Phillies Remain Cold At The Plate

GAME RECAP: Braves Shutout Phillies 2-0

Williams Perez again shut down the Phillies on Saturday afternoon, pitching 6 1/3 shutout innings in a 2-0 victory that gave the Braves two consecutive wins for the first time since April 19. Both starters were effective. Adam Morgan lasted six innings and allowed just one two-run inning, but that was all Atlanta needed to back up Perez's performance. Jeff Francoeur and Nick Markakis reached to start the fourth, and Ender Inciarte ripped a double past a diving Odubel Herrera in left-center. Erick Aybar followed with a sacrifice fly to cap the scoring for the Braves, who will have a chance to split a 10-game road trip and claim their second series sweep of the season with a win in Sunday's finale. "It means a lot with all these guys have been through," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "All I heard was these guys never quit. They just keep getting after it. Things aren't going their way, but they just keep fighting every day. They've done every bit of that since I've been here." All the Phillies mustered against Perez 10 days ago in Atlanta was a Ryan Howard home run. But Perez limited them to even less on Saturday. Three Phillies reached base, two singles and a walk spread over three innings, and none stayed on the basepaths for more than one batter. "That kid, Perez, I gotta tip my cap to him," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "He used both sides of the plate very well, kept us off balance, pitched a good game." Howard, meanwhile, struck out two more times and now has four times more strikeouts (17) than hits (four) since the calendar turned to May.

PHILS PHACTS:

• The Braves and Phillies scored about as many runs as can be expected from the two worst offenses in baseball on a cold and drizzly mid-May game. All the runs (two) came from Atlanta's bats in the third inning. The Phils were shut out for only the second time in 43 games. Morgan pitched well enough to win, but Philadelphia stranded three baserunners and that was all the offense it could eke out against Perez and the Braves' bullpen. With the two-run margin of victory, Atlanta pulled even with the Phillies for least runs scored this season, each now with an MLB-worst 137. "It's obvious that we haven't been hitting the ball the way I think we're capable of hitting," Mackanin said. "Sure, it gets to you after a while. I don't know if we can sustain the pace of scoring two or three runs a night." 
• It took only four innings for Herrera to lay out twice in center field. However, on both attempts, he came up just short. It resulted in a harmless single in the first, when Freddie Freeman laced a ball into right-center past a diving Herrera. David Lough backed up and Morgan retired the next batter. But the damage came in the fourth, when Herrera took an awkward route to a ball off Inciarte's bat, resulting in him lying on the center field grass as Inciarte jogged into second and Francoeur raced home to score the Braves' first run.
• For the first time in his career, Herrera has gone three consecutive games that he's started without reaching base. After going 0-for-4 on Saturday, he's hitless in his last 11 at-bats.
• The Braves lost each of their first 10 challenges of the season before winning one on Friday night. They added another win on Saturday when a quick replay review showed Perez's pitch hit Maikel Franco's bat and not the third baseman's hand, as originally ruled by home-plate umpire Gerry Davis.

NEXT GAME:

Jerad Eickhoff (1-6, 4.44) gets the start for Philadelphia in the finale of its three-game series with the Braves. Eickhoff hasn't recorded more than four strikeouts in a start since April 24, when he struck out seven but also allowed seven runs. Though he posted a 1.89 ERA in his first three starts, that number reached 6.18 over his past five.

PHILS PHACTS:

Good Start, Bad Outcome – Adam Morgan was much sharper in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Braves than his last outing, in which he didn't make it out of the fourth. But Morgan collected his second quality start of the season -- both coming against his hometown Braves. He finished the day with only two runs on the scoreboard and six innings in the book. "He managed to battle and make pitches when he had to," manager Pete Mackanin said. "He fought through it." Not exactly a rousing endorsement, but Morgan felt similarly. Despite surrendering only two runs, the Braves were hitting balls hard off him all game. In all, they collected six hits and made a handful more loud outs. "There were some pitches that I missed, but overall I felt like I improved on the outing last time," Morgan said. "So I'm just going to keep on doing that, trying to improve." The 26-year-old southpaw was coming off the worst start of his career. Morgan allowed seven runs to the Reds in 3 2/3 innings last Sunday. He pointed to a lack of command during that start. In each of the past two starts, though -- one good, one bad -- Morgan has walked more batters than he's struck out. He's combined to throw 9 2/3 innings but has walked five and struck out only two. Morgan's never had swing-and-miss stuff, but this is well below even middling career strikeout numbers. His last two starts amount to a rate of 1.86 strikeouts per nine innings. In 15 MLB starts last season, that rate stood at 5.2, and his lowest Minor League mark came in his 13 starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, at 4.3. But Mackanin chose to overlook the less-than-dominant numbers in lieu of a strong mental performance, battling through six innings, following up a rough start. "When you don't have your best stuff, or you're not locating as well as you can, you gotta figure out a way to get through it," he said. "And that's exactly what he did."

The Bats Have Gone Cold – Despite all their offensive woes to start the season, Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Braves was just the second time in 43 games the Phillies were unable to score a run. The lack of shutouts hasn't translated to any wealth of offense, though. With the two-run margin of victory, the Braves and Phillies pulled even for last place in the Majors in runs scored this season, each now with 137. "It gets to you after a while," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "I don't know if we can sustain the pace of scoring two or three runs a night. As good as our pitching has been, at some point it's gotta affect everybody. But it hasn't affected our guys yet." It's true. Although the weather outside has hardly reflected it, there are sunshiney vibes in the Phils' clubhouse. Even after Saturday's loss -- locking in their first series loss since the beginning of May -- Philadelphia sits five games above .500 and half a game behind the second-place Mets in the National League East. They've continued their success from April into and throughout May, winning 10 of 19 so far this month. More incredibly, the Phillies have done so with effectively a black hole in the middle of the order. Mackanin moved Ryan Howard down from fourth to fifth in the order before Saturday's game. It was the first time Howard hit lower than fourth in a start since April 15 and the fourth time all season. The move came on the back of Howard's month-long slump. Since going 3-for-5 with a walk-off home run against Cleveland on April 29, Howard is hitting .083 (4-for-48) -- though all four hits have gone for extra bases (one double, three homers). He has five times as many strikeouts (20) in that time span as hits. "He's going to be in the lineup," Mackanin said. But Tommy Joseph has a chance to carve out more playing time. Mackanin said Joseph could start Sunday, "to clear Howie's head a little bit." Both will be in the lineup in Detroit, where the Phils can use a designated hitter. "And we'll just go from there," Mackanin added. The Phillies added Joseph to the roster hoping to get an offensive boost. In the limited plate appearances he's seen, the 24-year-old first baseman has looked promising. He's 4-for-12 with a walk and home run. In his first pinch-hit appearance on Saturday, he launched one to right field that was caught on the warning track. But even if Joseph can step into the No. 4 hole and produce, Philadelphia is still waiting for Maikel Franco to bust out of his own slump. Since the month started, Franco is hitting .206 (14-for-68) with as many strikeouts as hits -- not quite on Howard's level, but not what the Phillies are looking for from a hitter they hope to anchor their lineup for years to come. "You've gotta have a good middle of the lineup," Mackanin said. "You gotta drive runs in and we're not doing it. The team today, we just didn't look good."

Today In Phils History – First, let’s start the day by wish Jose Mesa a happy 50^th birthday. The rest of the events that occurred on this day are not so run of the mill. It starts in 1890 when manager Harry Wright was inexplicably struck blind. Catcher Jack Clements took his place as the first of three interim managers. In 1936, Bucky Walters homered and pitched a 4-hit shutout against the Giants. Pinky Whitney also hit a grand slam as part of a 15-0 onslaught. The last time a Phillies pitcher hit an inside-the-park homerun was on this day in 1952 when Curt Simmons accomplished the feat. And, finally, 2 years ago today, recently released Phillies prospect (2010 1^st round selection) was caught in a hailstorm after pitching a day game for the AA affliliate in Reading. In addition to the property damage around the area, including shattering the windows of his car, he also received a concussion which kept him off the mound for nearly 2 months.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are currently 24-19 this season putting them on pace to beat most preseason predictions. The Phillies finished the spring exceeding most expectations compiling a record of 15-11-3 (18-11-3 if you include the exhibition games against Reading and the University of Tampa). All time, the Phillies are 41-52-0 on this day. I expect the Phillies to finish in the bottom half of the division but not last in the NL East by finishing the season with a 77-85 record. Let the rebuild begin!

