That stinks
Maybe they’re still thinking they’re on vacation?
If nothing else, this game probably confirmed a few things for the Phillies. Three of them can be used to recap this game.
Jesus Luzardo is bound for the playoff bullpen
There have been times this year where Luzardo has been stellar. From the beginning of the season until May 25, he could probably have staked a claim as one of the ten best pitchers stepping on a mound at that time. There were other, more talented, pitchers of course, but the run that he was on at that time was absolutely astounding. All-Star appearances, possibly even down ballot Cy Young votes were all in the conversation about Luzardo.
Yet since that time, he has a 7.71 ERA. Those mostly bloated by his two horrid starts in early June, but he has started to become less consistent, less dependable with each start. On July 4, he couldn’t escaped the third inning. Last start, he was great. Tonight, even staked with a lead thanks to Kyle Schwarber,
(Nobody tell Kyle Schwarber the Swing-Off ended Tuesday) pic.twitter.com/GtJWGqg6yB
— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2025
Luzardo could not keep the lead. The Angels tied it thanks to a Jorge Soler home run and the game was tied. It stayed that way before our second point (spoiler: the Phillies took a 4-1 lead), but again, Luzardo struggled. Jo Adell touched him for a two-run shot in the fourth, then in the fifth, back to back singles with a man on first and two outs allowed the Angels to tie the game and load the bases before Max Lazar was summoned to finish the inning.
While Luzardo is still capable of good starts, as we’ve seen often this year, when the time comes for a playoff rotation, it’s starting to look more and more like he’ll be the odd man out.
Bryce Harper will be the bat to lead them in the second half
That spoiler?
That pitch was at his eyes
Bryce Harper unloads on this hanger! pic.twitter.com/UafC4kd2fP
— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2025
Bryce Harper, before the break began, looked like a player about to get hot. Tonight, he showed it again. This home run, couple with a double and another home run,
Bryce Harper’s second homer of the game brings the @Phillies within a run pic.twitter.com/pd2ZVCwRwZ
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2025
showed that he is capable of carrying this offense. They’re going to need it because if they do not solve issue #3 with this game, these games are going to be roller coasters.
Bullpen is not the only issue to solve at the deadline
There have been rumors that the team is focused solely on the bullpen this trade deadline. While Tanner Banks has been pretty good this season, he still doesn’t have the strikeout stuff that is needed in the postseason to have sustained success. His hanger to Taylor Ward in the seventh is the biggest issue with this bullpen: outside of a few, they don’t have strikeout stuff.
Taylor Ward with a two-run homer and the #Angels take a 6-4 lead in the seventh inning. It’s his 22nd of the year. Plus a bonus look at Nolan Schanuel’s new mustache. pic.twitter.com/sLF9V9A04D
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 19, 2025
But adding bullpen help is but one of the issues facing this team.
Tonight’s box score is emblematic of the offense this season: they have 3 elite hitters at the top, and nothing in the middle.
They’ve lacked capable, consistent, powerful hitters anywhere 4 through 7.
All-Star caliber, righthanded bats don’t grow on trees, but they need one. pic.twitter.com/C3D9Yi2Zoy
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 19, 2025
Don’t let those rumors fool you: this team needs another bat. Somehow, some way, they’re going to have to add something to this offense, particularly in the outfield, that would be in the way of a power threat. There simply isn’t much there right now. Is it an overreaction to the game? Maybe, but it’s been like this for much of the season. Outside of a hot game or two from the bottom half, this team is too reliant on the top four. Someone has to either step up or they need someone from another organization that will.