Phillies Make A Solid Addition Via Waivers

PHILS PHACTS:

Taking Advantage Of The Waiver Wire – The Phillies have always liked Peter Bourjos. They finally acquired him Wednesday, when they claimed the outfielder off waivers from the Cardinals. Bourjos' arrival puts free-agent outfielder Jeff Francoeur's potential return into doubt. Bourjos posted a .645 OPS the past four seasons with the Angels and Cardinals. The 28-year-old's name popped up a few times in recent years whenever the Phillies were searching for an outfielder. Former Phillies general managers Pat Gillick and Ruben Amaro Jr. liked the speedy and defensive-minded Bourjos, and it seems new general manager Matt Klentak likes him, too. Klentak knows Bourjos well. They were together with the Angels from 2012-13. Bourjos enjoyed a career-year in 2011, when he hit .271 with 26 doubles, 11 triples, 12 home runs, 43 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and a .765 OPS in 552 plate appearances with the Angels. He has managed just 910 plate appearances since, in part because of injuries (Bourjos had right wrist surgery in September 2013 and hip surgery in October 2014) and in part because he had been passed on the depth chart in St. Louis. He hit .200 with a .623 OPS in 225 plate appearances last season. But Bourjos is known as an elite defender. According to FanGraphs, Bourjos has averaged a 16.1 Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games since his debut in 2010. That is third among outfielders with 3,500 or more defensive innings played in that span. Only Lorenzo Cain (19.0) and Jason Heyward (18.3) have a better average. Francoeur hit .258 with 16 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .718 OPS in 343 plate appearances. The 31-year-old also proved to be a vocal leader in the clubhouse. But with Bourjos in the fold, Francoeur could be squeezed out. There could be more changes coming, but at the moment, outfielders Bourjos, Odubel Herrera, Cody Asche and Aaron Altherr are all expected to make the Opening Day roster. Darnell Sweeney could be considered the team's fifth outfielder at the moment. Darin Ruf also can play left field, although he could get more playing time at first base. The possibility exists that Francoeur could fit somehow, but reduced playing time in a more crowded outfield might not suit him. The Phillies also announced the Marlins claimed right-hander Nefi Ogando off waivers. The Phillies remain at 38 players on their 40-man roster.

Modest Goals For The Meetings – Five years ago at the Winter Meetings, the Phillies became the mystery team in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Next week's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., are expected to be less eventful unless a team is ready to pay for hard-throwing closer Ken Giles. The Phillies are highly unlikely to invest $100 million or more into a single free agent this offseason, because one player will not push them into World Series contention. No, the Phils have too many holes to fill and too many unknowns regarding the young talent in their system. Instead, they will use the Meetings to make more modest improvements to their roster, with an eye on competing again in another year or two. "We really want to raise the floor and add some depth," general manager Matt Klentak said earlier this offseason. "Kind of at every turn, that's what we're going to be focused on. And in the pitching department, I think we really need to work on just -- again, I say 'raise the floor' -- but kind of establish sort of a firm foundation of pitching. That's not going to end when we break camp at the end of Spring Training. That's something we're going to be committed to for a long time." So far, most of the gains the Phillies have made this offseason are pitching-related. Philadelphia acquired right-hander Jeremy Hellickson in a trade earlier this month with Arizona, and it claimed relievers Dan Otero, A.J. Achter and Michael Mariot off waivers, as well as outfielder Peter Bourjos. The Phils also signed reliever James Russell to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, and they cut ties with outfielder Domonic Brown and right-hander Justin De Fratus. Expect the Phillies to continue to pursue pitching help. They need at least one more veteran starter. Hellickson, Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff seem like safe bets to make the Opening Day rotation, with Adam Morgan, David Buchanan, Alec Asher and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez competing for the other jobs. Philadelphia could use a veteran reliever to fortify the bullpen, too. The Phillies have talked with teams about Giles, who could land them a few prospects, but that's the key: They have to be legitimate prospects. The Phils are under no obligation to give Giles away. The Phillies could come to a conclusion about the futures of Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz, the only two remaining players from the 2008 World Series championship team. They also need to find a veteran outfielder. Free agent Jeff Francoeur remains in play, but the Phils are pursuing other options. Not expected to be in play are Justin Upton and Jason Heyward. Think along the lines of Ryan Raburn, David Murphy, Rajai Davis and Alejandro De Aza. Chris Young would have been a good fit, but he just signed with the Red Sox. "Honestly, I think with the present roster, if we needed to field a lineup tomorrow, we generally could do that," Klentak said at the conclusion of the General Managers Meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., earlier this month. "That doesn't mean we're going to stop looking for opportunities to upgrade or add depth wherever we can. But one of the beauties, mostly on the position player side, is most of the team that was on the field that ended the year last year returns next year. So, again, that doesn't mean we're going to stop trying to find alternatives or upgrades or just build depth."