Phillies Finish Season With Win, Avoid 100 Losses

GAME RECAP: Phils Finish Fish 7-2

The Phillies and Marlins finished their seasons Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park without any postseason berths on the line, but with enough intrigue to make things interesting. The Marlins' Dee Gordon wrapped up the National League batting title, while the Phillies avoided their first 100-loss season since 1961 with a 7-2 victory. Oh, Ichiro Suzuki also made his first appearance as a pitcher, allowing two hits and one run in the eighth inning. "It feels kind of surreal," said Gordon, who was 3-for-4 and finished with a .333 batting average. "It don't think it hit me yet. But it was an amazing feeling when I walked up the stairs and my teammates were ready and congratulated me." David Buchanan looked good in 6 2/3 innings and Aaron Altherr had four RBIs to lead the Phillies. "We fought, grinded and clawed," Phillies right fielder Jeff Francoeur said. "People can probably laugh and say, well, you still lost 99 games, but at the same time we made it our goal. We didn't want to lose 100. I thought we played really well here at the end of the season."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• One of the Phillies' brightest spots in the second half of the season was Altherr, who showed a good bat, glove and speed. He doubled to score the game-tying run in the fifth inning and tripled to clear the bases and hand the Phillies a 6-2 lead in the seventh. He will get a good look next season as a Phillies outfielder. "We got a young team so it's going to take a little while to get a little comfortable," Altherr said. "But we made a lot of good strides, I think. I think it's definitely an exciting team to look forward to in the future."
• Buchanan had a rough year, but he carries some positive momentum into the offseason. He allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings on Sunday to finish with a 2.01 ERA (five earned runs in 22 1/3 innings) in his final four starts. He posted a 9.11 ERA in his first 11. "The fact that I finished strong, hopefully I left a good taste in their mouth and I'm looking forward to the offseason, continuing to work and going to Spring Training and compete for a job," Buchanan said.
• "I thought if Franco hits his 15th homer against Ichiro that does not count." -- Francoeur, who promised to buy Maikel Franco a suit if he hit 15 home runs this season. Franco was in the on-deck circle when Suzuki recorded his final out in the eighth. Francoeur said afterward he will buy Franco a suit anyway.
• Ichiro, the 41-year-old wonder, has appeared in 2,357 MLB games. The iconic outfielder has 2,935 MLB hits. You can now chalk up one inning pitch to Ichiro's long list of accomplishments. With the Phillies in command, 6-2, Ichiro pitched the bottom of the eighth. He gave up one run on two doubles, to Odubel Herrera -- leading off the inning -- and Darnell Sweeney for an RBI. Ichiro faced five batters, and his fastball was as high as 87 mph.
• The Phillies announced Triple-A left-hander Jesse Biddle will have Tommy John surgery on Oct. 14. Biddle, whom the Phillies selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft, went a combined 9-6 with a 4.95 ERA in 24 starts this season with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He posted a 6.25 ERA in nine starts with the IronPigs.

NEXT GAME:

See you in 2016!

PHILS PHACTS:

Playing For Something – In the end, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said 100 losses mattered to him. He had said for weeks he paid no attention to the possibility the Phillies could lose 100 games for the first time since 1961. But after the Phillies finished their season Sunday evening with a 7-2 victory over the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park to finish 63-99 (.389), he said he is happy they avoided it. "I lied to you. I didn't want to lose 100 obviously," Mackanin said. "I didn't want to lose 99. It's just good to end on a positive note." The Phillies still suffered their worst season since 1972, when they went 59-97 (.378). But the Phillies also showed some life and reasons to be optimistic about the future under Mackanin, who replaced Ryne Sandberg on June 26. The Phillies went 34-37 (.479) after the All-Star break, which is a small accomplishment considering the relative age and inexperience of the roster, plus the fact they played most of the second half without Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Chase Utley, Ben Revere and Jake Diekman, each of whom were traded this season. "We didn't want to lose 100," said Jeff Francoeur, who hopes to return. "I thought we played really well here at the end of the season. A lot of things obviously that we have to work on … but it's been a blast to play for these guys and play for Pete. He really stabilized the environment in here and kind of regained the focus after everything that happened. It was a lot of fun." Now, that is not to say the Phillies will compete for the postseason next year, but there certainly should be improvement. Maikel Franco looks like a cornerstone at third base. Odubel Herrera is a talented young hitter. The Phillies have a couple potentially solid rotation pieces in Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff. Ken Giles is a solid closer. Players like Aaron Altherr, Cody Asche, Cesar Hernandez, Freddy Galvis, Adam Morgan and others hope to take steps forward next year. The organization also hopes to see the continued development of a deep and talented Minor League system. "We've got a young team so it's going to take a little while to get a little comfortable," Altherr said. "But we made a lot of good strides, I think. I think it's definitely an exciting team to look forward to in the future." "As of right now the record doesn't matter," Giles said. "It's a matter of us getting experience and seeing the promise everybody provides for us. We've got younger guys ready to come up soon, we've got young guys that are already here and just need the time to get that experience. We just have to be patient with those guys so they can get that experience. That's all it'll take, and maybe the record will flip-flop next year or the year after that, it's just one of those things, you have to be patient for it."

Honoring Chooch – Carlos Ruiz has made his mark in Phillies history, and the Phillies honored him Sunday for one of his greatest accomplishments. Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel presented Ruiz a painting for tying a Major League record catching four no-hitters: Roy Halladay's perfect game in 2010, Halladay's no-hitter in Game 1 of the 2010 National League Division Series; a combined no-hitter in September 2014 and Cole Hamels' no-hitter in July. Halladay offered a nice congratulatory message on Phanavision during the ceremony. “@CMBaseball41 presents gift to Chooch for being recognized for catching 4 no-hitters in his career! #Chooooooch pic.twitter.com/RzXosnSfPg” — Phillies (@Phillies) October 4, 2015.

Ashburn Award Winner – On most days James Rodriguez, a member of the Phillies' ballpark operations department since 1989, does his job with little notice or recognition. That changed Sunday, at least for a few minutes, when Rodriguez was presented with the 2015 Richie Ashburn Special Achievement Award on the field before the season-ending game against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The award, named after the late beloved broadcaster and Hall of Fame center fielder, is given annually to the member of the organization who demonstrates the same loyalty, dedication and passion for Phillies baseball that Ashburn did. It was presented by Ashburn's daughter, Jean, and granddaughter, McKenzie. "This just shows that [Ashburn] had a legacy out there and I'm trying to uphold it to the best of my ability. And this plaque shows that I've been doing the right thing," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez began his Phillies career working in the super boxes at Veterans Stadium. His duties now include deliveries, set-up and breakdown for special events, cleaning the clubhouses and umpire's room and general maintenance. He was nominated for this honor by Operations/Facility Director Mike DiMuzio. "While James' work is not 'seen' by many in the organization (he doesn't bring in marketing deals, isn't responsible for building physical items that may be viewed in the ballpark, etc.) his ability to perform his duties allows others to perform theirs," DiMuzio said. "James quietly goes about his job making certain all deliveries are properly accounted for and is also responsible, with Tony McClean, for the maintenance of the clubhouses. James has never refused an assignment and is always looking for the next project to accomplish. "His expanded role since we have moved to CBP has allowed the special events department to flourish. Throughout more than 25 years of employment, James rarely takes a day off and his attention to detail is superb. He is as friendly an employee as the Phillies have ever hired and has represented the ballpark operations department and the Phillies organization extremely well during his tenure." DiMuzio also noted that Rodriguez is also considered to be the organization's best dresser, best singer, best dancer, and arguably proudest grandfather. The fact that he works behind the scenes makes this recognition even more special, Rodriguez said. "It's more special because it shows I'm on the right track and that I'm doing things that need to be done in a proper way," he said. "This organization is my other family. Being here is like home away from home."

