Blue Jays Bats Bounce Back

YESTERDAY IN POSTSEASON PLAY:

In one of the biggest slugfests of the post season, the Blue Jays bats prevailed pulling them within one game of the Royals in the ALCS. Of course, it helps that Johnny Cueto returned to his post trade mediocrity. And we can only wonder what the game would have been like had the umpire focused on the job at hand rather than throwing a hissy fit toward the end of the game. I am curious to see if the power display will continue in game 4 or if the bats will once again slumber amidst their indulgent hangover.  

Blue Jays Blast Royals 11-8

The Blue Jays showed once again why they should never be written off in the postseason, as the league's top offense erupted in an 11-8 victory over the Royals in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night at Rogers Centre. Troy Tulowitzki, Josh Donaldson and Ryan Goins each homered as Toronto cut its deficit in the best-of-seven ALCS series to 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for this afternoon. It was the third time in Blue Jays history they scored at least 10 runs in a postseason game. "We desperately needed that breakout," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "You look at how the game finished up, those runs really came in handy. It wasn't an easy game, even though we had a big lead." The Royals' loss snapped their nine-game ALCS winning streak. The record is 10, held by the Orioles, who had three straight 3-0 sweeps in 1969, '70 and '71 and won Game 1 of the '73 ALCS, when it was a best-of-five series. Toronto is the fifth team to face a pair of 2-0 deficits in the same postseason, and two of the previous four came back to win both (1981 Dodgers, National League Division Series, World Series; and the 1985 Royals, ALCS, World Series). Tulowitzki led the way for the Blue Jays with a 2-for-4 night that included the home run and three RBIs, but he was ejected by home-plate umpire John Hirschbeck as the team warmed up for the top of the eighth for arguing a called third strike the last half-inning. Goins, whose memorable seventh-inning mishap jump-started Kansas City's game-turning rally in Toronto's Game 2 loss Saturday, redeemed himself with two hits, three RBIs and some slick defense. Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion also had two hits, and every member of the Blue Jays' starting lineup reached base at least once. It was the highest offensive output during the postseason for Toronto, which scored in double digits a franchise-record 26 times this season. Kansas City's Johnny Cueto had a chance to give his team a commanding lead in the series, but instead he became the first starting pitcher in postseason history to allow eight or more runs while recording six outs or fewer. He pitched a scoreless first inning, but the right-hander surrendered three in the second and then was not able to record an out in the third. Cueto allowed six hits and walked four with two strikeouts in the sixth start of his postseason career. "The mound in the bullpen was higher than the real one," Cueto said through interpreter Pedro Grifol. "And I couldn't get my pitches down. It's no excuse. They just beat me." Right-hander Marcus Stroman picked up the win for the Blue Jays, even though he wasn't in top form. Stroman surrendered a lot of hard contact early, but he survived one run in the first and another run in the third before Toronto's offense gave him some breathing room. The 24-year-old induced 48 swings, but only three were of the swing-and-miss variety. He was charged with four runs on 11 hits and one walk over 6 1/3 innings before handing things over to the bullpen. Kansas City rallied for four runs in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late. Kendrys Morales hit a two-run homer, while Lorenzo Cain added a sacrifice fly and Eric Hosmer had an RBI single. Prior to the ninth, the Royals went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight men on base. "It shows you that we never quit," Hosmer said. "But it was just too big a hole. We know our pitchers won't have another game like that, so we're fine. It's 2-1, and we'll come back tomorrow."

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS: Read my post from October 6^th to see how many I have gotten wrong!

CURRENT POSTSEASON PICTURE:

National League Championship Series

New York leads series 2-0

Game 3: Tuesday, October 20, at 8:00 PM

American League Championship Series

Kansas City leads series 2-1

Game 4: Tuesday, October 20, at 4:00 PM

PHILS PHACTS:

Phillies Cut Four – Domonic Brown's time with the Phillies is up. The Phillies outrighted Brown from their 40-man roster on Monday, effectively ending his nine-year career with the organization. Brown, 28, made the 2013 National League All-Star team, three years after he had been considered one of the top prospects in baseball, but he had struggled since. Brown had a .650 OPS from the 2013 All-Star break through this season, which ranked 289th out of 339 qualified hitters in baseball, and 16th lowest among 133 outfielders. That, combined with the emergence of other outfielders in the system and his second year of salary-arbitration eligibility, made his departure a certainty. Brown has the right to decline an assignment to the Minor Leagues and become a free agent, which is expected. "It just didn't work out," Phillies interim general manager Scott Proefrock said. "We've decided we've got players who deserve the playing time more than Domonic does." The Phillies also outrighted prospects Tommy Joseph and Kelly Dugan and outfielder Brian Bogusevic. The Phillies acquired Joseph in July 2012 from the Giants in the Hunter Pence trade, but concussions derailed a promising catching career. Joseph, who remains under the Phillies' control next season, moved to first base this year, and the Phillies remain hopeful he can produce enough offensively to become an option at first base in the future. "There's an opportunity here, if he can swing the bat and play the position," Proefrock said. "We don't really have a first baseman at the upper levels." Dugan, the Phillies' top pick in the 2009 Draft, had been saddled with injuries and was passed on the depth chart by other outfielders. He can become a Minor League free agent five days after the World Series. Bogusevic, like Brown, can immediately become a free agent. Brown's exodus is the most notable of the Phillies' latest roster purge. Just a few years ago, the Phillies believed they had a superstar in the making in the 20th-round selection in the 2006 Draft. But other than a strong first half in 2013, Brown never lived up to the hype. He was ranked No. 4 among all prospects in 2011. Two of the three players ranked ahead of him were the Angels' Mike Trout (No. 1) and the Nationals' Bryce Harper (No. 3). Monday's announcement follows another two weeks ago when they outrighted right-hander Justin De Fratus, infielder Chase d'Arnaud, outfielder Jordan Danks, catcher Erik Kratz and left-handers Adam Loewen and Ken Roberts. Right-hander Jonathan Pettibone also was outrighted after being activated from the 60-day disabled list.