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, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! However, at least Ryan Madson got another ring this year.

It’s Groundhog Day: Phillies Fall In Walk Off

GAME RECAP: Braves Sweep Phillies 2-1

A.J. Pierzynski's walk-off single enabled the Braves to overcome a ninth-inning letdown and complete a three-game series sweep of the Phillies with a 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon at Turner Field. Andrelton Simmons sparked the ninth inning rally when his one-out chopper drew a throwing error from third baseman Cody Asche. Simmons stole third base and scored when Pierzynski lofted his game-winning single off Luis Garcia to shallow center field. "To win a game like that is good," said Pierzynski, who entered in the ninth after Christian Bethancourt was injured. "Winning another game [one-run game], especially after the way Julio [Teheran] pitched. To give it up the way we did and then win it the next [half] inning the way we did is fun." Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran proved perfect through the first six innings and entered the ninth inning in search of his first shutout of the season. But after allowing consecutive one-out singles, he was replaced by Peter Moylan who surrendered a two-out, game-tying single to Andres Blanco. Freddie Freeman's first-inning RBI single off Aaron Nola started the scoring for the Braves, who have now won three straight games for the first time since Aug. 6-8. "We've been concerned about our starting pitching the whole season. Now we get three outstanding performances and we can't score a run," said Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, who got quality starts from Nola, Jerad Eickhoff and Adam Morgan in this series and lost all three games by a 2-1 score. "It's unfortunate, but we had a chance to win all three of these games."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies, who scored just a single run in losing each of the first two games of this series, struggled against Teheran all afternoon. In the eighth, they finally got something going. After a leadoff walk to Blanco and a bloop single off the bat of Darin Ruf, Philly's Cameron Rupp came up against Teheran. The big catcher tried to lay down a bunt to advance the runners and popped it to Teheran, who turned and easily doubled Blanco off second. In 95 career games, Rup has never had a sacrifice hit. Asche singled after the double play, but pinch-hitter Darnell Sweeney struck out to end the threat.
• Philadelphia's Nola had a bit of a rough start, allowing a first-inning run, but even that was barely his fault. Michael Bourn led things off for Atlanta with a slow roller that got past hard-charging Galvis, playing just his second game at second this season. The ball dribbled into right in what originally was scored an error, but later changed to a double. Freeman drove him in with a soft liner to left, but Nola settled down from there. After the first, he allowed just two hits and three walks. Mackanin said after the game that he expects Nola to make his next start, but the team still has to make a final decision.
• "You choose the way you're going to lose the game. I'm gonna lose it on a fly ball, I'm not going to lose it on a base hit up the middle." -- Mackanin, on his decision to play five infielders, and just two outfielders, against Pierzynski in the bottom of the ninth.
• Freddy Galvis has struggled in his career against Koehler, going only 1-for-11 (.091) with three strikeouts.
• Dee Gordon has led off 39 games this year with a base hit, including four of the last five. Charlie Blackmon has 40 leadoff hits this year, the most in baseball.

NEXT GAME:

After a mutual off-day on Monday, Miami and Philadelphia play in the penultimate head-to-head series of the 2015 season. The Phillies have won eight of the first 13 meetings this year. The three-game series is the start of a six-game homestand for the Marlins before they hit the road for the final six games of the season. Adeiny Hechavarria (hamstring) and Martin Prado (wrist) are expected to return during the series. The Phillies have yet to announce a starter. The Marlins, meanwhile, will go with Tom Koehler (10-13, 3.90 ERA). Koehler is 0-1 in two career starts against the Phillies with five earned runs allowed in 11 innings.

PHILS PHACTS:

Herrera Pulled – Mackanin pulled Herrera from the game after the center fielder flied out weakly to left to end the Phillies' half of the fourth inning. "He threw his bat after he flew out, and he didn't run hard. So I took him out of the game," Mackanin said. Herrera, hitting .293 with a team-high 135 hits, was hitting .342 over his last 66 games before Sunday. But his manager said the rookie has been in a little funk lately, so when he failed to hustle, Mackanin took action. "Boys play Little League, men play Major League Baseball. We will not pout, we will not feel sorry for ourselves," Mackanin said. "He had to learn a lesson. To me, he's been pouting for a few days, and I just want to make sure he gets the message. We're just not going to stand for it."