Moving On – If your favorite baseball team trades a franchise icon, it just might have fallen on hard times. If three are moved in one year, feel free to plan a vacation in October. If the manager abruptly hands in his resignation in the middle of the season, there's a pretty good chance things aren't going according to plan. If the general manager is let go before the final game is played, that's probably not a good sign. If there's a wrenching transition at the very peak of the organizational chart, there just may have been better days. If a team finishes with the worst record in the Major Leagues, well, you get the idea. And if all of that happens to the same team in the same year, you've got your 2015 Phillies, who finally pulled the curtain down on one of the longest seasons in recent memory Sunday with a 7-2 win over the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. At least that allowed them to avoid losing 100 games in a season for the first time since 1961. Change can be unsettling. Change can be tumultuous. Change can also be necessary and, in the long run, helpful. Which is where the Phillies are now, hoping all they've endured has prepared them to begin turning around what has been a breathtaking plunge since winning 102 games just four years ago. Just a year ago, when the Phillies closed out a last-place finish with a 2-1 home loss to the Braves, the public posture of the front office was still that they hoped to be a contender each and every year. Some of what has happened since could have been anticipated then. Much couldn't have. Jimmy Rollins, the best shortstop the franchise has ever employed, was traded to the Dodgers a week before Christmas. That was the signal that the rebuilding process was beginning. Cole Hamels, arguably the best left-handed starter the team ever developed, went to the Rangers at the non-waiver Trade Deadline. A few weeks later, their best second baseman ever, Chase Utley went to the Dodgers. Ryne Sandberg's decision to step down as manager in June was shocking. The decision not to extend the contract of general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. wasn't ... except for the part where Amaro was widely praised for the haul of prospects he was able to get in return for trading his veterans. The hiring of Andy McPhail as club president returned stability to the upper echelons of the power structure. So did John Middleton's emergence as the strong, clear voice of the ownership group. Long-term predictions are a Hail Mary pass at best. But here's a look at three areas that should get a lot of attention before pitchers and catchers once again report to Clearwater, Fla., next Spring Training. Clubhouse chemistry. When Pat Gillick was general manager, he always tried to talk to a player face-to-face before trading for or signing him as a free agent. The Hall of Fame executive wanted to gauge whether the guy's personality would be a good fit. In recent years, the Phillies seemed to drift away from that approach. Talent often appeared to trump other concerns. Which is not to suggest that signing Jonathan Papelbon, to name one example, is the only reason the Phillies struggled. But when the tide turned, his response too often was to complain that he hadn't come here to lose or to make a lewd gesture in response to being booed. Not exactly the kind of guy you'd want in a foxhole with you. Amaro did McPhail and the next general manager a huge favor by convincing the Nationals to take Papelbon at the deadline. Conversely, that's a great reason to bring outfielder Jeff Francoeur and infielder Andres Blanco back. Officially, the front office hasn't ruled out the possibility of a Ryan Howard and Darin Ruf platoon at first base next season. Just looking at the numbers, especially Ruf against left-handed pitching, it makes sense. Realistically, however, it's time to move on. Howard obviously wasn't happy splitting time this season. And even if he bounced back and put up huge numbers, so what? He turns 36 next month and the Phillies need to search for long term solutions. For starters. If the 2016 season started tomorrow, the only two starting pitchers currently employed by the Phillies who could be penciled into the rotation with some assurance are rookies Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff. That's why interim general manager Scott Proefrock said Sunday that signing at least a couple veterans was a priority, along with adding bullpen depth, and that he expects to have some payroll flexibility to accomplish that. "Pitching is first and foremost," he said. Interestingly, he didn't rule out the possibility of adding an upper-tier starter, if the right guy is available, to take pressure of the youngsters. It's been a tough season. But that doesn't mean it was a wasted one. Opportunities were presented to unproven youngsters and many impressed. Rule 5 draft pick Odubel Herrera. The double-play combination of Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez. Catcher Cameron Rupp. Outfielder Aaron Altherr. Ken Giles seamlessly replaced Papelbon as closer. Nola and Eickhoff. Top prospects such as shortstop J.P. Crawford and catcher Andrew Knapp are also progressing through the system. Against that backdrop, manager Pete Mackanin was asked if there was any way he could view this season a success. "No. We don't want to lose. We want to win," he said. "But there are a lot of positives that came out of this." A lot went awry during the season that ended Sunday in Philadelphia. Now the Phillies have to try to build on the things that went right.

Interim Planning – Phillies interim general manager Scott Proefrock and manager Pete Mackanin reemphasized a few points with reporters before Sunday's season finale against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park: They plan to focus on pitching in the offseason, but do not expect them to pursue the top-tier free agents. That is something Phillies president Andy MacPhail made clear in Miami a couple weeks ago. Instead, expect the Phillies to pursue mid-level starters like Doug Fister, J.A. Happ, Bartolo Colon and others as well as a veteran relief pitcher or two. The Phillies want pitchers who can stabilize the pitching staff and bridge the gap from a rebuilding team to a potential postseason contender. "I think we're definitely looking for some veteran starting pitching," Proefrock said. If Ryan Howard returns he is expected to platoon at first base with Darin Ruf. Howard declined to speak with reporters Sunday. Carlos Ruiz is expected to return, despite the worst season of his career. "Chooch had a difficult year, but he was a great presence in the clubhouse, as was Ryan, and I think they're both guys our young players can benefit from being around going forward if they're still here," Proefrock said. "A lot of things can happen in the offseason, but if they're here we expect them to provide that type of leadership and productivity." If the Phillies value positive influences in the clubhouse then it makes sense for them to bring back Jeff Francoeur, who has said he would like to return next season. Francoeur entered Sunday's season finale hitting .261 with 13 homers, 45 RBIs and a .727 OPS in 118 games. "On a young team like this where we're trying to groom them to become hardnosed, everyday players playing professionally I think a guy like Frenchy is an ideal-type candidate," Mackanin said. "Same thing with [Andres] Blanco, same thing with Chooch. They play the game the right way and they communicate with their teammates very well and I think it's huge to have leaders by example." But will the Phillies try to resign Francoeur before they hire Ruben Amaro Jr.'s replacement? "I think if we feel like we want to move forward on something, obviously Andy can make that call," Proefrock said. "We have an exclusive negotiating window with those guys until they declare free agency. So if we decide organizationally we want to pursue them, we'll still have time to do that. We're having organizational meetings at the end of October so a lot of those things will be discussed at that particular point."

Coaches Invited Back – The first moves of the Phillies' offseason came shortly after they finished their 2015 season Sunday evening with a 7-2 win over the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin announced he has invited bench coach Larry Bowa, hitting coach Steve Henderson, pitching coach Bob McClure and first-base coach Juan Samuel to rejoin the coaching staff in 2016. Those four coaches have not yet made their decisions. Bullpen coach Rod Nichols and third-base coach John Mizerock will not be back. Sources said Bowa is scheduled to interview with the Marlins about their managerial vacancy. Coach Jorge Velandia joined the coaching staff midseason. It is unclear if he will remain on the coaching staff or return to his previous role as the Phillies' special assistant to player personnel. "It's an organizational-type thing," Mackanin said. "We feel like we need to change. We're going to look at the mix of the coaches and zero in on however we feel we can help." Samuel said he does not want to finish his career as a first-base coach. But with Mizerock gone, Samuel could slide back to third base, where he coached for the Phillies in 2011-12. "We're going to look at a lot of candidates and determine which is the best way for us to go," Mackanin said. "Defense and base running are important. We'll have more info on that as we look at the candidates." Asked why Henderson and McClure have been invited to return, Mackanin said, "I like both of their passion. I think they're good with the young guys. I think we've seen some improvement with some of the guys, Freddy [Galvis], Cesar [Hernandez], even [Maikel] Franco. He's been brought along nicely. They've both had passion for what they're doing and they care about the players and their work ethic is outstanding." Additionally, bullpen catchers Bob Stumpo and Jesus Tiamo have been asked to return.

You, Sir, Are No Phanatic! – The Phillie Phanatic is widely considered one of the best mascots in all of sports: It's fluffy and weird and spirited and spontaneous. Plus, he's got some killer dance moves. But, what if the Phanatic had an evil twin that was as vile and terrifying as the authentic Phanatic is friendly and enthusiastic? Well, turns out he does and it was in the stands for a doubleheader between the Phillies and Marlins on Saturday. There's no way that thing has a reflection. The ushers should have provided fans with cloves of garlic to keep it at bay and, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go plug in an extra nightlight to pretend I'm going to be able to sleep tonight.

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 63-99. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 7-10-0 on this day.