The Search Continues – Phillies president Andy MacPhail is keeping quiet about his search for the Phillies' next general manager, but he is making progress. MacPhail has said it would be ambitious to hire somebody before the Phillies' organizational meetings, which begin next Monday, but the idea that an announcement could come next week should not be dismissed. Sources have told MLB.com that the Phillies have interviewed the following candidates: Angels assistant general manager Matt Klentak, Royals assistant general manager J.J. Picollo, Cardinals director of player personnel Matt Slater and former Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest. CBSSports.com reported Indians vice president of player personnel Ross Atkins also has interviewed. It is likely MacPhail has interviewed others. MLB.com identified Klentak in June as a favorite to replace former general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., when reports first surfaced about MacPhail's arrival. MacPhail hired Klentak as director of baseball operations in Baltimore in March 2008, making him one of the youngest executives in baseball. Klentak worked with MacPhail in scouting, player development, contract negotiations and the construction of the 40-man roster. Klentak also handled much of the Angels' heavy lifting when Jerry Dipoto resigned as Angels GM on July 1. Klentak, 34, graduated from Dartmouth with an economics degree in 2002. There have been reports Picollo is the front runner, although an ESPN.com report Monday disputed that. Picollo has played a role in the Royals' resurgence as one of the top teams in the American League, despite working with a small-market payroll. The Royals won the AL pennant in 2014, and entering Monday, they need two more victories in this year's AL Championship Series to play in their second consecutive World Series. Picollo also grew up in Cherry Hill, N.J., which means he has more than cursory knowledge of the Philadelphia area, its fans and media. Despite reports, sources have said that MLB vice president of baseball operations Kim Ng and former Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington are not among MacPhail's top list of candidates.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies finally put an end to the season finishing in last place in the NL East with a record of 63-99. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances tis season, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! However, there are some former Phillies still making headlines in the playoffs this year.

Once Again, Phillies Offense Can’t Support Stellar Start

GAME RECAP: Nationals Outlast Phillies 2-1

Bryce Harper's double down the right-field line in the bottom of the 12th inning scored Anthony Rendon and propelled the Nationals to a 2-1 walk-off victory over Philadelphia on Saturday, ending what turned out to be an empty win for Washington. Forty-nine minutes earlier, with the Nationals and Phillies in the top of the 11th, the Mets' win over Cincinnati went final, officially eliminating Washington from postseason contention. "We got games to play," Nationals manager Matt Williams said, when asked about the club's elimination. "We got to win tomorrow. I mean, we're here. We have to play games. We've got some remaining. We want to play well in those games. After the fact, we'll have a chance to look back at it." At Nationals Park, Stephen Strasburg was dominant for the first seven innings, striking out 11 Phillies and allowing only one hit. Given limited run support, that wasn't enough, and Philadelphia rallied for two hits and a run to tie the game in the eighth off the right-hander. Rookie Aaron Nola started opposite Strasburg and pitched well in his own right. He tossed five shutout innings, allowed six hits and struck out five in his 31st professional start of the season. "There isn't much to talk about," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "There wasn't much offense. Nola was outstanding and he worked his way out of that bases-loaded, no-out jam [in the fourth inning]. Great job. The rest of the bullpen did an outstanding job. They kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win the game, but we came up short with our bats."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Nola pitched five scoreless innings, working out of a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the fourth inning. He could have pitched more, but the Phillies plan to limit his workload as the season winds down. Nola has pitched 187 innings, including 109 1/3 innings in the Minor Leagues. The Phillies originally said he would pitch about 185 innings. "I feel good," Nola said. "I want to go one more. I want to finish out the season and try to finish it out strong."
• First baseman Ryan Howard took batting practice again Saturday, but he was not available to pinch-hit. Howard, who has been sidelined since Sept. 14 with a bruised left knee, could rejoin the Phillies next week at Citizens Bank Park.
• Third baseman Maikel Franco played four innings in an intrasquad game in Clearwater, Fla. He tripled in one of his at-bats. Franco has been on the DL since Aug. 12 with a broken left wrist. He will not play Sunday, but he will play five innings in a Florida instructional league game Monday. He will be re-evaluated then.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies play their final road game of the season in Sunday afternoon's series finale against the Nationals. Right-hander Aaron Harang (6-15, 4.93 ERA) makes his 28th start of the season in the 1:35 p.m. ET matchup. Gio Gonzalez (11-8, 3.94) will pitch in Sunday's matinee, the last of 19 head-to-head meetings between the Nationals and Phillies this season. Gonzalez is 8-5 with a 2.99 ERA in 15 career starts against Philadelphia.

