The boos poured down from the upper deck on Sunday afternoon at a sweltering Citizens Bank Park. A lousy Cubs team collected a 4-3 win over the Phillies to earn a three-game sweep. It was the Cubs' first series sweep of the season, and the Phillies were outscored 25-7.
The Phillies have fallen to 49-46 and trail the Cardinals by a game in the chase for the final National League wildcard position.
"We have to keep working," Kyle Schwarber said following Sunday's loss. "It's a three-game narrative right now. We need to get on base and start producing runs."
Nick Castellanos went 1-for-15 in the series and is hitting just .245 on the year with a .221 wOBA. Schwarber is also struggling, collecting just nine hits since July 4.
Missing Bryce Harper for a significant stretch is a huge loss, but Castellanos and Schwarber underperforming highlight the deficiencies in the Phillies' lineup.
"When any of our big guys aren't hitting, it takes its toll," Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson said Sunday.
Trade deadline approaching
The Phillies need some significant parts to bolster the roster, including a better option in center field, some bullpen reinforcements, and another starting pitcher. Realistically though, it's hard to see the club upgrading all of those spots with minimal trade chips at the ready.
One target to watch is Michael A. Taylor of the Kansas City Royals. The 31-year-old won a Gold Glove last year and would be a significant upgrade in center field. He's hitting .272 this season with a 111 OPS+. He's not a flashy addition, but he's an upgrade in a position where the Phillies have had terrible production. The cost likely wouldn't be too steep, making him an ideal target.
Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates would be great, but it's doubtful the Phillies have the pieces to make a deal for him work.
As for pitchers, starters Drew Smyly and Tyler Mahle could be reasonable targets. Smyly, 33, is a veteran lefty and is 3-5 with a 3.93 ERA over 12 starts this season for the Cubs. He was less than stellar in 2019 when he was with the Phillies (4-7, 6.24 ERA over 21 starts), but he's the type of backend starter the club needs to sure up the rotation. Mahle, 27, is 4-7 this season with the Reds while posting a 4.49 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 18 starts.
