The Philadelphia Phillies came into Cincinnati feeling really confident. They were on a hot streak, scoring runs and looking like one of the toughest leagues in their division. However, that’s the thing about baseball—you never know what the next cards are. Just look at the New York baseball scene now, with the Mets and Yankees, and that should tell you. Wednesday night for the Phillies went sideways and got as bad as it could.
The Cincinnati Reds handed them an 8-0 loss—and it was the Phillies’ unraveling that became the huge conversation. It all started in the sixth inning, when Noelvi Marte lined a broken-bat single into an empty patch of the outfield. Then Brandon Marsh tried to fire it to the plate to catch Austin Hays; however, the throw moved over Realmuto’s glove. Then Sanchez tried to save the play with a throw to the third—but even that ball bounced away!
Marte scored easily and turned what could have been a routine inning into chaos. But that was not all, as things didn’t get better in the seventh either. Elly De La Cruz hit a slow grounder to the right side, and Harper and Jordan Romano were both a step late to cover first base, which let De La Cruz reach safely. This then kept the inning alive, which Miguel Andujar took advantage of with a two-out grand slam. And that was it for the Phillies! After the game, Manager Rob Thomson did not sugarcoat his comments at all.
Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (right) celebrates with Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (left) after hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Phillies play the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Phillies win 6-1.
Manager Rob Thomson point-blank mentioned, “Harp got a little bit far away. He’s done that in the past… He’s just so fast; it’s tough to recover.” Now other players might have gotten defensive, but Harper is a veteran, and he knows better. He sent a simple, sharp message: “So got to clean that up.” He added, “Obviously going to D.C., big weekend ahead, and hopefully winning the series there.” No excuses, just accountability for mistakes that could have been avoided altogether. That’s the kind of responsibility that leaders bring, and he knows how to push the team forward and when to hold them accountable.
However, even with that tough series in Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Phillies hold a 4½-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East. They have a chance to regroup and reassess what’s wrong and ways to prevent slip-ups from happening. Plus, they have a four-game series against the Nationals coming up. Now Harper’s message is clear that the fundamentals matter, and simple things like making clean throws, covering first, and performing under pressure can be the difference maker. Whether or not the Phillies listen to that five-word call is what you can see when they face the Washington Nationals.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ eyes are already on the off-season decisions
Sure, for now, with the Philadelphia Phillies having lost the series brutally to the Reds, it might seem that is their only focus. But while the loss stings, the bigger picture tells a very different story. See, the team is still in a solid spot for October, and they have looked this way since the trade deadline. But is it surprising? Not really, because truth be told, with some key players getting into free agency this time, the roster is not getting younger, and the feel to “do or die” or “must win” seems to be the motto for the core now. And it’s something the front office must feel too.
Is it not why they got Jhoan Duran? One of the hottest gems in the trade deadline market, the Phillies snatched him, and it was a statement move. It screamed that they are all business, and with the talent in the team, there is a chance. However, that window might not be open forever. When you look beyond the season, the Phies have some big off-season questions. Kyle Schwarber will be a free agent, and he is not just the spotlight candidate; there is also Ranger Suarez, who will hit the market.
Hence, this leaves the future and depth of the team uncertain. As Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rhumer pointed out, Suarez has put together a strong campaign after missing the first month with a back injury. Since then, he has gone over 16 starts with a 2.44 ERA, pretty elite numbers. For the year, he is 8-6 with a 3.26 ERA, and you bet plenty of teams will be dialing him this off-season.
However, here is the kicker: the Phillies have starting pitching depth, and they even have prospect Andrew Painter on the way. So in that way, Suarez is expendable, no matter how valuable he is. What do you think?
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