Phillies pitching staff continues to be biggest conversation topic originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
There was a lot of banter with Phillies manager Rob Thomson before Sunday’s series-ending game with the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park, and a lot of it had to do with the pitching staff. Understandably so, as the news Saturday of Zack Wheeler being out for the rest of the season after being diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome was a major blow to the organization.
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A strong six-inning outing by Aaron Nola, however, helped ease that sting a little bit. It was just Nola’s second start since missing three months with an ankle then rib injury, and you could practically hear the huge sigh of relief from the club after he struck out six and walked just one.
All reports were good on the veteran’s health when he reported to the park on Sunday morning. “Great. Really good,” said Thomson on how Nola was feeling. “Good sign. Pitched well.”
A couple other pitchers on whom Thomson will rely heavily on down the stretch are in similar situations as Nola – having missed significant time during the season and now geared up to finish out the final 33 games of this campaign.
Jose Alvarado returned last week after an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. While he worked out during his time off in Venezuela, Alvarado has shown absolutely no signs of rust so far in his two appearances. In two innings, Alvarado has allowed just one hit and struck out one. His velocity has been normal, with him hovering around 100-MPH on his fastball.
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David Robertson joined the team on Aug. 10 after sitting out the beginning of the season while he contemplated retirement and waited for a contract offer which satisfied him. In his six outings of 5 2/3 innings, he’s allowed just four hits and one earned run while striking out 10.
Could the time off be helping the 40-year-old Robertson?
“It could, yeah,” said Thomson. “No doubt about it. He’s in great shape but yeah, just the wear and tear of the first couple of months might hinder a guy moving down the stretch. With a guy his age, and he’s a lot younger than I am but in baseball terms, his experience could help him. Sometimes IL (injured list) days off help you down the stretch.”
Stranger things have happened
In both of Jhoan Duran’s outings against the Nationals this weekend, he has been hurt by giving up opposite field hits. With him being such a hard thrower, the question arose about having the first and third basemen playing on the line when opposite-handed hitters are at the plate.
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Thomson and his coaches studied that and found an interesting answer.
“We looked into it,” Thomson said. “So right-handed hitter first base line or left-handed hitter, third base line. (It’s happened) four times in two years and three of them the last two days. They have had some at-bats against him.”
Platoon continues
Sunday’s outfield consisted of Brandon Marsh in left, Harrison Bader in center and Nick Castellanos in right against Nationals righty Jake Irvin, leaving left-handed hitter Max Kepler on the bench.
“He’s 5-for-6 off this guy with three balls hit over 95 miles an hour, so…” said Thomson.
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The manager did say that Castellanos paid him a visit on Sunday morning.
“Actually, Nick came in this morning and said, ‘What are you thinking for the Mets series.’ So, I gave it to him. But it can change, like if Bader hits three home runs today or tomorrow or whomever. So, it can change.
Castellanos has been battling a bit of a nuisance in his right knee that he jammed back in late July.
“I like the way those guys are swinging the bats,” said Thomson of his outfielders. “It’s tough to put a lineup together with those guys swinging. For me, Nick’s having good at-bats, too. It’s difficult.
And maybe there’s a part in (Castellanos) that sees some rest helps him. Cause it seems like after the day’s that he’s off, there’s a little more energy in the body. He doesn’t have (pain in the knee) every day, I don’t think. But there are certain times late in the game where it creeps up and they have to do some work on him after the game. I don’t think it’s a huge issue.”
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If you build it …
There was a report out Sunday that the Phillies would play the Minnesota Twins in the Field of Dreams Classic in Iowa next season. Asked about it before the game, Thomson said, “I think that would be a great opportunity but I don’t think I’ve heard that.”