The Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park Monday to open their final homestand of the season, a seven-game swing that includes series against two of baseball's worst teams in the Orioles and the Pirates.
The club is two games off the pace in the National League East and 3 1/2 from the second Wild Card position with 13 games remaining, including a three-game set next week with the division-leading Braves.
“We are going to take it game-by-game,” Bryce Harper said on Sunday night, following the Phils' 3-2 loss to the Mets. “We really understand what we are doing as a team -- score runs, don’t take anything for granted. Pitch well, play well and just go from there.”
Lefty Ranger Suarez will start Monday's series opener against the Orioles. He's been one of the more reliable arms for the Phils all season, carrying a 1.50 ERA over 84 innings while collecting 86 strikeouts. He surrendered two runs in his last appearance over six innings in a no-decision against the Cubs.
The Orioles, who have lost three straight and eight of their last 10, counter with veteran lefty John Means. The 28-year-old has a 3.41 ERA to go along with an impressive 1.00 WHIP over 23 starts this season.
The Braves will open a four-game series on Monday in Arizona with the 101-loss Diamondbacks.
Harper and Co. have stressed the importance to be in striking distance when the Phils visit Atlanta next week. A dominant week against a pair of teams a combined 92-games under .500 would make next week's final road trip a meaningful one.
The Phillies will have a bullpen game on Tuesday with Zach Wheeler throwing in the finale on Wednesday.
"Gonna have to take it game by game," Harper said. "Don’t take anything for granted."
Starting Lineup
Herrera 8
Segura 4
Harper 9
Realmuto 2
McCutchen 7
Vierling 3
Gregorius 6
Galvis 5
Suarez 1
Roster Moves
The Phillies on Monday reinstated INF Luke Williams from the COVID-related IL, optioned OF Mickey Moniak to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and designated RHP Tyler Phillips for assignment.
