Here come the Phillies. Here come the Marlins. And — believe it or not — they’re both rolling.
When the Phillies arrive in Miami on Monday to open a four-game set, they'll do so fresh off a weekend romp through the Toronto Blue Jays — a sweep capped by an 11-4 thumping on Sunday.
The Marlins, meanwhile, finally found their footing, wrapping up their first three-game sweep of the season with a 3-1 win over the Nationals in Washington.
So yes, technically, both clubs are hot.
The Phillies have now won five of six, outscoring the Blue Jays 22-6 across the weekend while rediscovering their offensive groove.
Nick Castellanos went deep with the bases loaded Sunday. Alec Bohm launched one, too.
But the spark plug in red pinstripes? A rookie infielder with just enough swagger to turn heads in both dugouts.
Otto Kemp — a 25-year-old call-up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley — has done a whole lot more than just fill in for Bryce Harper, who landed on the IL with right wrist inflammation.
Kemp had four hits and drove in two runs on Sunday.
He’s now hitting .417 (10-for-24) over his last six games and is already drawing rave reviews.
“He’s great; he’s a pro,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s got some swagger to him. He’s played good defense. … I’ve liked watching him since last year in the Arizona Fall League. I just like his demeanor and his presence.”
And now comes the next test: Can Kemp keep the engine humming on the road against a suddenly surging Miami team that’s won four of its last five?
The opener Monday features a generational contrast on the mound: Phillies rookie Mick Abel (1-0, 2.35 ERA) vs. Marlins former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 7.14 ERA).
Abel, 23, has been more than serviceable while filling in for Aaron Nola, who’s out until after the All-Star break with a stress reaction in his rib cage. Abel owns a 0.79 ERA in his first two starts — though he did give up three runs in four innings his last time out against the Cubs.
Still, the Phillies love what they’ve seen.
“What I’ve seen so far from Mick is a guy that’s really mature,” Thomson said. “His poise and composure is fantastic. Strike-throwing ability, being able to spin the baseball and spin it for strikes.”
The Phillies hope that mix of youth and momentum keeps working — in Miami, and beyond.
Monday: RHP Mick Abel (1-0, 2.35) vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 7.14)
Tuesday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (6-2, 4.23) vs. RHP Cal Quantrill (3-7, 5.61)
Wednesday: LHP Ranger Suarez (5-1, 2.32) vs. TBD
Thurday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (5-2, 3.05) vs. RHP Edward Cabrera (2-2, 4.10)
