After a five-game losing streak last week, the Phillies responded in a big way, taking 2/3 from the Chicago Cubs during the week and then completing a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays over the weekend.
The Gang Breaks The Slump
The Phillies needed a big week from both the offense and the pitching staff following an abysmal week that saw them get swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies found themselves 4.5 games back of the division and needed to make up some ground.
The offense started to heat up during the Cubs series, and after a 7-2 win in the rubber match, it was safe to say this offense had found its groove again. That momentum carried over into the Blue Jays series, which helped lead them to an important three-game sweep. Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and Brandon Marsh all played well over the weekend, which was the boost this lineup needed without Bryce Harper.
Otto Kemp has been a great addition so far and looks poised to stay with the team once Bryce Harper returns. It’s going to be interesting to see where they put him on defense, but you need to have his bat in the lineup. Since his call-up, Kemp is hitting .345 and just had his first career four-hit game against the Blue Jays on Sunday. The offense was in a major slump when he arrived, so maybe his energy is what got the guys to figure out how to hit again.
Max Kepler also had a strong week, which included him hitting the game-winning home run in the 8th inning of game two against the Blue Jays. That gave the Phillies a 3-2 lead, which the bullpen locked down. The bullpen put together a strong week as Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jordan Romano all pitched well in their relief appearances this past week.
As for the starting rotation, Ranger Suarez, Christopher Sanchez, and Zach Wheeler all had great starts against the Blue Jays. Suarez has been phenomenal since the first start of the season and looks like he has returned to his peak form from last season. Let’s not forget this guy was a potential Cy Young candidate last year before he got hurt. It’s going to be a very interesting offseason seeing what they do with Suarez due to the emergence of Mick Able and Andrew Painter, hopefully sometime this season.
As for Zach Wheeler, it was reported this weekend that he wants to retire once his contract is up in 2027. That means only two more seasons of Zach Wheeler, which is surprising to me. Wheeler has been at the top of his game for some time now, and it’s surprising to me that in just two years, he’s already decided he will be done. Wheeler will be 36 and just had another child a few weeks ago,o so I understand why in the sense of wanting to be with family. But if Wheeler is still pitching at this level in another year or two, it will be difficult for him to walk away from a game he can still dominate.
Upcoming Week
The Phillies now have an all-NL East week coming up, starting with a four-game series against the Miami Marlins on the road starting tonight at 6:40 pm. Mick Able will be on the mound for the Phillies, making it his first career start against an NL East team.
After the Phillies conclude their four-game series against the Marlins on Thursday, they will head back home for a massive three-game series against the New York Mets at home. The Phillies desperately need a series win against the Mets after being swept in New York earlier this season. I’m not asking for a sweep, but taking 2/3 is crucial and could give them a division lead once the week is over.
It’s a big week for the Phillies, who look to keep the momentum going as they currently ride a four-game winning streak.
Predictions for this week: Phillies take 3/4 from the Marlins and 2/3 from the Mets. Otto Kemp hit his first career home run this week as well.
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