PHILS PHACTS:

Sign Of Things To Come – Does Phillies rookie Aaron Nola have one more start in him? It sure looked like it Saturday in Philadelphia's 2-1 loss to the Nationals in 12 innings at Nationals Park, in which Nola got a no-decision. Nola allowed six hits and struck out five in five scoreless innings. He could have pitched longer, but the Phillies are trying to limit his workload. A few weeks ago, the Phillies said they planned to limit Nola to about 185 innings this season, which includes the 109 1/3 innings he pitched in the Minor Leagues. Nola has 187 to this point, with the potential for one more start Friday against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Manager Pete Mackanin said the Philadelphia will make that decision Sunday. "I feel good," said Nola, who threw 67 pitches. "I want to go one more. I want to finish out the season, and try to finish it out strong." Nola has been strong. He is 6-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 13 starts. Nola showed something in the fourth inning when he allowed singles to Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Clint Robinson to load the bases with no outs. He struck out Ian Desmond looking on a 93-mph fastball for the first out. Nola fell behind Demond 2-0, but he came back with a pair of curveballs for strikes. Then, the fastball. Nola got Matt den Dekker to line out to Phillies second baseman Andres Blanco, and he got Wilson Ramos to ground out to third baseman Cody Asche to end the inning. "He's a cool customer," Mackanin said about Nola. "He has great confidence. He's pitching like a Major League pitcher. He shows no fear and he locates his pitches well. That's a sign of a great pitcher: when you get in trouble and can minimize the damage." Nola reflected on his performance: "It definitely helps to experience something like that. I've been in situations in like that before, and had success like tonight [and] got hurt in the past. I kind of know what both ways feels like. The main focus right there is to stay calm and don't over think things, and make good pitches when you need to. "Having been in situations like that and being worked up like that, and then learning from that and being calm and collected, and knowing how my body reacts to those situations helped me tonight." The Phillies fell to 58-97 with the loss. They would need to finish 5-2 to avoid their first 100-loss season since 1961. Whether they lose 100 games is inconsequential at this point. The Phillies are almost certain to finish the season with the worst record in baseball. The team just wants to see good signs from enough players that they have reasons to be optimistic about the future. Nola has been one of those good signs. Phillies fans might get a chance to see him one last time Friday -- if the coaching staff thinks it will not hurt him in the long run. Nola certainly would love the opportunity.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 57-97. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 43-56-1 on this day.

Phillies Offense Silent Behind Stellar Start

GAME RECAP: Marlins Blank Phillies 1-0

The Marlins made the most of the few hits they were able to get off Alec Asher on Thursday night. J.T. Realmuto's RBI triple in the seventh inning was the only production Miami needed to edge the Phillies, 1-0, at Marlins Park. Six Marlins pitchers combined for the club's 12th shutout of the season. Jarred Cosart, who threw four shutout innings, was replaced in the fifth inning. In the fourth inning, he was struck on the left forearm by a Cody Asche comeback liner. A.J. Ramos picked up his 29th save when Miguel Rojas made an over-the-shoulder catch to end the game. "We didn't have that many hits, but we had the right hits," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. "The bullpen came in and picked up five innings. I thought they were outstanding all the way through. Really a fundamentally sound game." Miami was limited to one hit, a first-inning single from Christian Yelich, before they broke through in the seventh inning. Derek Dietrich reached on an infield single with one out in the seventh, and he scored on Realmuto's triple to right-center. A chance for Miami to tack on a second run was wiped out when right fielder Brian Bogusevic threw out Realmuto at the plate. Realmuto tagged on Rojas' fly ball to short right. Asher gave up just three hits in seven innings, but Miami was able to claim two of three in the series. "I think some of the guys are fatigued," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said, referring to an offense that has suffered five one-run losses in the past six games. "Even though they're young … I think everybody is getting tired. The more you lose, the more beat up you feel."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Asher had waited a long time to show the Phillies he could pitch like this. He allowed three hits, one run, one walk and struck out four in seven innings for the best start of his five-start career. Before Thursday, Asher, whom the Phillies acquired in July in the Cole Hamels trade, had not pitched more than 5 2/3 innings or allowed fewer than four runs in a start. Asher hopes his final start of the season on Wednesday against the Mets can match this one. "I feel like with each start I've taken I've kind of built more confidence," Asher said. "That was the main thing coming into this game. I said I'm just going to go back to pitching my game and attack hitters and not give them too much credit."
• The Marlins won a challenge in the fourth inning after Yelich initially was called out on a close play at first. Yelich tapped a routine grounder that second baseman Andres Blanco bobbled before throwing to first. It took just 36 seconds for the call to be overturned.
• Mackanin said injured first baseman Ryan Howard could take fielding and batting practice this weekend in Washington. Howard has been sidelined for more than a week with a bruised left knee. He will need to get going if he expects to play again before the end of the season.
• The Phillies need to finish the season 6-3 to avoid their first 100-loss season since 1961.
• Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis is hitting .245 with a homer and eight RBIs against the Nationals this year.
• Outfielder Odubel Herrera is having a great year for Philadelphia, hitting .291 with eight homers and 40 RBIs.
• Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will likely pitch his last game at Nationals Park as a member of the Nationals. He will be a free agent after the season.