Papelbon Gets Moved And The Phillies Keep Rolling

GAME RECAP: Philadelphia Tops Toronto 3-2

Ken Giles settled into his newly minted role as closer on Tuesday, helping the Phillies seal a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Hours after former closer Jonathan Papelbon was traded to the Nationals, Giles came on to protect a one-run lead and threw a scoreless ninth inning as Philadelphia took the opener of a two-game set. After allowing a leadoff single to Edwin Encarnacion, Giles retired Chris Colabello and Russell Martin on flyouts before Danny Valencia grounded into a forceout to end the game. It was Giles' first save of the season and the second of his career. "I can't thank him enough for guiding me through the way of the closer," Giles said about Papelbon. "I think I'm going to be a great closer." The Phillies rallied for three runs in the fifth to erase a two-run deficit, driving Blue Jays starter Felix Doubront from the game with four hits in a row, three of them for extra bases. Doubront lasted only four-plus innings, allowing six hits and three runs with two walks and three strikeouts. Lefty Adam Morgan took the win. Morgan allowed a leadoff homer to Devon Travis and surrendered another run on a pair of hits in the second, but he settled in and allowed only two more baserunners before he was lifted in favor of Jeanmar Gomez when the Phillies took the field for the seventh inning. Morgan tossed six innings and allowed five hits and two runs with two strikeouts and two walks.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies picked up 21 extra-base hits in their weekend sweep of the Cubs, their most in a three-game stretch since 2001. The power continued against the Blue Jays. After Ryan Howard started the fifth inning with a single, which appeared to carom off his leg, Darin Ruf, Cody Asche and Andres Blanco each doubled to hand the Phillies a 3-2 lead.
• The Blue Jays have crushed left-handers this season, posting an .832 OPS against them. No other team had as much as a .771 OPS against left-handers. But Morgan handled himself well. After he served up the homer to Travis, he allowed one run in his final five innings to post his third quality start of the season. "It's challenging to face a lineup of all righties," Morgan said. "I just stuck to my game plan. This is a good hitting lineup, but if you keep the ball down and mix speeds, you give your team a chance to win. I learned pretty quick that anybody in that lineup can hit a home run. Just from then on, I really focused on keeping the ball down and mixing speeds in and out."
• "It was hard to mentally prepare myself when I was already as nervous as I was. I think I did an OK job. I think it was the jitters, I was nervous up there. Just getting that first one out of the way, and hopefully the next one and beyond will be a lot smoother." -- Giles, on batting nerves as the team's new closer.
• Troy Tulowitzki will make his much-anticipated Toronto debut when the Blue Jays and Phillies wrap a two-game series at Rogers Centre on Wednesday. The All-Star shortstop was acquired from the Rockies, along with reliever LaTroy Hawkins, early Tuesday, but he wasn't able to arrive in time to be in the lineup for the series opener later that day. He's expected to be activated ahead of the series finale. The addition of Tulowitzki is a clear upgrade at shortstop over Jose Reyes, who was sent to Colorado along with three Minor League pitchers in the blockbuster deal. Tulowitzki, 30, is hitting .300 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs this season. It's not immediately evident where he fits into the Blue Jays' batting order, but manager John Gibbons said that will become clear Wednesday.
• Blue Jays rookie second baseman Devon Travis is questionable after exiting Tuesday's game with left shoulder irritation. Jose Bautista, who exited late due to a leg cramp, said he'll be ready to play Wednesday.

NEXT GAME:

Right-hander Jerome Williams will make the start for the Phillies, his second since returning from the disabled list after he suffered a strained left hamstring. Williams is 3-7 with a 6.28 ERA this season. In four career games (three starts) against the Blue Jays, he's 2-0 with a 3.72 ERA. Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will get the start for the Blue Jays. The right-hander has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in all but one of his last 10 starts. 

PHILS PHACTS:

Taking Over – Ken Giles seemed destined to pitch the ninth inning in a save situation Tuesday night, right? Less than an hour after the Phillies announced they had traded Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations to the Nationals for Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta, Giles picked up the save in a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "You know, the ball always seems to find you when you go in a game," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "I was talking to [pitching coach Bob] McClure, and he said, 'The ball is going to find Giles tonight.' The baseball gods work that way." Giles allowed a leadoff single to Edwin Encarnacion before retiring the next three batters for the second save of his career, but his first as the full-time replacement for Papelbon, who ended his tumultuous three-plus seasons with the Phillies as the franchise's all-time leader with 123 saves. "I can't thank him enough for guiding me through the way of the closer," Giles said about Papelbon. "I think I'm going to be a great closer." The Phillies hope so. They need one. But while Giles certainly is confident in his abilities, he could not help but feel nervous Tuesday. It is one thing to be a setup man picking up a save for Papelbon late last season, when Papelbon was suspended for an indecent gesture after blowing a save. It is something entirely different to save a game as the man. "Yeah, I started to get a little nervous," Giles said. "The first one is the hardest. And even though I did it last year, I was way more nervous in this one, because I was the guy, I needed to get three outs to conserve that win. The eighth inning is way different. All I have to do is conserve that lead or come out with the tie. Closer, you just want to go 1-2-3, shut them down, let's go home." Papelbon had made his feelings known about his desire to be traded for more than a year. He said he enjoyed playing the role of villain in Philadelphia. He obviously had his detractors, but pitchers in the bullpen generally seemed to enjoy Papelbon's mentorship over the years. Giles is included in that group. "Pap was guiding me and teaching me the way," he said. "I knew he wanted to be traded, and I knew it was only a matter of time. It was just to the point of when he was going to get traded and when he felt like he was satisfied with where he wanted to go and stuff like that. I wish him all the best of luck, and hopefully we'll all cross paths once again and I'll see how he's doing then. "But being a closer feels great, it's a once in a lifetime dream for me to be a closer. Now it's my opportunity to show what I've got." So what's his intro music going to be? "I guess we'll wait and see."

One Down – Jonathan Papelbon finally got his wish. The Phillies announced Tuesday night they had traded Papelbon and cash considerations to the Nationals for Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta, ending Papelbon's tumultuous Phillies career without the trips to the postseason he expected when he signed a four-year, $50 million contract in November 2011. MLBPipeline.com ranks Pivetta as the Phillies' No. 10 prospect. "We didn't want to just get rid of him," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a news conference in Philadelphia. "He had an extraordinary career with us. The fact of the matter is, he was as good as advertised and maybe better. We just didn't play very well around him. Unfortunately, we didn't have the kind of club that was the reason for him to be here. "No, I don't believe in just getting rid of the guy. Not for me. The ultimate goal was to do what's right for the Phillies. That's what I have to do. I think, ultimately, this will work out for everyone." Amaro said the Phillies are paying a "significant" portion of Papelbon's salary for the remainder of the season. The Washington Post reported it is $4.5 million, which is essentially the rest of his 2015 salary. But Amaro said they will pay none of the $11 million Papelbon will make in 2016. Papelbon, who waived his no-trade rights, actually took less money to leave the Phillies, forgoing a $13 million club option that would have automatically vested if he finished just 14 more games this season. Papelbon flew home to Mississippi following Sunday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, so he never made it to Toronto. Papelbon recently had made it a habit to fly home for off-days, packing his bags each time and hoping he would get that call from the Phillies that he had been traded. He finally got that call Tuesday. Papelbon and his agents negotiated the new contract directly with the Nationals, and the Phillies and Nationals agreed on Pivetta. "I think every trade has its challenges," Amaro said. "This had a variety of different challenges because we had to get approval from him, and there was some complication in converting the contract. I think, at the end of the day, hopefully this works out for everybody." The Nationals selected Pivetta, 22, in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft. He went 7-4 with a 2.29 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) this season with Class A Advanced Potomac before being promoted to Harrisburg, where he is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts. "A strapping, big arm," Amaro said about Pivetta. "A guy who our scouts liked quite a bit. We have seen him quite a bit over the last couple of years. We like the arm. Hopefully, Nick can continue his development and continue his way up the ladder so he can help us in Philadelphia sometime soon." Amaro said Pivetta's ceiling is as high as a No. 3 starter. "He's still got some upside," Amaro said. "Our projections are a middle to the bottom of the rotation type of pitcher. Could be as high as a three. Could be as low as a five. A lot of it depends on how he develops. He's got great stuff to work with, and I like the way our development people are working with our pitching." Coincidentally, Papelbon's trade came two years to the day that he told MLB.com in Detroit: "I definitely didn't come here for this." Papelbon had been vocal about wanting to leave Philadelphia ever since, most recently campaigning for a trade at the All-Star Game. He will leave the Phillies as the franchise's all-time saves leader, with 123. He finished his Phillies career 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA in 234 appearances, making the National League All-Star team in 2012 and 2015.

