The Phillies are at the top of the wild card standings thanks to a solid end of a West coast swing, but this weekend has been a bit of a bummer. Bullpen issues are creeping in again, making the prospect of a postseason swoon that much more looming, but hey – have to make it in first.
Three up
Bryce Harper – As I inferred in the question of the day this weekend, I believe Harper has joined the conversation about a top three MVP finish on the season. Another week in which he was getting on base and scoring
runs, Harper has led this team (.409/.480/.455 on the week) to the top of the wild card standings, giving the definition of what an MVP is some meaning.
Alec Bohm – Bohm’s tenure with the Phillies is probably coming to an end. A free agent once the season is over, he’ll likely be on a new team thanks to his not really becoming what they thought he would be plus what he’ll want in free agency. That doesn’t mean he can’t be productive in the final days, just as he was this week (.278/.381/.611 on the week) against the Diamondbacks and Braves. If he can keep it up into October, it’ll help this lineup tremendously.
Zack Wheeler – It’s nice to be able to put Wheeler back to this part of the list. His last two starts have quelled the cries about his possibly being washed as he’s looked the part once again of ace of the staff. It might have been a dead arm period, likely a more complicated explanation, but I feel comfortable putting those says behind us. Wheeler is back and ready for the postseason.
Three down
Bryson Stott – Whew, is Stott ice cold or what? A paltry line of .111/.150/.278 was helped by a mammoth home run in Arizona, but Stott looks like he could use an extended break.
J.T. Realmuto – The first week of September was not kind to Realmuto, who really does look worn down these days. With the addition of Rafael Marchan to the roster thanks to the expansion, there really is no need to catch Realmuto more than three days a week at this point. Get his legs fresh for October, when he will really be leaned on.
Orion Kerkering – I’ll have more on this this week, but I am of the opinion that Kerkering needs to be in a new organization once this season is over.