NEXT GAME:

The Nationals will try to stay alive in the National League East race as they face the Phillies in a three-game series at Nationals Park. The last time the two teams faced each other was last week in Philadelphia, with Washington sweeping the series. Bryce Harper carried the team during that series, hitting four home runs. Harper's best game came Sept. 15 in Philadelphia. Not only did he go deep twice and drive in all of Washington's runs in a 4-0 win, but he put himself in the Nats' record book, eclipsing Adam Dunn for most home runs in a season by a left-handed hitter in franchise history. Dunn hit 38 homers in 2009 and '10. Harper will face Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff, who is on a roll. The rookie has allowed one earned run in 14 innings over his last two starts. Remove a Sept. 6 start in Boston when he allowed four runs in six innings and Eickhoff has a 1.91 ERA.

PHILS PHACTS:

Asher Shows Improvement – Phillies rookie Alec Asher had waited a long time to show the Phillies he could pitch like this. He put together a solid performance Thursday night in a 1-0 loss to the Marlins at Marlins Park. He allowed three hits, one run, one walk and struck out four in seven innings, making it the best start of his five-start career. Oh, he also picked up two hits, including the Phillies' only extra-base hit of the game. "I feel like with each start I've taken, I've kind of built more confidence," Asher said. "That was the main thing coming into this game. I said I'm just going to go back to pitching my game and attack hitters and not give them too much credit." He entered the night with a 9.78 ERA. He left with a 7.52 ERA. Asher, whom the Phillies acquired in July as part of the Cole Hamels trade, makes his final start of the season Wednesday night against the National League East-leading Mets at Citizens Bank Park. He hopes to carry Thursday night's success through that start and pack his bags for the offseason feeling better about Spring Training 2016. "You want to finish strong," Asher said. "That's the main goal. I know I've started 0-5. I don't want to start my career like that, but there's nothing I can do about those past games. But take the two here and finish strong." Asher had allowed just one hit through six innings when Marlins third baseman Derek Dietrich hit a slow roller up the third-base line for a single. Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto followed with a triple to score Dietrich for the game's only run. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said he thought Asher looked more confident from the first inning. "As poor as his numbers are, it shows me a lot that he came out there like he had a purpose," Mackanin said. "That's what the whole deal is about when you get to the big leagues. Either you fight and you make it, or you give up. Obviously, he's not giving up. He's going after it. That was the thing I saw tonight." Asher figures to be in the mix for a rotation job come Spring Training, with Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff favorites for two spots. It is expected the Phillies will sign at least a couple of veteran starters to fill holes, which might leave Asher battling Adam Morgan, David Buchanan and others for the No. 5 job. "Some guys it takes longer for them to feel comfortable and I'm hoping that's the case with Asher," Mackanin said. "He looked very comfortable and he looked aggressive out there, like he was in charge."

Who Wins The Leg Lamp? – For the first time in a long time it seems the Phillies had multiple candidates to win the Paul Owens Awards. The Phillies on Thursday named catcher Andrew Knapp and right-hander Ricardo Pinto as their Minor League player and pitcher of the year, respectively. Knapp, 23, hit .308 with 35 doubles, 13 home runs, 84 RBIs and an .876 OPS in 118 games with Class A Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Pinto, 21, went 15-4 with a 2.97 ERA in 24 starts with Class A Lakewood and Clearwater. "We are extremely proud of these young men," Phillies player development director Joe Jordan said in a statement. "They are both very deserving." It should be interesting to watch Knapp continue to develop, considering the Phillies just acquired catcher Jorge Alfaro from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade. It gives the Phillies two legitimate frontline catching prospects. Alfaro is the Phillies' No. 4 prospect and No. 61 prospect nationally, according to MLBPipeline.com. Knapp ranks No. 17 in the organization. But Knapp, whom the Phillies selected in the second round of the 2013 Draft, clearly raised his game in Reading. He hit .360 with 21 doubles, 11 home runs, 56 RBIs and a 1.050 OPS in 55 games. He got a hit in 46 of those games, including 24 multi-hit games. "He's an aggressive hitter and the strike zone gets a little bit smaller as you move up and the umpires get better," Reading manager Dusty Wathan said Thursday, when asked about Knapp's surge in Reading. "He stopped swinging at balls down and out of the zone. I think that got him in trouble in Clearwater. He's got tremendous hand-eye coordination. You put that together with bat speed and it's a good combination." Knapp projects as an average defensive catcher, although the Phillies think he can improve. He had Tommy John surgery in 2013, so he has caught only 157 games professionally. "To be where he is in Double-A says a lot about how much he has come along," Wathan said. "His bat is in front of his defense, but I think he's improved a lot since I saw him halfway through the season. We project him as more of an offensive catcher, but you always get a little better defensively as you go." Much of the attention this season has focused on pitching prospects like Aaron Nola, Jake Thompson, Zach Eflin, Ben Lively and others. Pinto has flown under the radar a bit by everybody except the Phillies. "Coming into the year, very few people outside of our organization knew of Ricardo Pinto," Jordan said. "Based on his 2015 performance, that has certainly changed. Ricardo is one of our most talented young arms, but equally one of our most determined, competitive and driven players." Pinto signed as an amateur free agent in Dec. 2011. He has a 2.77 ERA in 62 career Minor League appearances. Dallas Green Award: The Phillies named international scouting director Sal Agostinelli their 2015 Dallas Green Award winner. The award honors an amateur or professional scout who "best exemplifies the Phillies' standard for scouting while demonstrating the same loyalty, work ethic, dedication and passion as the award's namesake." Agostinelli has been with the Phillies since 1993. He was the international scouting supervisor for 15 years before being named to his current position in 2012. He has been involved in signing players like Carlos Ruiz, Maikel Franco, Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis. "I'm flattered and I can't believe it," Agostinelli said. "Dallas Green is such a special guy to me and my family."

