The Philadelphia Phillies had an uneven week to close out June and start July, experiencing a mix of highs and lows. They began the week with a three-game sweep over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, bringing about a positive atmosphere. However, upon returning home for a series against the struggling Washington Nationals, the Phillies struggled to maintain their momentum.
The Phillies started the series with a disappointing loss, managing only one run on Friday night. They bounced back on Saturday with a dominant 19-4 victory, fueled by a barrage of home runs. Unfortunately, they couldn’t carry that success into Sunday’s game, ultimately losing the series and dampening the recent optimism.
In this edition of Phillies stock watch, let’s take a closer look at the players who have made an impact and those who are currently slumping:
Nick Castellanos has been on fire at the plate, earning a well-deserved spot on the All-Star Game roster. Over the weekend, he hit two home runs and maintained an impressive OPS of 1.154 across six games and 26 plate appearances.
Alec Bohm showcased his power in the team’s 19-4 victory, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs. Throughout the week, Bohm hit an impressive .400.
Taijuan Walker, despite a shaky start to his Phillies career, has been a standout performer. In a crucial win against the Cubs, Walker delivered six innings of one-hit, one-run ball with six strikeouts. In his last 11 starts, Walker boasts an impressive 2.52 ERA, contributing to the team’s 9-2 record in those games.
Brandon Marsh, known for his exceptional defense in center field, also had a strong week at the plate. In five games, Marsh maintained a solid .294 batting average, an OPS of 1.098, and produced four extra-base hits.
On the other hand, Aaron Nola’s performance remains inconsistent. Nola gave up four runs in five innings against the Cubs, relying on the offense’s remarkable eight-run game to secure the win. Nola’s 4.51 ERA currently ranks 49th among qualified starting pitchers in 2023.
Trea Turner, the newly acquired shortstop, is facing a rough start with the Phillies. However, the team is eagerly awaiting his full potential to shine in the upcoming seasons. Unfortunately, his last six games have seen him struggle with a .286 on-base percentage and an OPS of .619, falling short of expectations.
Although Bryson Stott’s future with the Phillies looks promising, he had an off week, registering a less impressive OPS of .646. It is worth noting that both Stott and Marsh deserve consistent playing time to showcase their skills and should not be limited to platoon roles.
In conclusion, the Phillies’ recent performance has been a mixed bag, characterized by both impressive displays and disappointing outcomes. The team’s success heavily relies on the continued excellence of players like Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm, and Taijuan Walker. On the other hand, the Phillies need key players like Aaron Nola and Trea Turner to find their rhythm and deliver the expected results. Additionally, giving young talents like Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh consistent opportunities will be crucial to their development and the team’s long-term success.
Ultimately, the Phillies must find a way to maintain consistency and build on their positive moments to make significant strides in the highly competitive Wild Card race.