Shutting Down – With 12 games left in their season, the Phillies have decided to shut down starter Adam Morgan for the rest of 2015 in what both the pitcher and the team described as a mutual decision. Morgan, who missed all of the 2014 season after shoulder surgery, last pitched on Friday in a 2-1 loss to the Braves. The left-hander went six innings in that game, giving up just two runs on six hits without walking a batter. He breezed through the six innings in 70 pitches, but took the loss. The 25-year-old Atlanta-area native ends the season 5-7 with a 4.48 ERA, with 84 1/3 innings pitched over 15 starts. After his good outing Friday, interim manager Pete Mackanin and other team officials approached the pitcher to ask about his health and the likelihood of taking another start or two. "He wasn't sure whether he should continue or not," Mackanin said. "Basically, the indecision on his part led us to make that decision." Morgan says he feels good, and he wondered about bowing out early. "I don't want to come across as someone who just shuts it down," he said. The deciding factor was trying to get a good head start on 2016. "The innings that I hope to pitch next year aren't going to be affected by two more starts," Morgan said in the clubhouse Sunday after the Phillies dropped their third straight 2-1 game to the Braves, "whether I make them or not." Now, the offseason begins for Morgan, who is expected to compete for a top spot in Philadelphia's rotation next season. He'll begin to consult with physicians, trainers and others soon to get a plan. "I'm excited for all the right reasons. I'm ready to finish this season, get there, start lifting, start woking out, throwing, just to build that arm strength, 'cause I know it's in there," Morgan said. "It's been feeling good. There are no restrictions this offseason. It's getting after it this whole offseason."

Trying Everything! – Pete Mackanin is trying. Hit-and-runs, bunts from guys who don't normally bunt, five infielders, guys in different spots in the field, lineups that have been juggled and re-juggled. Still, the Phillies have struggled. It's enough to get a guy a little down. "You can say that everyone's getting tired, but that doesn't cut it here," Mackanin, the Phillies' interim manager, said on Sunday after his team lost its sixth straight game, this one a third straight 2-1 loss to the Braves. "You've got to learn to play when you're tired." Sunday, the Phillies enjoyed their third straight quality start, this one seven solid innings from Aaron Nola, but still couldn't manage to push across a run when it counted. In fact, Atlanta's Julio Teheran had a perfect game going until Philly's Freddy Galvis -- who was hitting leadoff for just the fourth time this year and playing second base for just the second time this season -- smacked a single to open the seventh. After Teheran walked first baseman Darin Ruf -- subbing for the injured Ryan Howard -- the Phillies seemed to have something going. But it didn't work out. Mackanin called on big catcher Cameron Rupp to bunt, in a by-the-books attempt to move over the runners. Rupp, in an attempt to bunt [he's never had a sacrifice bunt in the Majors], popped up to Teheran and into a double play. "He's a .230 hitter," Mackanin said. "If you're a .230 hitter, I want to move the runners. If he's a .330 hitter, I'm letting him swing. "That's part of the game. They practice it every day, and they're supposed to be able to do it." Rupp stood up after the game and took the heat. "When I was in college [at Texas], we were required to be able to get a bunt down. It's something I'm able to do. I just didn't get it done," he said. "I want to do whatever I can to get the job done. And that's the play there. I need to get it done." Mackanin tried a squeeze play in the seventh inning Friday that didn't work out, when Atlanta reliever Andrew McKirahan scooped Odubel Herrera's bunt with his glove and tossed to the plate to get Chase d'Arnaud. The manager tried a handful of hit-and-runs over the weekend, including one Saturday that helped the Phillies to their only run (which scored on a double-play ground ball). "I'm trying to manufacture something," Mackanin said. "It's just one of those things. It snowballs. You never get a break." In the bottom of the ninth Sunday, after the Phillies finally pushed across a run in the top of the inning to tie the score at 1-1, Mackanin even used right fielder Jeff Francoeur as a fifth infielder with one out and runners on the corners. A.J. Pierzynski poked a soft single to center to win it. "You choose the way you're going to lose the game," Mackanin said. "I'm gonna lose it on a fly ball, I'm not going to lose it on a base hit up the middle."

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 56-94. 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 54-49-0 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.