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 57-96. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 53-48-0 on this day.

Phils Fall In 11th In March To 100

GAME RECAP: Marlins Outlast Phillies 3-2

After making a nifty over-the-shoulder catch to end the top of the 11th inning, Dee Gordon ended things with his bat. The All-Star second baseman laced a two-out double that enabled the Marlins to walk off on the Phillies for a 4-3 win on Wednesday night, ending Miami's four-game losing streak. In the top of the 11th, Darin Ruf lifted a pop fly and Gordon ranged into short center field to make a great play. Then in the bottom of the 11th, Miguel Rojas singled off Jerome Williams, and after Ichiro Suzuki walked, Gordon doubled, giving Miami its ninth walk-off win. "We battled hard. We needed that win," Gordon said. "This just shows what type of character we've got. We're not giving up. This shows what time of character these guys have." "That's his first walk-off in a few years, since maybe 2012. It couldn't come at a better time," Miami manager Dan Jennings said. "I was just happy for the quality of the at-bat he had right there. He put a great swing on that ball, split the gap. It's good to see Dee do what he does. It seems like every night he does something to help you." The Marlins beat the Phillies for the second time in the last 10 tries. The Phillies claimed a 3-2 lead in the 10th inning on Freddy Galvis' two-out RBI single off Kyle Barraclough. Barraclough got into trouble in the 10th with a one-out walk to Andres Blanco, who was forced out at second on Brian Bogusevic's fielder's choice grounder. After Bogusevic stole second, setting up Galvis' two-out single to left. But Miami pulled even in the bottom of the 10th, scoring an unearned run when Suzuki raced home on Carlos Ruiz's throwing error. Suzuki singled, and moved to second on Gordon's bunt single off Ken Giles, who blew his first save in 14 chances since becoming the Phillies' closer. On Donovan Solano's bunt, Ruiz gambled with a throw to third, but the ball skipped into the outfield. "You can't expect your closer to be perfect every time," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin. "It happens. Unfortunately, it happened due to poor defense, which is lamentable to say the least."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Giles blew his first save in 14 opportunities since he replaced Jonathan Papelbon in July. Sloppy play played a major part in it with Giles dropping a bunt up the first base line and Ruiz throwing a ball into left field, trying to make a play at third base. "As much as I would love to be perfect, it's not going to happen," Giles said.
• It has been a rough season for Phillies right-hander David Buchanan, who had a 9.11 ERA after his first 10 starts. But after allowing one earned run in five innings against the Marlins, Buchanan is hoping to carry some modest success into the offseason, posting a 2.45 ERA (three earned runs in 11 innings) in his last two starts. "Buchanan, we got him out early because we wanted him to leave on a positive note," Mackanin said.
• Phillies pinch-hitter Erik Kratz appeared to score the game-tying run from third base on a passed ball in the eighth inning, but home-plate umpire Carlos Torres called him out. But instant replay showed Kratz clearly stepped on the plate as he collided with Marlins pitcher Mike Dunn. The call was overturned.
• With one out in the bottom of the 10th, Bour bounced a grounder to Ruf, who threw to Galvis at second to get Solano going from first to second. The throw was high -- almost pulling Galvis off the base -- but he barely clipped the bag as Solano was ruled out for the second out of the inning. Jennings challenged the call, but the out was upheld after a two-minute, 29-second review. "You have to be in contact," Jennings said. "Part of the rule there to review that is to eliminate, unless there is a chance the guy can be involved in a collision. On one angle, it looked like he was off the bag. On the other angle, it was a little fuzzy. So my guess was that it probably wasn't conclusive enough to overturn."
• Asher (0-4, 9.78 ERA) has struggled in four starts since his promotion to the big leagues on Aug. 30. The longest he has lasted so far is 5 2/3 innings. In his last start on Sept. 16, the rookie allowed four runs in five innings against Washington.
• Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard remains sidelined with a bruised left knee. If he cannot take batting practice in the new few days, it could mean the end of his season. The same could be said for third baseman Maikel Franco, who has been out since August with a broken left wrist. He is in Clearwater, Fla., rehabbing, but continues to feel something in the wrist when he makes contact with the ball.
• Injured Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria continues his comeback from a bothersome hamstring that sidelined him on Sept. 2. He may return to the lineup for the game, as manager Dan Jennings said the 26-year-old made more progress on Wednesday afternoon.

