It all began with the kind of outing no pitcher wants to own; yet, one did. After the Phillies dropped a tough 6-5 loss to the Angels, one voice on the team did not duck the blame. “I feel like obviously this loss is on me,” said Jesús Luzardo. The lefty starter allowed four runs on seven hits, including two homers, and failed to complete five innings. He called it “extremely frustrating,” and while the Phillies star’s honesty was refreshing, it also underscored something larger: this game unraveled well before the bullpen ever got engaged.
Luzardo had been elite leading up to this start, also tossing a scoreless gem against the Giants earlier in the month. However, this was his second rocky outing of this month, and it came at a time when every inning matters. Luzardo’s early exit left the team with too much ground to cover, and that is where the story shifted. With the score tied in the seventh, the Phillies looked at a veteran with the hope of regaining rhythm after a few days off. That was 33-year-old Tanner Banks, and what happened next transformed the game.
Banks, a trusted reliever of the Phillies, had waited five days since his last appearance. However, the rust showed. Banks issued a walk and fell behind in counts before making the one mistake he could not afford—leaving a pitch right where Taylor Ward wanted it. The outcome? A crushing two-run homer that flipped the numbers and the energy inside Citizens Bank Park. As the game concluded in the Phillies’ demise, Rob Thomson did not sugarcoat it. “He just missed his spot on Ward,” Thomson said. “He threw it right where he likes to hit.”
Thomson’s statement was not just observational; it was revealing. Yes, Thomson highlighted that Banks had been elite and wanted to pitch. However, the message was clear: execution matters more than good thoughts. Even with Bryce Harper and Schwarber launching home runs earlier in the game, one poorly located pitch flipped it all.
Of course, this is not just about one missed location. It is a broader reflection of a team that ranks near the bottom in swing-and-miss rate and is in 22nd position in fastball velocity. Banks’ outing highlighted those issues in real-time. The Phillies had 13 outs to get after Luzardo’s early exit, and the team’s relievers struck out only three batters. This is not just inefficient, it is dangerous in tight games.
What is more, Banks fell behind in three of the five batters he faced. In games decided by inches and timing, such a lack of command becomes a serious matter. Thomson’s statement could have sounded diplomatic; however, it was rooted in urgency. While the spotlight fell on two stars for their roles in the loss, a powerful story was getting attention just outside the chaos—one that reminded all what leadership and momentum are heading into the season’s second half.
Kyle Schwarber’s All-Star status fuels clubhouse belief amid looming trade questions
Not every story coming out of the break was about missed locations and mounting force. One veteran utilized the spotlight to remind MLB and his team exactly what he has made of. Kyle Schwarber did not even plan to compete in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star festivities. However, when an unexpected scope arose to sub in for the Dodgers’ Will Smith, the Phillies star did not just show up—Schwarber lit up the stage. Cranking three consecutive bombs in the extra-innings tiebreaker, he did not just help to seal the NL’s win—he carved out a moment which will likely echo through upcoming All-Star Games.
What came after was not a media victory lap and chest-thumping celebration. Instead, Thomson offered something more telling: a heartfelt message that cut through the data. “He’s such a big part of this club… so humble… I’m just really proud to have him,” the manager said. He followed up his admiration with a quiet team hug and a simple text. At 32, Schwarber could be in the latter half of his prime; however, in Philly’s eyes, he remains the beating heart of a postseason-bound roster.
However, if Schwarber is the heart, the head of this team’s operation knows changes are still needed. Dave Dombrowski is already scanning the market for bullpen stars, knowing that October games are won on the backs of reliable relievers. The management could have internal options like Mick Abel and Luzardo if they make a shift; however, outer reinforcements look all but ensured. They simply can not afford another meltdown like last postseason’s NLDS exit.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA All Star-American League at National League Jul 15, 2025 Cumberland, Georgia, USA National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber 12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts in the home run swing off tiebreaker during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Cumberland Truist Park Georgia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBrettxDavisx 20250715_lbm_ad1_217
It is not just the bullpen under scrutiny. While Schwarber and Harper carry the load offensively, Max Kepler’s continued issues have drawn ire from the fans. With stars like Taylor Ward being floated as powerful trade deadline targets, they could look for upgrades in left field, too. Still, Schwarber’s All-Star heroics and Thomson’s quiet praise provided something the numbers do not show. This team thinks it can win, and this belief begins with the players who step up when no one expects them to.
The Phillies could be dealing with bullpen issues and lineup inconsistencies; however, their leadership core is alive and well. From Luzardo’s honest self-critique to Thomson’s pointed message and Schwarber’s inspiring All-Star situation, this team is not short on accountability and heart. With the trade deadline coming quickly, the next move could shape the team’s October fate. What do you think the Phillies’ top priority should be? Join the interaction and drop your take below!
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