Phillies Win Second Straight Behind Another Rookie

GAME RECAP: Phillies Edge Padres 4-3

If only the Phillies could play the Padres more frequently. They beat San Diego on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park, 4-3. It is their fifth straight win over the Padres this season and seventh consecutive victory against San Diego in Philadelphia, their longest home winning streak against the Padres since a seven-game streak from July 1976 to May 1977. The Phillies also are 55-23 (.705) against the Padres since 2004. It is their best winning percentage against any opponent in that span. Phillies second baseman Darnell Sweeney hit a two-run homer in the second while Freddy Galvis had an RBI double and Adam Morgan notched an RBI single in the fourth. Morgan allowed two unearned runs in six innings to pick up the win. "I take a lot of pride in that," Morgan said about not walking a batter in 22 2/3 innings in the past four starts. "Being able to control the ball and throwing where you want it is huge to me. I don't try to give up any free bags because that's when stuff starts getting out of hand." Padres right-hander Colin Rea allowed four runs in five innings in the loss. "[The Phillies] seem to get the big hit against us, catch the line drives and this game could have been very different," Padres interim manager Pat Murphy said. "[Morgan] had a great plan against us and a couple of the balls we hit hard were caught."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Sweeney has had limited playing opportunities since the Phillies acquired him from the Dodgers in the Chase Utley trade, but he has tried to make the most of it. He crushed a two-run home run to left-center field in the second inning to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. It was his second homer in three starts with the Phillies. "When you watch this guy take batting practice, the ball doesn't really jump off his bat," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "I think he works on mechanics more than anything from either side of the plate. But he sure hit that ball in Miami [on Aug. 22] a long way, and today he [went] opposite field. He's got pop in his bat."
• Phillies right-hander Luis Garcia had runners on second and third with two outs in the eighth inning, when he struck out pinch-hitter Cory Spangenberg to end the threat and preserve a one-run lead.
• In the sixth inning, with the Phillies leading 4-2 and Kemp on first, Justin Upton lined a deep fly ball to the left-center field gap. The ball hung up just enough for Herrera to cover sixty-six feet of ground, top out at 20.1 mph according to Statcast™ and make a diving catch for the first out of the inning.
• Phillies rookie outfielder Aaron Altherr singled to left field in the fifth inning. It was the first single of his big league career. Of course, before that he had seven extra-base hits. No player in the modern era (since 1900) has started his career with eight extra-base hits.
• The Phillies optioned right-hander Nefi Ogando following the game to make room for Alec Asher, who will start Sunday's series finale. Asher will have his contract selected Sunday.
• The Padres won an instant replay challenge in the eighth inning. Yonder Alonso was called out on a play at first base, but replay showed Alonso beat the throw from Galvis.
• "He rebounded very nicely. He relies on command and control. He's certainly good in the control department. He needs to command his pitches a little bit better, but he did a number on them again. He pitched very well." -- Mackanin, on Morgan rebounding from a rough start this week against the Mets, when he allowed five runs and four home runs in 3 2/3 innings.
• Asher was 14-years-old when he had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Asher's father Bob Asher told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the family paid $22,000 to have orthopedist James Andrews perform the surgery. They paid their final bill within the last year.
• Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has had the most success of any Phillies when facing Shields (min. 10 ABs). Howard is 4-for-12 (.333) with a double, home run and one RBI.
• The Padres hope to get 24-year old outfielder/first baseman Wil Myers back in the lineup sometime after Labor Day. Myers, who had right wrist surgery on June 18, could begin a rehab assignment soon after missing 100 games. He will be judged on a day to day basis on when he's ready to join the big club.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies will get to open yet another new toy from the Cole Hamels trade on Sunday as righty Alec Asher will make his debut against the Padres and James Shields. Asher is the second starter acquired in a trade with Texas that sent Hamels to the American League to make his debut this season, the other was Jerad Eickhoff, who is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts. Shields is coming off a laborious outing against the Nationals in which he needed 121 pitches over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-3 loss on Tuesday. The veteran is 2-0 in four starts lifetime against the Phillies with a 5.70 ERA and enters the game with a 4.97 ERA away from Petco Park. Asher went 2-0 in four starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley with a 2.08 ERA since arriving from Texas.