Trade Talk – Jonathan Papelbon is headed to the Nationals, but what about Cole Hamels? Sources told MLB.com on Tuesday that Hamels is expected to be traded before Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, although nothing is imminent. But the Phillies moved Hamels' scheduled start from Thursday to Friday, which erases any risk of a freak injury and allows the acquiring team to pitch him almost immediately. The Phillies would not have bumped Hamels if they did not hope to trade him. ESPN.com reported the Phillies have told teams to make their best offers for Hamels by Wednesday. "I guess I'm pretty valuable to them right now," Hamels said with a smile before Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "I understand. It's OK. I just do what they tell me to do. But I understand them. I guess if I were in their position, I'd do the same thing, too." The Rangers and Dodgers remain the frontrunners for Hamels, but a source told MLB.com on Tuesday that the Giants have escalated their efforts. San Francisco has the financial flexibility to facilitate a trade, although it is difficult to see how they will come up with the prospects to satisfy the Phillies. The Astros also have emerged as a suitor. FOXSports.com reported that Phillies scout Charley Kerfeld scouted Houston's Double-A affiliate on Tuesday. Phillies president Pat Gillick leans heavily on Kerfeld's opinions, so the fact he has been watching Texas' and Houston's Double-A affiliates this week is worth noting. Sources said the Yankees, Cubs and D-backs also have expressed interest in Hamels. But the Rangers continue to make the most sense for the Phillies because they like the young power hitters in their farm system. Hamels can block trades to 20 teams, but he cannot block trades to the Rangers, Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, Nationals, Cardinals, Braves, Padres and Mets. But there are more hurdles to clear than just the no-trade list. First, the Phillies need to get some prospects they like, preferably power hitters. Second, there is Hamels' salary. Hamels will be paid $22.5 million each of the next three seasons, which includes a $6 million buyout on a 2019 club option worth $20 million. "We've had really fluid conversations with a bunch of teams on a variety of players," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a news conference in Philadelphia.

Minor Update – Players of the Week: Player - 1B Brock Stassi, Reading…Stassi, 25, was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week after batting .444 (12-27) in seven games with three doubles, two home runs and eight RBI. He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, and in five of those games has recorded multiple hits. Stassi's 66 RBI are most in the league, and he also ranks among the top four in average (.315), on-base percentage (.406), total bases (156) and walks (54). His home run on July 23 was his ninth of the season, which is a new career high. Stassi was selected by the Phillies in the 33^rd round of the 2011 draft out of The University of Nevada-Reno, and was signed by Joey Davis. Pitcher - LHP Ranger Suarez, GCL Phillies…Suarez, a 20-year-old lefthander, started one game last week, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and a walk against the GCL Yankees. He struck out five batters en route to Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week honors. Suarez now has scoreless outings of 6.0 innings or more and three hits or fewer in three of his four starts. He has allowed only two earned runs in 27.2 innings pitched this season (0.65 ERA) and has a 0.69 WHIP (15 hits, four walks), both of which rank in the top four in the league. Suarez was signed as an amateur free agent in April of 2012 by the Phillies and Jesus Mendez.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs - International League North Division…46-56, 4^th place…The IronPigs have improved to 5-0-3 in their last eight series after splitting a four-game set with the Toledo Mud Hens and then taking two of three from the Syracuse Chiefs. They have gone 24-14 since June 14 after posting a 22-42 record through that date. Top hitting performers - OF Aaron Altherr recorded RBIs in five of seven games, including three multi-RBI efforts. He clubbed two home runs, scored four runs and tallied 17 total bases for Lehigh Valley…In his return to the Phillies' farm system, C Erik Kratz batted .500 (7-14) with four runs scored, two doubles, a triple and a pair of RBI. Top pitching performers - LHP Anthony Vasquez won his third straight decision after tossing 6.0 innings of one-run ball against Toledo on July 21…LHP Jesse Biddle impressed for the second straight start, this time surrendering a run on four hits in 5.2 innings of work. He has allowed one run in his last 12.1 innings…LHP Adam Loewen appeared in four games, all in relief, and struck out five while allowing just three base runners (a hit and two walks) in 4.1 innings. He also converted his lone save opportunity. Reading Fightin Phils - Eastern League Eastern Division …54-47, T-2^nd place…Reading's week began strong with a series win over Bowie, but quickly turned as they won just one game in a four-game series with New Britain. The Fightins sat in first place in the division briefly two weeks ago, but have now lost four of five and sit 1.5 games behind the first-place Binghamton Mets. Top hitting performers - 1B Brock Stassi was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week after compiling a .444 average with two homers, eight RBI, a .531 on-base percentage and 1.309 OPS in seven games. He has seven RBI in his last five games and 66 for the season…SS J.P. Crawford doubled three times, homered, scored seven runs and knocked in two more while hitting .308…C Andrew Knapp batted .364 with six RBI and a team-high four doubles in six games. He had multiple hits in three of those games…OF Kelly Dugan went 7-24 (.292) with four runs scored, two doubles and two RBI. Top pitching performers - RHP Colton Murray had a 2.0-inning relief appearance and a 3.0-inning relief appearance and did not allow a base runner in either. He struck out six batters in those 5.0 innings combined…RHP Edubray Ramos combined for 4.0 innings and one unearned run in his two games out of the bullpen…LHP Tom Windle struck out five in 3.2 innings of work, allowing just one unearned run on two hits. Clearwater Threshers - Florida State League North Division…20-11, 1^st place, 57-44 overall… The first-place Threshers started their week with three straight wins, scoring 20 combined runs in those games. They were unable to carry that momentum, however, as they dropped two of their last three against Jupiter and the series opener with Bradenton to finish 4-3 for the week. Top hitting performers - 1B Rhys Hoskins recorded 10 hits in 25 at-bats (.400) while reaching base in half of his plate appearances. He scored five runs, walked five times and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games…OF Carlos Tocci also batted .400, recording three multi-hit games with four doubles, four runs scored and four RBI…C Willians Astudillo is now batting .310 for the season after going 8-24 (.333) with five RBI and three runs scored…OF Andrew Pullin reached double digits with his 10^th home run of the season and also drove in a team-high six runs while batting .320 in six games…OF Dylan Cozens may have only played in five games, but he still managed to hit a home run, triple and double while batting .412 with 13 total bases. Top pitching performers - LHP Brandon Leibrandt threw 7.0 strong frames, yielding just two runs on three hits to Jupiter. He has 11 quality starts in 15 total starts this season…RHP Victor Arano allowed two runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings during his lone start of the week. Lakewood BlueClaws - South Atlantic League Northern Division…19-11, 2^nd place, 52-46 overall…Lakewood sits just a game back in the division after a dominant 5-1 week which included a series win over first-place West Virginia. The Blue Claws will finish their series with Kannapolis before heading to West Virginia to try to gain more ground on the Power in a four-game series. Top hitting performers - 2B Scott Kingery hit .346 with a home run, four RBI and four runs scored in six games. He has eight hits in last 17 at-bats (.471 average)…1B Kyle Martin continues his torrid season after batting .348 with four extra-base hits (two doubles, a triple, and a home run). Martin set a career-high with four hits on July 25, and is batting .372 this season…OF Jiandido Tromp went 7-21 (.333) with three doubles and two RBI. Top pitching performers - RHP Ranfi Casimiro has now won four straight decisions after throwing 7.2 shutout innings with six strikeouts against the West Virginia Power on July 22…RHP Will Morris lasted 7.0 innings for the second straight start, allowing three runs in his win over Kannapolis…RHP Tyler Viza tossed 7.0 scoreless frames and scattered six hits in his lone start…LHP Elniery Garcia tied his season-best with just three hits allowed in a 6.0-inning scoreless start on July 24…RHP Matt Hocknberry appeared in three games, combining for 4.0 scoreless innings and two saves in as many chances. Williamsport Crosscutters - New York-Penn League Pinckney Division…24-12, 1^st place…The Crosscutters rebounded nicely from an 0-3 start to the week to win three of their last four games by a combined score of 19-10. They allowed three runs or fewer in each of their three wins and remain four games ahead in the division. Top hitting performers - OF Zachary Coppola hit safely in his first six games of the week, finishing with a .357 average and five runs scored to go along with a .400 on-base percentage…2B Josh Tobias hit .345 with two doubles, a triple, a home run and three multi-hit games…OF Jose Pujols went 8-27 (.296) with five runs scored, two driven in and a double. He is tied for the league lead with 11 doubles this season…OF Mark Laird batted .318 with four RBI and hit safely in all but one of his six games played…1B Brendon Hayden reached base at a .435 mark thanks to six hits (three doubles) and a team-high four walks. Top pitching performers -  RHP Mitch Gueller held Aberdeen to two runs (one earned) in 6.2 innings on the mound on July 24. He has allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his six starts…LHP Tyler Gilbert did not allow a run and surrendered only three hits in 5.0 innings of work during his one start…RHP Anthony Sequiera had outings of 2.1 innings and 2.0 innings, both of which were scoreless. He nailed down his only save opportunity, and now has five straight outings of at least 2.0 innings pitched. GCL Phillies - Gulf Coast League, Northwest Division…20-8, 1^st place… Bad weather held the Phillies to just five games last week, as they had three contests, including a doubleheader, postponed due to rain. They took their first two games of the week against the Yankees by scores of 7-5 and 3-0, but then dropped three straight to the GCL Blue Jays on Wednesday and Thursday. Top hitting performers - OF Juan Luis raised his average 48 points in three games after going 6-9 with a home run, three RBI and four runs scored…3B Lucas Williams batted .556 (5-9) in three games and now has a seven-game hit streak…SS Jonathan Arauz hit .364 with a walk in three games. Top pitching performers -  LHP Ranger Suarez's ERA sits at 0.65 after yet another scoreless outing. He pitched 6.0 innings and allowed two hits, giving him three starts of 6.0 innings, no runs and three hits or fewer this season. His dominant start earned him Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week…RHP Edgar Garcia made his first start of the season, yielding two runs (one earned) in 4.1 innings of work while striking out four…RHP Kevin Walsh did not allow a run in his season-high 3.1 innings of relief on July 23.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are starting the season as expected and are now at the bottom of the NL east at 38-63. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance so far this season, this could end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 55-50-0 on this day.