NEXT GAME:

After a tough start to the season -- combined with a lengthy inner-ear injury -- Miami starter Jarred Cosart returned in early September with hopes of ending 2015 on a positive note. The righty has found success in his first three starts of the month, and is looking to continue that trend in the series finale with the Phillies on Thursday. He will match up with Philadelphia rookie Alec Asher. Cosart (2-4, 4.43 ERA) returned from vertigo on Sept. 6 and has allowed just three runs in 15 2/3 innings. He's coming off his best outing following his return, as he surrendered only two earned runs in six innings in a win at Washington on Thursday.

PHILS PHACTS:

Moving On – Ken Giles had been perfect since the Phillies made him their closer in July. But nobody can be flawless forever. Giles' run of perfection came to an end on Wednesday night in a 4-3, 11-inning loss to the Marlins at Marlins Park. Giles blew his first save in 14 opportunities since the Phillies traded former closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Nationals in July for Double-A pitcher Nick Pivetta. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin called Giles into his office after the game to remind his closer that these things happen. "He just wanted to tell me, 'I don't expect you to be perfect,'" Giles said. "Just be ready to go next time. He doesn't expect anybody to be perfect, and I don't expect myself to be perfect. As much as I would love to be perfect, it's not going to happen." Giles allowed a leadoff single to Ichiro Suzuki to start the bottom of the 10th inning. Dee Gordon followed, dropping a bunt up the first-base line. Giles had an easy play, so much so that Gordon essentially slowed to a jog to first. But Giles bobbled the ball and Gordon was safe. "I just rushed it," Giles said. "I got there in time, but I just rushed it with my hands too quick. I didn't want to rush it, but I was anxious to get him out, too." Donovan Solano followed with another bunt, this one in front of home plate. Carlos Ruiz picked up the ball and threw past third baseman Andres Blanco into left field to allow Suzuki to score to tie the game. "He tried to make a big play and it cost us," Mackanin said about Ruiz's throw. Giles limited the damage to one run, getting Christian Yelich to fly out and Justin Bour to ground out to end the inning. "The positive is I overcame something in a big situation like that, being able to give my team a chance to win the game," Giles said. "Not just there and done." In other words, despite the defensive miscues and the blown save, Giles did not unravel. Giles is 6-2 with a 1.38 ERA in 64 appearances this season. He has the lowest ERA among National League relievers and the best ERA among Phillies relievers since Roger McDowell posted a 1.11 ERA in 1989. Overall, he must be pleased with the way he has pitched. "I can't ask for anything better than what I'm doing right now," Giles said. But Mackanin can ask for better defense. Second baseman Darnell Sweeney's error in the second inning led to the Marlins' first run. Better defense and the Phillies might win on Wednesday. "As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about Spring Training next year and my thing for Spring Training is going to be defense and baserunning," Mackanin said. "That's what the theme is going to be. You don't want to lose games due to bad defense. That's why defense is so important. There was a perfect example of that tonight."

Looking For An Opportunity – Phillies first-base coach Juan Samuel would love to manage a big league team again. That opportunity is unlikely to come in Philadelphia, although incoming Phillies president Andy MacPhail and interim general manager Scott Proefrock interviewed Samuel and Pete Mackanin for the Phillies' managerial job Saturday before offering Mackanin the position Tuesday morning. Mackanin had been interim manager since Ryne Sandberg resigned on June 26. "Before I said yes [to the interview], I talked to my representative and let him know, 'Listen, I don't see where they could tell Pete, thank you very much, now Sammy is taking over,'" Samuel, 54, said before Wednesday's 4-3, 11-inning loss to the Marlins at Marlins Park. "I mean, let's be realistic. He said it cannot hurt you. You and Andy had a history together in Baltimore, so I'm sure he would value your opinion. So that's how I went into it." MacPhail made Samuel the Orioles' interim manager in 2010, when the Orioles dismissed Dave Trembley. MacPhail was Baltimore's president at the time. Samuel went 17-34 with an Orioles team that finished 66-96. "I've been cautious not trying to put my name out there because I just don't want to [interview] for the sake of doing it," Samuel said. "If I feel like I have a shot and I think I could be the right guy then, of course, I would do it. I also think that I'm capable of doing it, I'm prepared and I'm ready to do it. I got a taste of it in Baltimore and I enjoyed it. It's something that is my ultimate goal. Before I hang it up, I would like to get a shot, whether it's here or somewhere else." So now that Mackanin is entrenched at least through next season, could Samuel return to the Phillies' coaching staff after having been a candidate or would it be best to move on? "I don't know," Samuel said. "My contract does not expire until Halloween." But would he accept a coaching job next season with the Phillies? "Of course, of course," he said. "But I would also like to see what things open up out there and see if I get a chance. My ultimate goal is not to finish my career coaching first base. "I know I could offer more. But those things take longer. There are guys that have been in the game longer than me that haven't gotten a chance. Some haven't even gotten an interview. So I think just interviewing here will put my name out there a little more and hopefully people now know he wants to do it because I haven't really been vocal about it because I don't want to interview for the sake of interviewing. I don't want to get burned. But if somebody thinks I deserve a shot, then of course I will do it." Samuel said the interview with MacPhail and Proefrock lasted about 90 minutes. "I went after it like, yes, I have a shot because you never know what they're thinking," Samuel said. "Maybe they wanted a fresh start, maybe he liked what I did in Baltimore. I think it was a very good experience. We talked about the club. They had some questions for me. I answered the best way possible with my knowledge and having been here five years now. I think I did OK."

