In other injury news, right-hander Spencer Turnbull is scheduled for a bullpen session this week. The Phillies are cautiously optimistic, but his return to the mound this season remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, top pitching prospect Andrew Painter was slated for a pivotal throwing session on Sept. 1. The session featured an “up-down” sequence, simulating in-game action with breaks between innings. Thomson said Painter is progressing well, and the outcome of this session will likely determine his next steps.
With Sunday’s win, the Phillies’ lead in the NL East now stands at seven games. They’re in a strong position to secure their first division title since 2011. Even if they play slightly below .500 the rest of the way, they would finish 93-69. For the Braves to catch them, they’d need to go 19-6 (.760) down the stretch.
“We’ve got to keep going,” Thomson said. “I’ve seen it before where you have a big series and then there’s a letdown. We can’t afford that. We’ve got to keep fighting.”
Atlanta has won the last six NL East titles but has fallen to the Phillies in each of the last two postseasons.
Carlos Estévez delivered two perfect innings in the 10th and 11th, working around the automatic runner on second base. He capped off his outing by striking out Whit Merrifield on a 97.9 mph fastball, stranding the go-ahead run on third.
Since arriving at the trade deadline, Estévez has been lights out for the Phillies, posting a 2-1 record with three saves and a 1.84 ERA. He’s embraced the pressure moments.
“We don’t get cold feet, that’s what it looks like,” Estévez said after Sunday’s win. “It’s great to have a group of guys who can compete against anyone. I really like that.”
The Phillies now head to Toronto for a two-game set with the Blue Jays starting on Tuesday.
