The Phillies are 56–43 and in first place in the NL East, but they aren’t as strong as they look. With one of the worst defenses, the lowest slugging percentage in seven years, and major injuries stacking up, things are starting to fall apart. Further, in the NL East, the competition is getting intense. As the trade deadline gets closer and the Mets catch up, it’s getting harder to overlook the problems with the Phillies. And yet, the voice from one insider’s office still believes in them.
Despite all the struggles, Bob Nightengale of USA Today thinks they can win the NL division. Recently, in his column, when discussed who can win the NL East: the Mets or the Phillies? He wrote, “The Phillies.” He explained why he chose the Phillies by stating, “Simply, their starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, Jesús Luzardo and Aaron Nola is too strong, and perhaps the best in baseball.” And their numbers back Nightengale’s confidence.
Wheeler is 9-3 with a dazzling ERA in MLB (2.36) and the most strikeouts (154 in 122 IP). Sánchez has an 8–2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 122 Ks, and Suárez has a solid 2.66 ERA across 14 starts. These three make up an almost unhittable frontline. Then there’s Luzardo, who has already struck out 129 hitters, and Nola brings veteran steadiness. Overall, this staff has the most strikeouts and the best ERA among starters.
However, injuries are creating a worrisome situation. Alec Bohm’s broken left rib takes away their starting third baseman at a time when every healthy bat matters. Not only that, but also Aaron Nola has a stress fracture in his ribs. The Phillies can’t afford to lose any effective players because their offense is already struggling.
And on top of that, their recent game against the Angels showed off every flaw. The Phillies lost the game by 8–2. Angels starter Jose Soriano was in charge for seven innings, giving up only two runs and making the Phillies appear like they were outmatched. Otto Kemp’s solo home run and Rafael Marchan’s RBI single were the only runs the offense could get.
And their pitching, which is the strong point, also struggled. Ranger Suárez, who had a good 2.66 ERA going into the game, fell apart, giving up 6 earned runs on 8 hits and 4 walks in just 4 1/3 innings.
Well, Philly might be on top, but they need to fill those voids before it goes worse. And looking at their latest inclusion looks like they are working on it.
Veteran reliever David Robertson joins to shore up the Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have strengthened their bullpen by signing 40-year-old reliever David Robertson, especially with José Alvarado out for 80 games. Although he hasn’t pitched this season, his last performance with Texas featured a 3.00 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 72 innings.
This is the third time Robertson will be seen at Citizens Bank Park. He first came in 2019 but had surgery on his arm. He came back in 2022 and had a nice 2.70 ERA in 22 regular-season games. During the Phillies’ run to the World Series, he had an even better 1.17 earned run average. Not only do stats come back with the return, but so does experience.
Why does it matter? The Phillies are currently 23rd in the league in bullpen ERA, and with the trade deadline coming up soon, they need steadiness without trading prospects. Adding Robertson gives them that advantage.
Injuries have made Philly’s infield less deep, but adding more pitchers makes sure the starters aren’t too busy. This decision shows that the team isn’t only praying for good performances. It’s aggressively reinforcing with experience to keep their NL East drive going.
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