Haseley is the odd man out against left-handed pitchers.
Kapler had three different lineups in all three games vs the Braves. He made a questionable decision in the 9th today. When he had the Phillies best pinch hitter available and in need of base runners he went with Pirela instead. Well, it backfired as Pirela struck out on a pitch in the dirt.
Will J.T. Realmuto sign this offseason?
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, JT Realmuto is open to the idea of finishing his career in Philadelphia. Prior to Thursday’s loss to the Braves, Realmuto said the following:
“I wouldn’t be opposed at all to staying here for the rest of my career, you know?” Realmuto said. “Right now I’m going to focus on this playoff push, but once the offseason comes, I look forward to having those discussions.” Although he has struggled a bit recently, he is arguably the best catcher in baseball. Get this done.
The Phillies need to continue to win and win now. By failing to win today, the Phillies failed to put pressure on teams above them in the standings that are playing later tonight. Regardless, the Phillies need to move forward and take care of business in their last three series.
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
