Usually, I bring this series to light about the New York Yankees. But for this week’s edition, I want to shine a spotlight on the Philadelphia Phillies. So let’s get right to it, 3 Phillies going well and 3 that need to turn it around.
1 Up: Jake Arrieta
The Phillies started the season hot. Part of that was due to the starting pitching. And Jake Arrieta played a big part of that impressive start. Arrieta’s Win-Loss record may not be worth mentioning at 3-2. But when looking at the combined effort of Arrieta, those numbers are worth mentioning. Jake has an ERA of 2.65 to go along with 25 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. One thing to mention is that Arrieta’s walk total is a little high, but overall Arrieta has pitched well for the Phils.
1 Down: Aaron Nola
As good as Jake Arrieta has been, has been as bad as the Phillies Ace Aaron Nola has pitched. And for an example that the “Pitcher Win” doesn’t really matter look no further than Aaron Nola. Nola has a 2-0 record but an ERA of 6.84 in 25 innings of work with a WHIP of 1.68. Nearly two base runners an inning for the Ace of the Phillies starting rotation. If you have watched Nola’s starts it has been a lack of command that has been his undoing. Once Nola regains that control he will be right back on track for the NL Cy Young picture.
2 Up: J.T. Realmuto
When the Phillies acquired J.T. Realmuto, they put themselves into the upper echelon of teams in Major League Baseball. Realmuto is arguably the best catcher in baseball. And if you have spent any time at all this season watching what J.T. is capable of doing behind the plate, you aren’t surprised by that assessment. From throwing runners out who have great jumps. To framing borderline pitches to look like strikes. To being a middle of the order bat and driving runs in at crucial moments. There is nothing Realmuto can’t do on the baseball field. And while his season average is just under .270, over the last seven games, J.T. is slashing .333/..345/.630.
2 Down: Seranthony Dominguez
Seranthony Dominguez is a reliever that the Phillies were planning to rely on a lot this season. Dominguez has a career ERA a little over 3 with 85 strikeouts in just 65.1 innings. But this season that trend has changed. Seranthony has an ERA near 5 and a WHIP of 1.36. The strikeouts are still there 11 in 7 innings this season For the Phillies to achieve their goal of winning the World Series; they are going to need Seranthony Dominguez to regain the form from last season.
3 Up: Hector Neris
128, 128 revolutions per minute more than the league average Splitter is what Hector Neris is featuring. Hector Neris has raised his stock in the eyes of the Phillies coaching staff. And with good reason as he has dominated this season. This year in 9.2 innings pitched, Neris has an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of .62, adding in 15 strikeouts as well. For the Phillies, the inconsistency of Seranthony has been mitigated by the dominance of Hector Neris.
3 Down: Jean Segura
Jean Segura was a key acquisition this offseason for the Phils. Segura helped solidify a shaky defense from a season ago. While also providing the Phillies with a consistent hitter at the top of the order. However, Segura is now out with a left hamstring strain. This injury is significant because of the different look he provides the lineup. Jean was having his regular .300 plus batting average type of season as well, which adds to the frustration of he and the Phillies. The sooner Segura returns, the sooner the Phillies return to their blistering pace.
B.O.L.O: Cesar Hernandez
The forgotten man at times is Cesar Hernandez. Cedar is a player that provides well above average skills on both sides of the ball. And over his last seven games, Cesar has a slash line of .357/.419/.571 with a home run, 3 RBI’s, 3 runs scored and 10 hits. If Cesar can continue a solid pace this season, the Phillies will have a strong season because of role players like Cesar Hernandez.
