Twenty years ago on the Fourth of July, Philadelphia and the Phillies were introduced to Miguel Cabrera. On June 7, 2023, Citizens Bank Park will see Miggy for the last time. Cabrera only got on base once via a walk in his first game in Philadelphia. Kevin Millwood started the game and Jose Mesa would give up a run in the 9th to take the L.
On July 5th, Cabrera loudly made his presence known to Philly. He went 3/4 with a home run off Vicente Padilla. Padilla would take the loss after giving up 5 ER. In game three, Miggy went a rare 0/4 but Mark Redman pitched a complete game. The Marlins swept the Phillies.
The Phillies are hoping for a better result in 2023 compared to 2003. Fresh off a much-needed series win against the Nationals, the Phillies are looking to win against a weak Detroit Tigers team. Both teams come into game one playing five games under .500.
The Tigers have only announced one starter for this series, so let’s check out some storylines.
Some Former Phillies and NL Champs Return
Matt Vierling and Nick Maton return to Philadelphia for the 1st time since the World Series. Neither player has played exceptionally well with Detroit. Nick Maton currently has a .590 OPS in 53 games played. Matt Vierling, currently injured, is doing slightly better with a .649 OPS.
Both players will receive their National League Champions ring before game one.
Hey Schwarber, IT’S JUNE
Kyle Schwarber historically loves the month of June. In his career, he has a .958 OPS in the month. He emphatically announced that it was June on Sunday, slugging 2 homers against the Nationals.
He is hitting .333 with a 1.175 OPS in his last 3 games. He is still hitting just .172 overall but June should aid that number.
Nola Day for the Phillies? Again?
Aaron Nola has not been inspiring in 2023. He’s currently playing for a contract and not doing a great job of it. Through 12 starts, Nola has a 4.70 ERA. He’s allowing homers at the highest rate of his career (1.4 HR/9) and is striking out the fewest batters in his career (7.8 K/9). Things aren’t looking great for Nols but he’ll start game 1 against a weak Tigers offense.
The Tigers have a team .651 OPS and are hitting just .226.
Nick Castellanos, Hot
On Monday, Nick Castellanos will play just the 10th time against his former club. In those 9 previous games, Castellanos has hit .344 with a 1.025 OPS against the Tigers.
Castellanos has started the month of June off with a bang. In 4 games, Castellanos is hitting .647 with a 1.690 OPS with 2 home runs. In his career, he’s hit .292 in the month of June. In 2023, Castellanos is hitting a Stone Cold .316. WHAT?!
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