PHILS PHACTS:

Long Road Back – This is the moment Alec Asher probably envisioned when he had Tommy John surgery at 14 years old. Asher, 23, is one of the players the Phillies acquired from Texas last month in the Cole Hamels trade. He will make his big league debut on Sunday afternoon against the Padres at Citizens Bank Park, the second pitcher acquired in the trade to debut this season for the Phillies. "You don't realize how tall these stadiums are until you really get out there," Asher said Saturday evening. "But it's awesome. I'm almost speechless." Asher went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Before the trade, he went 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA in 12 starts with Triple-A Round Rock. Long before that, he had ulnar collateral ligament surgery. Asher's father Bob Asher told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the family paid $22,000 to have orthopedist James Andrews perform the surgery. They paid their final bill within the last year. "Never a moment of regret," Asher's father told the Inquirer. Alec said he has never met another pitcher who had the surgery at a younger age than him, but he is sure that person exists. "It's definitely rare," he said. "You don't definitely see that, but I guess it's becoming more common." ”I had always said I want to pitch in the Major Leagues, I want to be a Major League Baseball player. I always had that aspiration as a kid. I wasn't going to give up until I couldn't anymore. … I knew I loved baseball and I knew I wanted to keep playing. That was the only option. It was a no brainer for me and my family. It ended up working out all right." The Giants selected Asher out of Lakeland Senior High School in Fla., in the 23rd round of the 2010 Draft. He instead attended Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Fla., and the Rangers selected him in the fourth round in the 2012 Draft. Three years later he is in the big leagues. "It's been a hectic month for sure," Asher said about the July 31 trade. "I finally felt like I'd been in a place for a month, finally got my stuff settled in and then I get this news so I'm like, alright, I've got to get everything packed up and move it all again. It's been for the better, that's for sure. It's hard to complain when this stuff's going on for you."

Sweeney Impressive So Far – The Phillies have their playing time priorities for the remainder of the season, and Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera are priorities at second base and center field, respectively. Where does that leave Darnell Sweeney? Sweeney, whom the Phillies acquired this month from the Dodgers in the Chase Utley trade, is a second baseman and center fielder. He figured to be the odd man out, although he is making a case for more playing time. He ripped a two-run home run to left-center field in the second inning of Saturday night's 4-3 victory over the Padres at Citizens Bank Park. "There's a good chance of that for right now," said Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, when asked about more playing time for Sweeney. "Cesar is our second baseman, but he's in a funk right now and he needs to battle his way out of it. He's trying. Maybe a day off might help him. I might get Sweeney in there tomorrow." Hernandez is hitting .088 (3-for-34) in his last eight games, so a break might serve him well. But Sweeney seems unconcerned about his playing time at the moment. After all, he was in Triple-A before the trade. Any playing time in the big leagues figures to be pretty good right now. "I'm just excited to have this opportunity to be up here," he said. "Whenever my name is called I'll put my best foot forward, and whatever happens is going to happen. I'm just trying to play my game. I can't do too much." Sweeney has homered twice in 13 at-bats with the Phillies. He has reached base safely eight times in 18 plate appearances. Not bad. "When you watch this guy take batting practice, the ball doesn't really jump off his bat," Mackanin said. "I think he works on mechanics more than anything from either side of the plate. But he sure hit that ball in Miami [on Aug. 22] a long way, and today he [went] opposite field. He's got pop in his bat. We'll get more looks at him." The more Sweeney plays at home the more Phillies fans will hear some little old school rap during his at-bats. He has Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" as his at-bat music. "I like to stick with the old school," Sweeney said with a smile. "It's been working for me for the past couple of years." After another homer Saturday, he should stick with it.

Howard Succeeding Against Righties – And then there were two. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard said that earlier this month, when the Phillies traded Chase Utley to the Dodgers. It left Howard and Carlos Ruiz as the only two remaining members of the 2008 World Series championship team. But as the Phillies have transitioned into a younger team, Howard has quietly put up some good numbers for almost two months. After Saturday night's 4-3 win against the Padres, he is now hitting .294 (42-for-143) with nine doubles, eight home runs, 34 RBIs in 40 games since July 5. Is that a matter of Howard maybe being a streaky hitter? Or could it be something else? "Howie will probably disagree with me," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said, "but I think it's because he's not facing as many left-handed pitchers. I think he feels more comfortable. I think if you can take that out of the equation then you don't have to worry about it." Howard has started against just two left-handers since July 5. He is hitting .273 with an .839 OPS against right-handers this season, but .138 with a .443 OPS against left-handers. Howard's OPS against right-handers ranks 42nd out of 156 qualified hitters in baseball this season, which makes him a pretty good threat. One would think a contender in need of a left-handed bat would be interested in him, if the Phillies agreed to pay the vast majority of the remaining $35 million-plus on his contract ($25 million in salary next season, plus a $10 million buyout on a 2017 club option). But the Phillies have received little to no interest. "If you take that .138 out of your batting average you're going to be up to .270 where you belong and you're more confident," Mackanin said he told Howard. "And then the occasional lefty you face you're going to have that confidence and not worry about what he's going to throw me this time. Just go up there feeling confident. "I know for a fact because I didn't have that confidence very often in my career, but when you go up there and you know you're going to get a hit, it makes all of the difference in the world."