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 57-95. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 48-55-0 on this day.

Braves Top Phillies In Battle For Last Place

GAME RECAP: Braves Beat Phillies 7-2

The Braves snapped a 12-game losing streak Monday night with a 7-2 victory over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Williams Perez completed seven innings of two-run ball, backed in part by Freddie Freeman's 16th homer of the season and a four-RBI night from Hector Olivera. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez did not hesitate when pitching coach Roger McDowell asked him if he wanted to use closer Arodys Vizcaino to protect a five-run, ninth-inning lead. "I said, 'Vizcaino is in the game no matter what,'" a relieved Gonzalez told reporters. "Because with a [12-game] losing streak, it is a save situation." Freeman got things going with a two-run home run in the first inning against Phillies right-hander Aaron Harang. The second of Jace Peterson's three singles helped the Braves score three more runs against Harang in the fourth to take a 5-1 lead. The Braves and Phillies entered the series with the two worst records in baseball, giving the series 2016 Draft pick implications. The Braves (55-83) had lost 19 of their last 20, and improved to 7-7 against the Phillies (53-85) this season. "That was a disappointing start to the homestand," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "We caught a team that's down, and we couldn't do a whole lot."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies had very little going Monday, but right fielder Aaron Altherr continues to warrant a longer look in the outfield. He tripled in the first inning and scored a run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. He then made a nice running catch at the wall in the eighth inning, which he turned into an inning-ending double play when he threw to first to double up Andrelton Simmons. "He's a nice-looking young player," Mackanin said. "We're going to find out the rest of the month how he does at this level. I have no reason to believe he won't succeed at this level. I'm anxious to see him play a little bit more."
• Harang has been unable to regain the form that helped him to a 2.02 ERA in 11 starts through May 30. He is 1-10 with a 7.79 ERA in 14 starts since then, which includes Monday's start. He allowed eight hits, five runs, three walks, one home run and struck out six in just five innings against the Braves. "They came out swinging, that's the thing," Harang said. "They know what I'm going to do. They know I'm going to go out and throw strikes."
• "It's really different. It really makes a difference. Let's put it this way, it's more fun. It's more fun when you win. You win, you pack the house. We've got to just keep moving forward." -- Mackanin, on the announced attendance of 15,125. It was a record-low at Citizens Bank Park.
• Phillies pinch-hitter Brian Bogusevic hit a homer in the fifth. It was his first big league plate appearance since Sept. 29, 2013, when he played for the Cubs.
• Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard entered this series with 50 career home runs against the Braves. Mets third baseman David Wright (34) is the only other active player who has collected at least 25 homers against Atlanta.
• This series could go have a significant influence on who has the top pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft. The Braves and Phillies entered this series with Major League Baseball's two worst records.
• Braves center fielder Cameron Maybin has missed the past two games because of a left cornea abrasion. His status for Tuesday's game is questionable.

NEXT GAME:

As the Phillies have distanced themselves from their first-half memories with the encouraging success they have had since the All-Star break, they have gained even more reason to believe they were wise to select Aaron Nola with the seventh overall selection in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. Before surrendering six earned runs in just four innings against the Mets on Wednesday, Nola had produced a 3.26 ERA through his first eight career starts. The 22-year-old right-hander surrendered just five hits and one earned run while totaling 15 innings over the final two starts he made in August. Nola will have an opportunity to get back on track when he takes the mound for Tuesday night's game against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. He limited Atlanta to two runs over five innings on Aug. 2. Ryan Weber will be called up from Triple-A Gwinnett to make the start for the Braves. The 25-year-old right-hander will be making his big league debut after going 6-3 with a 2.21 ERA in 27 games, six starts, for Gwinnett this season.