Nola Gets No Support In Impressive Debut

GAME RECAP: Rays Shutout Phillies 1-0

Rays right-hander Nathan Karns provided the only blemish to Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola's highly anticipated big league debut Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park. Karns hit a first-pitch fastball off Nola to left-center field for a solo home run in the third inning of a 1-0 victory. It would be plenty for the Rays, as Karns and the Rays' bullpen combined to allow just four hits in the shutout. "Unique win, but we'll take as many of them as we can get," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. Nola, who is the No. 28 prospect in baseball according to MLBPipeline.com, took the loss, but he left fans excited about the future with an impressive showing. "It was pretty awesome to be out there to feel the energy from the fans," Nola said. "To pitch at this level is pretty amazing and a pretty good feeling tonight. I had a little bit of jitters in the first inning. But once I threw a few pitches, they were gone."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, and Nola offered one in his big league debut. He threw 88 pitches (59 strikes), throwing his fastball, curveball and changeup for strikes. If this is just a glimpse of Nola's potential, the Phillies will be very happy they selected him with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 Draft. "I gave it everything I had out there," Nola said. "I was blessed for the opportunity to pitch here."
• The Phillies might not have scored anyway, but Asche made the first out of the second inning at third base, trying to go from first to third on Brown's single to right. Odubel Herrera then bounced into an inning-ending double play in the fifth, when he simply stopped running to first base. Herrera remained in the game. "Herrera didn't assume he was going to throw to second base," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "He kind of quit running. He's got to understand that's not the way you play."
• "You've got an American League pitcher up there, it's the first pitch of the inning. You're not going to try to trick anybody. I've known Nathan for a long time, and I can sit here and say a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then" -- Rupp, on Karns' homer run against Nola.
• The Phillies sold 8,500 tickets since Friday, when they announced Nola would make his debut. They sold 4,000 tickets Tuesday. Tuesday's crowd of 28,703 was the Phillies' largest crowd for a weeknight game (on a non-fireworks night) since May 14, when they had 29,205 for the final game of a series against the Pirates.

NEXT GAME:

Rookie left-hander Adam Morgan (1-2, 3.91 ERA) hopes to continue his roll Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET. He has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his first four starts, and he has pitched more than six innings in two of his last three. Jake Odorizzi (5-6, 2.80 ERA) will start after taking his sixth loss of the season Friday night in Toronto when he had a career-high-tying five walks. In addition, he allowed a season-high six earned runs and had a season low for strikeouts with one. He has not faced the Phillies, but he is 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA in seven career Interleague starts. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

PHILS PHACTS:

Nola Impresses In Debut – Dan Baker, the Citizens Bank Park public address announcer, has introduced thousands of lineups in his career. Still, he was able to reach back for a little more when he got to the Phillies' starting pitcher -- AA-ron NO-la -- Tuesday night. The crowd responded with genuine enthusiasm. There was a buzz in the blue seats that has been missing for much of the season. When the game started, the fans hung on every pitch, groaning when Nola didn't get the benefit of the doubt on a close pitch. When he got a big strikeout, the television cameras cut to his parents, sitting in the stands. Nola's father pumped his fist. Phillies fans had something to be excited about. Nola, the organization's first-round pick out of LSU just over a year ago, made his Major League debut against the Rays. And he didn't disappoint, allowing just one run in his six innings. Fifteen of Nola's 18 outs came on strikeouts or ground balls. The spoiler alert is that the Phils lost, 1-0. Now, Major League debuts are like Opening Days. They're a lot of fun. And they almost never turn out to be as significant as they seem at the time. Still, it's hard to overstate what a crucial piece Nola plays in the puzzle the Phillies are trying to assemble. One start doesn't make a career. But that doesn't mean that what Nola did Tuesday night, and what he'll do the rest of the season, aren't vital to the ongoing reconstruction project the organization has undertaken. Think about it this way: Nola is already the 12th pitcher to start a game for the Phils this season. And, right now, you'd have to say he's the best bet of any of them to be in the rotation when the slate is wiped clean and the 2016 season begins. Ace Cole Hamels is widely expected to be traded before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Aaron Harang and Chad Billingsley were low-risk, high-reward gambles when they were signed in the offseason; Harang faded after a hot start and then went on the disabled list, while Billingsley has been unable to stay healthy. Jerome Williams has so far been unable to replicate the success he had for the Phillies last year after being released by the Astros and waived by the Rangers. Dustin McGowan was signed after being released by the Dodgers, and Kevin Correia was brought aboard after being released by the Giants. Sean O'Sullivan had a 6.08 ERA in 13 starts. All are currently on Triple-A Lehigh Valley's roster. Phillippe Aumont has left the building. And the organization, after declining an outright assignment to the IronPigs. Youngsters Adam Morgan, Severino Gonzalez and David Buchanan have promise, but none have shown enough yet to be written into the 2016 rotation in ink. Sure, trades could change that picture. Free agent signings, too. And there are some pitchers down below, including Zach Eflin at Double-A Reading, that the baseball people are bullish on. Maybe, could be, possibly. It might not be fair to project a starring role next season for a 22-year-old who wasn't even a non-roster invitee to big league camp this spring. It might be a gigantic leap to suggest that after one big league start, Nola jumps to the top of the list. But dealing strictly with the known commodities on hand, it's difficult to reach any other conclusion. Besides, everything the Phils do these days matters less about the here and now than what the projected impact might be moving forward. Ruben Amaro Jr. tempered his remarks, which is prudent. "He represents the kind of things we're trying to do," the general manager said, "which is trying to get our young players to the big leagues and find out about them. We think he's going to be a good, solid Major League pitcher. And he got off to a great start. I'm happy for him. I'm sure it was nerve-wracking for him and his family. It's just unfortunate we couldn't get any runs for him." Veteran outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who's seen a lot of young pitchers come and go, was impressed. "I would imagine he'd be No. 2, No. 3 next year behind Cole, if Cole's here, and whatever else they do," the 31-year-old outfielder said. "But he's got great stuff, and it looks like he's got a good head on his shoulders. So for all of us, it was fun to see. You're always happy for guys like that." Cameron Rupp, who caught Nola, noted that a performance like this is another reason to have hope for the future. And he also liked the electricity that ran through the park. "He's exciting. And fans think he's exciting, too," Rupp said. "That makes it even better. People come. We want to play in front of a lot of people. So I think that's huge."

