Philly Front Office

I am back from Phillies sabbatical and even though I’m not really ready to talk about the team yet, here we go. The Phillies take on the Nationals for three games at home followed by three more games at home against the Diamondbacks.

Next Up – vs. Nationals

April 29 at 6:45p: Zack Wheeler v. Mackenzie Gore

A rematch from opening day where Gore simply dominated the Phillies. He has been going 6 innings and giving up around 2 runs pretty consistently so far. Strangely, despite being an overpowering lefty, he has been giving up much more power and average to the left side. Topper will completely ignore this.

April 30 at 6:45p: — v. Jake Irvin

The Phillies are dealing with uncertainty surrounding Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez at the moment, so Game 2’s matchup is still unclear. As for Jake Irvin, he has been crushing it as of late. After starting the season a little rough, his last 3 outings have been pretty awesome. In nearly 21 innings he has given up only 3 runs including a gem against the Mets. Straight splits here.

May 1 at 6:45p: Taijuan Walker v. —

Taijuan got pulled early in Friday’s loss to the Cubs, probably before he really combusted. Something was wrong with him physically that day, but let’s hope that’s all it was. We need him to not regress to last year just yet. No word yet on who the Nationals will be starting.

On Deck – vs. Diamondbacks

I shouldn’t hate this team as much as I do, they weren’t bad sports about beating us in the NLCS…but I still hate them.

May 2 at 6:45p: Jesus Luzardo v. Merrill Kelly

Kelly got absolutely blasted earlier in the season at Yankee Stadium to the tune of 9 earned runs in 3.2 innings. That’s why his ERA looks like a disaster. Since then, he has been going around 6 innings and been giving up around 2 runs. That’s what to expect from Kelly. Nobody hits well against the righty (except the Yankees apparently) and this should be a pretty solid pitcher’s duel as Jesus Luzardo has been incredible for the Phils

May 3 at 6:05p: Aaron Nola v. Brandon Pfaadt

Aaron Nola finally got his mojo back last game going 7 innings of 1 run ball but is still looking for his first official win. Pfaadt is having a solid season so far, making it to the 6th and giving up around 1 run for the most part with just an early season blemish on his record (4 runs against Washington). Lefties can tune him up though and he is prone to giving up a lot of hits, just not big ones.

May 4 at 2:05p: Zack Wheeler v. Eduardo Rodriguez

It has been kind of a mixed bag for the lefty Rodriguez as he can run up some gaudy strikeout totals but gets hit around too. He’s given up 16 hits in his last 2 games. Lefties have crushed him so far, hitting .314. I need Zack Wheeler to dominate these guys for my sanity.

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Remember that half season when Kyle Schwarber was with the Nationals? Weird right? Like looking in some alternate reality.