PHILS PHACTS:

Rookie Earns Playing Time – The Phillies unexpectedly created some room in their outfield in the past week, when Domonic Brown suffered a concussion and Cody Asche returned to third base with Maikel Franco sidelined with a broken left wrist. It has left more playing time for Aaron Altherr. It has been well-deserved. Altherr had another solid game in Monday night's 7-2 loss to the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. He tripled to right field in the first inning. He hit a sacrifice fly to right in the third to score the Phillies' first run. He then got hit by a pitch in the sixth. Altherr is hitting .259 (15-for-58) with five doubles, two triples, two home runs, 10 RBIs and an .835 OPS in 17 games. "The more games you play, the more days you're up here, the more you're comfortable," Altherr said. "I'm definitely having a good time being around all these guys. I just hope I can continue to keep playing well." Altherr has played solid defense, too. He made a great leaping catch at the right-field wall in the eighth inning on a ball hit by Michael Bourn. Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons had rounded second base when Altherr made the catch, and Altherr threw the ball to Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who stepped on the bag to complete the inning-ending double play. "The ones hit right at you are the toughest ones, just because of depth perception," Altherr said. "You don't really know how far it's going to travel. I got to the point where I had to make up my mind. I could have turned around if I made up my mind earlier, but I just tried to stick with it and run it down." It is impossible to say exactly how the Phillies' outfield might look on Opening Day next season, but Altherr should be a favorite to make the roster. Brown's time with the Phillies could be up, which would open up a spot. Odubel Herrera certainly will be back after a strong rookie season. Asche could get another shot in left field. Jeff Francoeur could be re-signed. If not, the Phillies probably will look for another veteran to sign to stabilize the outfield. "You've got to like the way he plays defense," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said about Altherr. "That was one hell of a catch. He hit the ball hard two or three times today. He gives you a good approach at the plate. And you certainly like his athleticism. He's a nice-looking young player. We're going to find out the rest of the month how he does at this level. I have no reason to believe he won't succeed at this level. I'm anxious to see him play a little bit more."

Welcome Back To The Majors – The Phillies plan to move to a six-man rotation in the near future, which is why they have not announced a starter for Wednesday night's series finale against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The smart bet is right-hander David Buchanan, whom the Phillies recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday. It might make more sense to give Buchanan a look over the remainder of the season, considering he is expected to remain in the organization next year. Right-hander Jerome Williams is an option for Wednesday, but he can become a free agent and is unlikely to return. The Phillies on Monday also announced they recalled right-handed reliever Nefi Ogando and left-hander Ken Roberts. Both will help an overworked bullpen.

Focusing On 2016 – Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown slipped on sunglasses, grabbed a shoebox from his locker and headed out the door Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Brown is still recovering from a concussion suffered last week attempting to make a catch in New York. He said his headaches are gone, but his eyes remain sensitive to light. He will be tested later this week, but he acknowledged Monday the possibility his 2015 season might be finished. His Phillies career might be finished, too. "I don't worry about that," Brown told MLB.com. "No, not at all. I hope I'm here, I'll tell you that. It's a family for me here. I know everybody. The guys have been great to me. There have been a couple tough times, but that's growing pains. They've always been honest. I respect everybody. I'm comfortable. Why wouldn't you want to be here, you know? "A lot of people ask me if it would be better with a change of scenery. I don't know, really. But I don't see why I can't do good here. I don't mind coming in and competing for a job again. I do it every year anyway. What's wrong with that?" Brown has hit .228 (43-for-189) with six doubles, one triple, five home runs, 25 RBIs and a .634 OPS in 63 games this season. Since he represented the Phillies in the 2013 All-Star Game, he has posted a .650 OPS, which ranks 112th out of 126 qualified outfielders in baseball. Combine Brown's numbers since the 2013 All-Star break, the fact that he is eligible for salary arbitration a second time and the fact that the Phillies might want to give a longer look next season to outfielders Aaron Altherr, Odubel Herrera, Cody Asche, Darnell Sweeney and others, and there is a strong possibility Brown is non-tendered and plays elsewhere next season. If only Brown had shown more flashes of his 2013 success. "I can do that at any time," he said. "I just think I need to play every day. That's up to me. Go out and play well. It's a different philosophy here with how they handle things, but that's all I know. Other teams might leave guys out there, but here you've got to perform. I understand that."

Awaiting Final Draft Position – The Phillies have heard a comment or two in the past couple months about their record and their prospects at the No. 1 pick in the 2016 Draft, but they bristle at the notion that they are gunning for it. But the topic seemed relevant before Monday night's series opener against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies and Braves entered the series with the two worst records in baseball. The Phillies were 53-84 and the Braves were 54-83, making this series one with 2016 Draft implications. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he has no mixed feelings about the team playing well and winning in its final 25 games vs. getting the top pick and knowing they will pick the player that they love the most. "What we're trying to do is just continue to assess what we have with our players and giving them a chance to play," Amaro said. "Hopefully, they're learning from the experience. That's the most important thing for us on the field right now. We'll deal with the Draft when the Draft comes. When we find out what happens at the end of the year, then we'll deal with it." The difference between the No. 1 pick and the No. 2 pick (or No. 3 or No. 4) might not matter much anyway. The common consensus is that there is no unanimous top pick. There is no Bryce Harper or Stephen Strasburg. "There is some pretty good pitching up top," Amaro said. "I think we're going to be pitching intensive. Obviously, we always try to take the best player, but I think our mindset is probably pitching." Many consider the top two high school pitchers to be IMG Academy (Lakeland, Fla.) left-hander Jason Groome and St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.) right-hander Riley Pint. The top two college pitchers might be Florida left-hander A.J. Puk and Oklahoma right-hander Alec Hansen.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 53-85. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 62-50-0 on this day.