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 52-78. 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 55-61-0 on this day.

Will An Utley Trade Come To Fruition?

GAME RECAP: No Game Yesterday

Phillies enjoy the day off after a rough stop in Arizona.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Keep an eye on Phillies second baseman Chase Utley this weekend. The Phils are looking to trade him, and he has been tied to the Giants, Cubs, Angels and Yankees.
• Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco did not play Wednesday after getting hit with a pitch on his left wrist Tuesday. Franco said Wednesday he is day to day, but it is unclear if he will play Friday.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies will cap a three-city, nine-game road trip with a series against the Brewers beginning on Friday at Miller Park, with Adam Morgan and Jimmy Nelson squaring off in the opener. The Phillies had been playing well since the All-Star break, posting a Major League-best 16-5 mark before dropping a rough series vs. the D-backs at Chase Field. Phils starters struggled in the series, with Aaron Harang giving up eight runs Monday and David Buchanan falling victim to an 11-run inning on Tuesday. The Phillies will hope for better pitching from Morgan (3-3, 4.06 ERA), Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.73 ERA) and Harang (5-13, 4.52 ERA) in Milwaukee. The Brewers, who swept the Phillies in a four-game series in Philadelphia in late June and early July, have tabbed Peralta, who's 2-7 with a 4.48 ERA and has just one win in his past six outings despite three quality starts. Nelson (9-9, 3.65 ERA) will pitch on Saturday and Taylor Jungmann (6-4, 2.42 ERA) will get the ball on Sunday.

PHILS PHACTS:

Trade Talks Heating Up – Trade talks for second baseman Chase Utley are hotter than ever. Sources told MLB.com on Thursday night that several teams have made offers for Utley, although no deal is imminent. The Giants are just one of those teams. San Francisco general manager Bobby Evans confirmed to MLB.com that his team has made an offer. The Angels, Cubs, Astros, Yankees and Dodgers are in the mix. The Angels have been interested in Utley for more than a month, and are worth watching. One source made one thing clear on Thursday: Everything is in Utley's hands. He has 10-and-5 no-trade rights, so he can be traded only if he wants to be. If he prefers a particular team, he can steer the Phillies toward that team. If he does not like what he sees or hears, he can say no. ESPN.com reported earlier Thursday that Utley wants a guarantee of playing time before he goes anywhere. He does not want to ride the bench, because he plans to play next season. That makes the Giants' situation interesting. Utley spends his offseasons in the San Francisco area, and the Giants certainly are World Series contenders. But although Giants second baseman Joe Panik is on the disabled list with inflammation in his lower back, he would expect to play once he is healthy. Two sources agreed that Utley wants to play regularly, which make the Giants far from a certainty, despite their aggressiveness. It is a small sample size, but in five games since returning from the DL with a sprained right ankle, Utley is hitting .412 with three doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored. He is hitting .196 with a .564 OPS in 70 games overall, which makes compensation an interesting point of discussion. Teams believe Utley can help them, but based on his performance in the first half, they seem unlikely to give up a top prospect for him. But those who know his thinking say Utley still believes he can play at a high level, and the poor numbers before the All-Star break were the results of his ankle injury and a mechanical flaw in his swing. Utley has a $15 million club option for 2016 that no longer will vest automatically based on plate appearances. His club option would then drop to $11 million, but the Phillies would be expected to take the $2 million buyout instead. That would make Utley a free agent, and the Phillies are unlikely to re-sign him, because they plan to make Cesar Hernandez their second baseman in 2016. Utley could be going over his options at this moment. If not, it seems only a matter of time before he does, and these things can move quickly. Asked on Sunday in San Diego if he expects to be with the Phillies by the end of the season, Utley said, "Who knows?" That question could be asked a bit differently at this point: Does he expect to be with the team by next week?

