This series on the west coast has felt like a dream. Part of the reason why is that all three games against the Dodgers have started at 10:10 PM on the east coast. You wouldn’t be alone in saying that you haven’t seen much of or any of this series.
How do we know it really happened? Did the Phillies really clinch the division with a back-and-forth win in extra innings on Monday? Did Shohei Ohtani really hold them hitless through five innings before they once again teed off on the L.A. bullpen in a comeback
capped off by a Rafael Marchán three-run homer with two outs in the ninth? Who could be sure, but it definitely sounds like the sort of thing a group of people would make up to try and convince others that it actually happened.
On to the links.
Phillies news:
- Jhoan Duran has a one-of-a-kind splitter. In fact, it may be the only true split-finger fastball.
- Zack Wheeler has a long road ahead of him after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Perhaps Merrill Kelly’s experience could serve as a roadmap. ($)
- The two people that once graced Phillies games as fake siblings Phil and Phillis are still close friends to this day. ($)
- A Q&A with 2008 World Series Champion Brad Lidge covering the Phillies new closer and the modern era of closer entrances. ($)
MLB News:
- The Cubs clinched their first postseason berth since 2020 with a win over Pirates on Wednesday.
- Cal Raleigh is having a magical season, and here the closest spectators to that season, namely his Mariners teammates, share their thoughts on witnessing history. ($)
- Martin Pérez of the White Sox left his start early yesterday due to shoulder soreness.
- The current presidents of the Rays will step down as part of the franchise’s sale to new owners.
- A look at the remaining races for postseason spots as well for first round byes.
