Some of the bats woke up again, one of the bench players made an impact for them and who could forget the destruction of the Nationals’ bullpen. However, speaking of bullpens, the Phillies might need to find a trade partner soon to add another arm.
Three up
Brandon Marsh – It seemed like Marsh had slowed a bit from the frenetic pace he was on hitting wise, but his week this week (.414/.433/.793, 3 HR, 7 RBI) put him right back among the leaders at his position in the National League. At first, I thought
he might get squeezed out of the All-Star festivities by the large group of outfielders to choose from in the NL, but his season is just too difficult to ignore at this point. He needs to be voted in, either by the manager or the players.
Bryce Harper – It’s kind of crazy that the probable OPS leader at first base for the National League once the All-Star Game is played will not be part of the second round of voting for the starting position for the game. Harper’s put in another solid week (.370/.400/.593, 2 HR, 7 RBI) for the team, but it still strikes me as wild that he is not an option for the National League starter at first base in two weeks.
Derek Hill – You know what, I’m going to put Hill here over Kyle Schwarber. I know that Schwarber hit his 30th home run of the season yesterday, but Hill’s two home runs and his catch on Friday night were almost the definition of game winners. Without the catch he made on Friday, I wonder what the eventual outcome of that game is. Without the home run on Wednesday, they actually don’t win. I know that Schwarber’s home run was also a game winner, but he gets enough love from us. Give Hill some accolades.
Three down
Alec Bohm – Yikes. It wasn’t a great week for Bohm (.136/.240/.182 in 25 PA) and it looks like the power is disappearing again. We know he goes through cold stretches and this is clearly one of them, but it’s not like they have good alternatives right now. Edmundo Sosa had a worse week (.118/.118/.353 in 17 PA), so for now, it’s ride or die time with Bohm.
Middle relief – Orion Kerkering, Chase Shugart, Kyle Backhus, Jonathan Bowlan and Seth Johnson combined for 14 innings this week. Together, they allowed 13 runs on 19 hits, nine walks while striking out 18. It’s the part of the team that is in most desperate need of an upgrade at the trade deadline with the needed help preferably coming from the left side.
Cristopher Sanchez – Listen, he’s still an Ace, he’s still one of the best in the game and will garner Cy Young attention when it’s all said and done. That said, he had a stinker of a game this week (5 IP, 5 R), so yeah, he’s going to be down this week. I’ll bet it’s the last time he ever finds himself this low in these prestigious rankings.
