Manager Rob Thomson, speaking after Sunday’s 12-5 loss to Arizona, underscored the importance of the upcoming homestand. “It’s been a long trip,” Thomson said. “Let’s get home in front of our fan base and start winning some games and some series.”
The Phillies return from a challenging 4-6 stretch on a 10-game road trip against the Mariners, Dodgers, and D-backs. Despite their recent struggles, the Braves have faltered similarly, losing seven of their last ten games, allowing the Phillies to maintain a 7 1/2 game lead in the division as they aim to regain their form.
Diamond Notes
Taijuan Walker is set to return to the starting rotation on Tuesday in the homestand opener against the Marlins. Walker has been sidelined since June 21 with right index finger inflammation and has struggled this season with a 3-3 record and a 5.60 ERA. The blister impacted Walker's ability to use his splitter, historically his best pitch.
Ranger Suarez completed a throwing session in Phoenix over the weekend and is expected to throw extended batting practice on Tuesday. If all goes well, Suarez could make a rehab start before rejoining the rotation when the Phillies hit the road next week in Atlanta and Kansas City. Suarez has been dealing with lower back soreness.
Spencer Turnbull hit a setback in his rehab last week, experiencing soreness after a throwing session in Clearwater. He will rest until later this week. The 31-year-old is working back from a right lat strain that sidelined him on June 26. Thomson is doubtful about Turnbull returning to the rotation but is hopeful he can contribute as a multi-inning reliever down the stretch.
The Phillies claimed right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler off waivers from Miami on Sunday, assigning him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and designating right-hander Nick Nelson for assignment to make room for Tyler on the 40-man roster. Tyler, 27, was in his first season with the Marlins and worked mostly as a starter, posting a 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA in eight games (seven starts), fanning 25 batters while walking 18 over 31⅔ innings. He is 1-2 with a 4.31 ERA across 15 career games (seven starts).
Fearful of Arizona
Talent-wise, the Phillies boast a stronger roster than Arizona. Yet, as last year's NLCS and this weekend's sweep at Chase Field remind them, raw talent alone doesn't win championships. It's entirely possible the Phillies will face the D-backs in the postseason, and it's a matchup they'd prefer to avoid.
“They ain't scared,” Bryce Harper said after Sunday’s loss. “They go about it the right way, they play the game hard. They’ve got guys that walk, guys that hit, good pitching, good bullpen. They’re a good team. They’re gonna show up and play the game the right way, and they’re gonna win a lot of games because of that.”