Nola Offers Glimmer Of Hope – Aaron Nola provided the Phillies and their fans a much needed feeling of hope Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park. Nola, who is the No. 28 prospect in baseball according to MLBPipeline.com, made a memorable debut in the midst of a forgettable season in a 1-0 loss to the Rays. He allowed five hits, one run, one walk and struck out six in six innings. He threw 89 pitches (57 strikes), throwing his fastball, curveball and changeup for strikes. He singled to center field in the fifth inning, one of only four hits for the Phillies. Nola, whose fastball hit 94 mph, looked composed from the moment he stepped onto the mound to the moment he left. He looked like he belonged. "From the stint he had in Spring Training to the past 24 hours he has been here, he has shown a lot of poise," Phillies ace Cole Hamels said afterward. "That's good to see. You know that is somebody you want to call a teammate. You know that is somebody you're going to have faith in when the game is on the line, especially when you're in pennant races and getting to postseasons. He seems like that type of big-game pitcher. "It's something you can learn, but it's very difficult to learn. So if you already have it, you're already on your way. You're accelerating yourself to be in a good position in the big leagues." The Phillies selected Nola with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 Draft with the belief he would join the big league rotation before the end of 2015. He lived up to the hype through his quick rise through the Phillies' farm system. It is why the Phillies sold 8,500 tickets since Friday, when they announced Nola would make his big league debut Tuesday. They sold 4,000 tickets Tuesday, making the announced crowd of 28,703 their largest weeknight crowd on a non-fireworks night since May 14. Fans wanted to see a reason to believe in the future. "He was terrific," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He did a great job. He showed a lot of poise." "He was poised," interim manager Pete Mackanin echoed. "He had a good mound presence. He didn't look scared." Nola allowed a leadoff double to John Jaso in the first inning, but struck out Steven Souza Jr. and Evan Longoria before getting James Loney to ground out to end the first inning. Nola's only mishap came in the third inning, when Rays pitcher Nathan Karns hit a solo home run to left field on a first-pitch fastball. "It was pretty awesome to be out there to feel the energy from the fans," Nola said. "To pitch at this level is pretty amazing and a pretty good feeling tonight. I had a little bit of jitters in the first inning. But once I threw a few pitches, they were gone." Nola's next start is Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. While there will be ups and down along the way, the Phillies hope Tuesday was a glimpse of what could be in a few years if J.P. Crawford, Zach Eflin, Roman Quinn, Cornelius Randolph, Andrew Knapp and others develop like the organization hopes. "I feel like we're just going out and doing our job and playing to the best of our ability," Nola said, when asked about the fact he represents the organization's future. "There's a lot of other great guys on the team that are there doing their job, too. We're trying to win."

Poor Base Running Sinks Phillies – Cody Asche did what he was supposed to, and it backfired. Odubel Herrera made a mistake, and the Rays took advantage of it. And on a night where two runs could've meant a completely different ballgame, those two mistakes buried the Phillies. The Phillies lost, 1-0, to the Rays on Tuesday night in a game where ace pitching prospect Aaron Nola lived up to the expectations the Phillies had of him when they selected him in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Despite this, the Phillies' offense also lived up to its reputation as the second-worst in the National League by runs scored and was unable to supply the rookie with run support, squandering its best opportunities in the cases of Asche and Herrera. In the second inning, after Asche walked to lead off the inning, he moved to second on a Domonic Brown single into center field. The single trailed into right field and Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier had to chase it down, so Asche rounded second and headed to third. This proved to be a mistake as Kiermaier showed off his arm and gunned Asche down at third for the first out of the inning. Although the outcome wasn't optimal, Asche defended his aggression. "Right there, that's just the play," Asche said. "He made a hell of a play. Not a lot of center fielders have the athletic ability to do that. I haven't seen it, but to make that throw from where he was on the line was pretty impressive." Although Asche's mistake came first, Herrera's might've been more pivotal. With Nola on first and one out in the fifth inning, Herrera dribbled a 1-1 pitch down the first-base line to Rays first baseman James Loney. Loney turned and fired to shortstop Jake Elmore, who was covering second base to retire Nola. By the time the ball made its way to Elmore, Herrera was barely out of the batter's box, as he elected not to run down the line. By the time he realized he could've beaten out the double play, it was too late, as Elmore delivered back to Loney for the easy 3-6-3 double play. "He didn't assume [Loney] was going to throw to second base, so he kind of quit running, which is something he's got to understand that's not the way you play," interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "That's like getting a base hit to the outfield and not thinking about going to second base because he's going to catch the ball. You don't assume the outfielder is going to make the play." For some managers, the temptation after a play like that where it appeared Herrera suffered from a lack of effort might be to bench the player as punishment. That, however, is not Mackanin's style. "I'm not going to do that unless it's flagrant," Mackanin said. "This kid works as hard or harder than anybody. He puts in his time, and he's a good kid. I like the way he prepares for the game, but he's had a few incidences where he just didn't do things he should've done, and tonight was one. I'm not going to bury him because of that."

Franco Day-To-Day – For the first time since May 15, Maikel Franco's name was not listed in the Phillies' starting lineup Tuesday. The rookie third baseman left Monday night's 5-3 win over Tampa Bay with soreness in his right elbow that he said he aggravated on a throw in the sixth inning. Out of precaution, Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin removed him from the game and decided to give him Tuesday off. Despite this, Franco said that he thinks he is available to pinch-hit if necessary, and he feels well enough that had Mackanin decided to start him, he thinks he could've played comfortably. "For me, I'm ready to play," Franco said. "I know it's sore a little bit, but I can play like that. But I just want to take a day off, and we'll see what happens." As he said he would Monday night, Franco arrived at Citizens Bank Park earlier than usual Tuesday to be evaluated by team trainers. Both Mackanin and Franco confirmed that the 22-year-old didn't undergo an MRI or any other tests. Rather, the trainers merely examined Franco's elbow. Based off their diagnosis, Mackanin listed Franco as day to day. Andres Blanco, a player Mackanin is glad to find a way to get in the game, started at third Tuesday. "I had planned to today, tomorrow and the next game have Blanco play a game at third, short and second -- not in that particular order -- to get him some at-bats and keep him sharp," Mackanin said. "I won't say it works out well that [Franco's] hurt, but I think it's just a day to day thing. He'll be fine." Since his callup from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on May 15, Franco has been a fixture in the Phillies' offense, producing primarily from the third spot in the order. He is batting .283 with an OPS of .818, 10 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Evaluating Trade Value – If the Phillies keep a five-man rotation through the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, Cole Hamels has just one more opportunity to pitch for his suitors. He will pitch Saturday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, and if the rotation remains in order, he will not pitch again until the following Friday night against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park, three hours past the Deadline. Of course, with no game scheduled Monday, the Phillies could skip somebody and pitch Hamels on Thursday night. There are reasons to want to see Hamels pitch at least one more time. He has a 19.89 ERA in his last two starts. But the Phillies do not think Hamels needs to dominate Saturday to alleviate any potential concerns of pursuers like the Dodgers, Rangers, Cubs, Red Sox and Astros. The Phillies quickly mention Hamels' track record. He has a 3.09 ERA from 2010-15, which ranks eighth out of 101 qualified pitchers in baseball, and he is a proven postseason performer. "He needs to pitch like Cole," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday. "He's been pitching close to 10 years. They know what he is." Of course, it only would make sense for opposing general managers to use Hamels' recent struggles as a bargaining tool. Boy, Ruben, we can't give up these prospects when we've seen Cole pitch so poorly lately. "Then don't trade for him," Amaro said. "I think if the shoe were on the other foot and we were in pursuit of players, our biggest concern would be health. Do we see something mechanically? Do we see something different? If we saw something alarming, it would be different." The Phillies have told teams they could wait to trade Hamels (and others) until the offseason, but more starting pitchers will be available in the winter as free agents. Hamels is signed through 2018 at $22.5 million per season with a $20 million club option for 2019. The deal includes a $6 million buyout. "You think anybody is going to sign a three, plus one of the ilk of Hamels?" Amaro said. "Do you think [David] Price will do a three-year deal? I would think not, based on what the marketplace has done for some other guys. You're looking at five, six, seven, eight years. What did [Clayton] Kershaw get? Seven years? We have a contract that is locked in at three, plus one. So, yeah, I've been under no mandate to move any of these players. The mandate from our ownership group and Pat [Gillick] is 'Make good deals.' That's the goal." Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere and Jeff Francoeur continue to receive interest. Chase Utley is on the disabled list, but he could begin a rehab assignment soon. Sources indicated there could be some interest from the Angels, who are looking for a left-handed bat. "We've had pretty significant dialogue the past couple weeks about things," Amaro said. "I think things will continue to heat up, yeah. "I believe that it's clear that clubs have needs and have been aggressive. It doesn't mean anything will get done, but there's been some aggressiveness. Listen, we have some players that are desirable. And so I would fully expect them to be aggressive, because we've kind of opened up the doors to allow them to discuss them. We've been open-minded from last October on."