Rich With Pitching Prospects – Chase Utley could be traded at any moment, which means the Phillies could add at least one more prospect to their system before the end of the month. The Phillies have thus far acquired 12 prospects, including 10 pitchers, in exchange for Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere, Marlon Byrd, Jake Diekman and Antonio Bastardo. And while it is foolish to think each one will make significant contributions in the big leagues, the Phils hope at least a few are part of their future core. The Phillies need pitching. They just optioned David Buchanan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday after he allowed 11 runs in 1 2/3 innings the day before. Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams and Chad Billingsley can be free agents after the season. Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez might never pitch again for the Phils. So there will be holes to fill in the 2016 rotation, which makes this a good time to look at how those 10 new pitching prospects have fared since their arrival. From the Hamels/Diekman deal: RHP Jake Thompson, 21. The No. 59 prospect in baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com, is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts with Double-A Reading. "His upside is very good," Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said. "He's left a very good impression." RHP Jerad Eickhoff, 25. He is a top candidate to replace Buchanan. The right-hander, who is ranked No. 14 in the Phils' farm system, is 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. "He's a big guy with pretty good weapons," Jordan said. "He's just a strike thrower. I thought he had a great presence in his first outing. Just pounded the zone." RHP Alec Asher, 23. He is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts at Triple-A. "He's a strong, physical strike thrower," Jordan said. "His changeup needs to develop. The more he uses it, the better he'll get. Both [Eickhoff and Asher] have ability and have a chance to help us sooner than later." From the Papelbon deal: RHP Nick Pivetta, 22. He has struggled since his promotion from Class A to Double-A, including three starts he made with Harrisburg before the trade. Pivetta has gone 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA in 10 innings with Reading. "I watched his last start," Jordan said. "He walked four in the first inning and struck out the side. [He has] a great arm. Just really easy velocity, up to 97. He's just not as refined as Thompson, Eickhoff and Asher, but he's got as good of an arm as any of them." From the Revere deal: RHP Jimmy Cordero, 23. His fastball has hit 102 mph, but he has a 5.40 ERA in five appearances with Reading. "There's an argument that he's the best arm we have in our system," Jordan said. "I saw a breaking ball that will play. He just needs to learn how to pitch to the plate a little bit. Hitters need to be a little more uncomfortable. We can help him with that." RHP Alberto Tirado, 20. He hits 99 mph on the gun. Tirado could return to the rotation next season, but at the moment, he has a 2.25 ERA in three relief appearances with Class A Clearwater. "He's got ability," Jordan said. From the Rollins deal: RHP Zach Eflin, 21. Some think Eflin, the club's No. 9-ranked prospect, has a higher ceiling than current Phillies starter Aaron Nola. Eflin is 6-6 with a 3.67 ERA in 18 starts with Reading. "If he reaches his potential, he has an opportunity to be every bit as good, if not better, [than Nola], because his weapons are better," Jordan said. "Zach has pitchability. He's just a younger guy and doesn't quite know how to use his weapons to the degree that Nola or Eickhoff do at this time. But he can pitch." LHP Tom Windle, 23. The Phils moved him to the bullpen because they think his stuff will play better there. Windle is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in 12 relief appearances with Reading. He is likely to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. "The spike in his stuff has been a little sporadic," Jordan said. "There are nights you see exactly what you want to see from him in that role. There are nights it doesn't really play up. But he will show you two above-average Major League pitches out of the bullpen. He's going to be a tough look for a good left-handed hitter when all is said and done." From the Byrd deal: RHP Ben Lively, 23. He was 8-7 with a 4.17 ERA in 22 starts with Reading before he went on the DL with a strained right shoulder. "Ben had a good year, not a great year," said Jordan, who discussed Lively before the injury was announced. "He likes to pitch with his fastball, but the secondary pitches have to be developed as you move up. I think that's kind of the resistance he's run into. We've got to sharpen up the breaking ball, slider and changeup. I like Ben. He's an aggressive, confident competitor." From the Bastardo deal: RHP Joely Rodriguez, 23. He is 6-8 with a 5.88 ERA with Reading and Lehigh Valley. "He's set himself up to finish the season very strong," Jordan said. "In his last start, he resembled the guy we saw in the Fall League. I really liked what I saw. He just lost his way a little bit. He got out of his delivery. That's why we put him in the 'pen. He's back in the rotation, and that's where we want him to finish the season."

