The Philadelphia Phillies were shut down Tuesday, notching just four hits in a 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins. It marked the sixth time in the team’s 11 games since the All-Star break that the Phillies have scored zero or one run in a game
Because of that, first baseman Bryce Harper admitted Tuesday that the Phillies “need some help” ahead of the trade deadline
When asked whether he believes the Phillies need an arm or a bat at the deadline, Harper said, “I think both.”
Advertisement
His comments came at the perfect time, as the Phillies lost again Wednesday, getting swept by the Miami Marlins. It was a particularly frustrating loss, as the Phillies held a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. From there, the team gave up eight straight runs to lose the contest 8-6
Despite the team’s post-All-Star Game struggles, the Phillies sit at 57-52 after Wednesday’s contest. That’s good enough for a wild-card spot in the National League, though the Phillies only hold a 1.5 game lead on that spot. Four other teams are within two games of the final wild-card spot, meaning there’s plenty of pressure on the Phillies down the stretch
Harper’s comments appear to have caused some unrest within the organization. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Phillies manager Don Mattingly threw some cold water on Harper’s take, per MLB.com
“I sense Bryce thinking about it,” Mattingly said. “I don’t really sense anybody else thinking about it, honestly. I’ve been through this. Guys want to be GMs, what you need without a real understanding of where the organization is, exactly where this thing goes. Not only this year, but moving forward. So, I mean, players like being GMs and making calls and spending other people’s money. So, let it go at that.”
The 33-year-old Harper hasn’t been among the team’s issues this season. The veteran holds a .252/.358/.488 slash line through 108 games. His 128 wRC+ — an advanced stat that captures a player’s total offensive contributions — sits second on the Phillies, behind only Kyle Schwarber
Advertisement
The rest of the Phillies’ offense can’t say the same. The only other player on the team with an above-average wRC+ — over 100 — is Brandon Marsh. Every other Phillies hitter has been a below-average offensive player this year
The rotation has functioned similarly, with three players performing at an All-Star level and the other two spots disappointing. Veteran Aaron Nola has given up home runs at an astounding rate, leading to a 5.61 ERA. The fifth spot in the rotation has been a revolving door all season, as Andrew Painter struggled mightily in 14 MLB games
Despite those issues, the Phillies are still considered a World Series contender in the NL. But toppling the clubs ahead of them won’t be easy. Harper knows as much, which is why he didn’t shy away when asked about potential upgrades at the trade deadline
Advertisement
With Harper making his stance clear, it will be up to Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski to give the Phillies what they need to truly compete for another World Series title
That call to action might have gotten louder Wednesday following the Marlins’ sweep
