The Home Run Derby is tonight, featuring Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. My guess is that neither makes it to the second round on the evening. Had I a thought on who would win, give me Junior Caminero, who I believe is the most underrated hitter in the game today.
Three up
Zack Wheeler – What more can you say? Thirteen innings over two starts, striking out 24, walking only two? That’s Ace level quality from Wheeler. Considering that he had a surgery this year many believed he wouldn’t be able to fully
recover from and it’s remarkable what the Phillies have on their hands. Teams would kill to have two pitchers as good and consistent at Cristopher Sanchez and Wheeler. The Phillies should consider not wasting it.
J.T. Realmuto – The Phillies are pretty desperate for any kind of offense outside of what Harper, Schwarber and Brandon Marsh have provided this year. That means, when players are successful, even for a week, it becomes noteworthy. It’s particularly noteworthy with Realmuto since he has been so bad at the plate this year. His having a home run and six RBI on the week helps boost an offense that seemed to sag a bit in the middle of the road trip.
Derek Hill – Another incredible catch, a game in which he was basically the lone source of offense and just general good vibes, Hill has been on a heater lately. This week, his .368/.400/.579 line in 20 plate appearances shows that he can serve a useful purpose for this version of the 2026 Phillies. One wonders what his playing time looks like if/when the team acquires another outfield bat to supplement what they have, but he has certainly earned more playing time.
Three down
Left handed relief – Tanner Banks, Jose Alvarado and Tim Mayza? They all stunk this week, one of them (Banks) getting sent out as a result. The team truly needs to make some kind of upgrade if they want to make noise this postseason.
Brandon Marsh – I believe that Marsh needs to take this whole week off since he looks like he’s running out of steam a bit. Unfortunately for him, he’s the starter for the National League in the All-Star Game and will be playing baseball, or doing baseball related things, all week. Might be time, especially with Derek Hill and Justin Crawford playing well, for Don Mattingly to schedule a few more regular rest days for Marsh as the season wears on until he gets his second wind.
Alec Bohm – Speaking of needing some time off. Bohm’s week (.111/.226/.148 in 31 PA) shows he desperately needs to get away from the game for a bit. He has hit the ball hard quite often, but he just looks like a guy who needs a break.