Crawford Showing Power – Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford appears to have found his groove. Not typically known for his power, the shortstop now has five extra-base hits in his past three contests, including two homers. Tuesday night, he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer for Double-A Reading, which took down Bowie, 6-4. Crawford's blast was clutch. It tied the game at four with two outs in the seventh inning. On the year, baseball's No. 15 overall prospect is hitting .266/.370/.431 with 11 doubles, four triples, four roundtrippers and 17 RBIs at the Double-A level. Drafted in the first round by the Phillies in 2013, he made his Reading debut earlier this season and is on pace to set new career bests in hits (currently at 79) and total bases (110).

Minor Updates – Players of the Week: Player - OF Cord Sandberg, Lakewood...Sandberg, 20, hit a robust .435 (10-23) with a double, triple, five RBI and five runs scored in six games for the BlueClaws, earning him Phillies Minor League Player of the Week. He reached base safely in exactly half of his plate appearances and extended his hitting streak to eight games with a 4-4, three-run game on July 19 against Rome. Those three runs were his season-high for a game, and the four hits tied his season best. Sandberg was selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 2013 draft and was signed by Alan Marr. Pitcher - LHP Jesse Biddle, Lehigh Valley...Biddle, a 23-year-old southpaw, was named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week and International League Pitcher of the Week honors after a dominant start on July 17 against Rochester. In that start, he tossed 7.0 scoreless innings, allowed just three hits, walked one and struck out seven. It was his first scoreless start of more than 5.0 innings this season at any level. Biddle was the Phillies' first-round selection in the 2010 draft, and was signed by Eric Valent. Lehigh Valley IronPigs - International League North Division…42-53, 4^th place…Lehigh Valley split four games with the Rochester Red Wings in what was their only series last week due to the triple-A All-Star Break. The IronPigs are 4-0-2 in their last six series, with their last series loss coming back in June. Top hitting performers - OF Aaron Altherr clubbed his fourth home run for Lehigh Valley and his 10^th overall this season. He is now hitting .293 since joining the IronPigs…1B Chris McGuiness had hits in three of his four games, including his second home run of the season…OF Jordan Danks homered, drove in two runs, scored two more and walked twice in four games. Top pitching performers - LHP Jesse Biddle was strong in his start against Rochester, tossing 7.0 shutout frames and while allowing just three hits. He struck out seven and walked only one…LHP Adam Loewen converted both of his save opportunities and now has thrown four straight perfect innings for four straight saves…RHP Dalier Hinojosa tossed 1.2 innings and allowed one hit in his IronPigs debut on July 19. Reading Fightin Phils - Eastern League Eastern Division …51-43,T-1^st place…The Fightins also had an abbreviated week due to the All-Star Break, as they played four games against the New Britain Rock Cats. Reading won three of those four, moving into a tie for first place with the Trenton Thunder. With their series win, they are eight games over .500 in divisional play, which is tied for best in the Eastern Division. Top hitting performers - OF Kelly Dugan batted .333 (5-15) with a triple, three RBI, a stolen base and a run scored…OF Cam Perkins slashed .364/.462/.636, doubled, tripled, scored a run and drove in another. He had hits in each of his three games…SS J.P. Crawford had a team-high three extra-base hits (double, triple, home run) in four games played…C Andrew Knapp played in two games, hitting a triple in one and a home run in the other. He has hit safely in all of his 15 games with Reading. Top pitching performers - RHP Ben Lively scattered seven hits and allowed two runs over 6.1 innings of work on July 19. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts…RHP Colton Murray appeared in two games out of the bullpen and earned two wins after combining to throw 3.0 scoreless innings…LHP Joely Rodriguez had a successful relief outing, allowing just one hit in 2.0 innings pitched. Clearwater Threshers - Florida State League North Division…16-8, 1^st place, 53-41 overall…Clearwater was able to work around a rough series against Palm Beach to still finish the week with a winning record and remain 3.5 games up in the division. After winning consecutive games against Fort Myers and Palm Beach to start the week, the Threshers offense fell silent and produced just two runs over the next three games. They rebounded in their series opener with Lakeland on Sunday, riding Ricardo Pinto's strong start to a 3-1 victory. Top hitting performers - C Willians Astudillo batted an even .400 with two doubles, four RBI and a .429 on-base percentage last week. He hit safely in all but one game…CF Carlos Tocci went 9-23 (.391) with his first home run of the season for Clearwater, three runs scored and a stolen base…OF Aaron Brown hit .300 and had his first multi-home run game of the season. He now has six round-trippers this season. Top pitching performers - RHP Ricardo Pinto made two starts, combining to throw 14.2 innings while yielding just three runs (one earned) for a 0.61 ERA. He allowed nine hits and struck out eight…RHP Victor Arano lasted 7.0 strong innings in his start against Palm Beach, allowing just a run on five hits…LHP Brandon Leibrandt started one game for the Threshers and held Palm Beach to one run in 6.0 innings. He has allowed one run in each of his last three starts. Lakewood BlueClaws - South Atlantic League Northern Division…14-10, 2^nd place, 47-45 overall…The BlueClaws continue to gain ground on West Virginia, and now sit just three games back after a 4-2 week. Those four wins came in convincing fashion, as they outscored opponents 29-12 in those games. Lakewood will finish their series with Rome to begin the week before meeting with the first-place Power for a three-game set. Top hitting performers - OF Cord Sandberg was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week after batting .435 with a double, triple, five RBI, five runs scored and a .500 on-base percentage…1B Kyle Martin collected 10 hits in 23 at-bats (.435 average) and now has a nine-game hitting streak during which he is hitting .472 with 11 RBI. His 33 hits are eighth most among all players drafted this year…2B Scott Kingery recorded eight hits in six games, batting .364 with a double, triple and three walks…OF Herlis Rodriguez homered, scored four runs and batted .348 over five games. Top pitching performers - RHP Will Morris lasted a season-high 7.0 innings and surrendered three runs while striking out five batters…LHP Joey DeNato converted his only save chance-a six-out save on July 16-and also threw another scoreless frame in relief on July 19…LHP Austin Davis set a season-high with 6.0 IP in what was just his third start in 25 games overall. He allowed only one run on two hits…RHP Ranfi Casimiro struck out four and earned the win in his lone start. Williamsport Crosscutters - New York-Penn League Pinckney Division…21-8, 1^st place…Williamsport went 4-3 last week and remains the only team in the New York-Penn League to have not yet reached 10 losses this season. They also recorded two more shutouts, and now boast a miniscule 2.44 staff ERA through 29 games. Top hitting performers - C Austin Bossart was locked in at the plate, collecting hits in six of his 10 at bats while hitting his first professional home run and knocking in two runs. He has hits in nine of his 10 games and is batting .385…1B Brendon Hayden hit .333 with a .444 on-base percentage, three walks and a couple of multi-hit games. Top pitching performers -  RHP Mitch Gueller is now 4-1 after tossing a 7.0-inning complete game shutout on July 17 against Batavia…RHP Alejandro Arteaga lasted 6.0 innings and allowed just one run in his one start, giving him four straight starts with either one or zero runs allowed…RHP Feliberto Sanchez made two scoreless relief appearances, one of 3.0 innings and another of 2.2 innings…RHP Luke Leftwich scattered three hits over 5.0 scoreless frames in his lone start of the week…RHP Anthony Sequeira converted a six-out save and added another 2.0 perfect innings in relief…RHP Robert Tasin tossed two scoreless frames for his sixth save of the season in as many chances. GCL Phillies - Gulf Coast League, Northwest Division…18-6, 1^st place…The Phillies' lead in the division increased to 3.5 games after another strong showing. They won two straight against the Tigers before splitting two-game sets with the Astros and Braves, giving them a 4-2 record for the week. The Phillies currently have the most wins among all 16 GCL teams. Top hitting performers - OF Jesus Alastre batted .545 (6-11) with three runs scored, an RBI and a walk in his three games played…One week removed from Player of the Week honors, SS Jonathan Arauz continued to impress by hitting .300 with two doubles and a team-high four RBI…OF Cornelius Randolph reached base at a .435 clip and hit .316 with four runs, four walks and an RBI in six games. Top pitching performers -  RHP Felix Paulino made two starts, combining to allow three runs (two earned) in 10.0 innings while striking out nine batters…RHP Adonis Medina lasted 5.0 innings in his one start, surrendering a run on four hits…In his first start of the season, LHP Bailey Falter threw 4.0 shutout innings and struck out five batters…RHP Horace Stubblefield recorded two consecutive six-out saves, striking out seven total batters in the process.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are starting the season as expected and are now at the bottom of the NL east at 33-63. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance so far this season, this could end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 53-57-1 on this day.