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies season has taken an unexpected turn for the better as they have officially climbed out of the bottom of the NL East with a record of 46-69. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 57-55-0 on this day.

Franco And Phillies End The Losing Streak!

GAME RECAP: Phillies Shock Reds 5-4

Darin Ruf took advantage of a rare opportunity Tuesday night when he singled to right field to score Odubel Herrera from third base in a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Reds at Citizens Bank Park. It snapped the Phillies' seven-game losing streak, which was the organization's longest since an eight-game streak July 20-28, 2013. "We've been battling for a while now," said Ruf, who has just four plate appearances since May 24. "It just seemed like for the last week and a half or so, we were just missing that big hit." Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto had not pitched since May 19 because of a sore elbow, but he pitched well in his return. He allowed five hits, two runs (one earned run) and struck out four in six innings. He left with a 4-2 lead, but Maikel Franco's two-run homer in the eighth against Jumbo Diaz tied the game. "He was really, really good," Reds manager Bryan Price said of Cueto. "My guess is he's going to continue to feel good. I don't suspect there being any lingering issues after today's game."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Phillies second baseman Chase Utley's batting average dropped to .099 on May 8, and it has been a slow climb since. But he went 3-for-4 with a home run Tuesday to raise his batting average to .207, his highest average of the season. "Obviously, the first month didn't go as planned," Utley said. "But you can't really change that. You've got to continue to move forward. The last month or so has been a little better. You just try to build on it."
• Reds left fielder Marlon Byrd was hit on the right arm by an O'Sullivan pitch leading off the top of the sixth inning. Byrd was out of the game in the seventh to get X-rays on his right wrist, which revealed a fracture. It is not known how long he might be out of action. "We're going to wait until we hear from the doctors and they read the X-rays and they make that decision," Price said. "I would not anticipate having him available, not in this series, and there's a possibility he could be DL'd here, too."
• Papelbon has struck out 27 of the 83 batters (32.5 percent strikeout rate) he has faced this season. It is his highest strikeout rate since 2011, when he struck out 34.1 percent of the batters he faced while with Boston.
• With two outs in the top of the second inning, Hamilton bunted to the left side and was called out at first base after appearing to beat Franco's throw. The Reds challenged umpire Dan Bellino's call, and it took only 42 seconds for it to be overturned upon replay review. Hamilton was credited with a single but soon ended the inning anyway when he was caught stealing.
• "You're lucky you're getting to pinch-hit for me." -- Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to Ruf. Papelbon stood in the on-deck circle in the bottom of the ninth inning before manager Ryne Sandberg sent Ruf to the plate instead.

NEXT GAME:

Left-hander Cole Hamels has had an incredible career against the Reds. He is 10-0 with a 1.36 ERA in 13 career starts against Cincinnati, which includes a shutout in Game 3 of the 2010 National League Division Series. Hamels has not allowed more than six hits or three runs in any start against the Reds. Mike Leake will start the second game of the series for the Reds, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch scheduled on Wednesday. Leake has struggled lately and is 0-3 with a 12.86 ERA his last three starts with 20 earned runs and 27 hits, including six homers, over 14 innings. His track record vs. the Phillies isn't strong either. He is 1-3 with a 7.41 ERA in six starts lifetime vs. Philadelphia.

PHILS PHACTS:

Ruf Gets The Pie – The opportunities have been few and far between for Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf, but he took advantage Tuesday. He hit a 1-1 fastball to right field in the bottom of the ninth inning against Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani to score the winning run in a 5-4 victory. It was the first walk-off hit of Ruf's big league career. "He was trying to come in all three times, I think," said Ruf, who pinch-hit for Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon. "The first one he missed away. The second one I just missed. The third one was pretty much the same as the second one. I just tried to stay a little shorter [with my swing] and use the middle of the field. Just trying to barrel it up, or get jammed and break my bat, like I did." It was Ruf's fourth plate appearance since May 24. His playing time has dwindled recently, especially with Cody Asche back in the big leagues and playing every day in left field. That is a spot where Ruf had played occasionally, but with Asche in left, Ryan Howard at first base and the Phillies uninterested in Ruf in right, playing time is expected to remain limited. "That's where he's settled into right now," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said about Ruf's role on the team as a part-time player. "The potential is there. I had a lot of confidence in that spot with him, and he came up big. But I still view him as a guy that can swing the bat from the right side." Ruf is hitting .225 (20-for-89) with six doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs and a .669 OPS in 37 games. He had been 1-for-10 as a pinch-hitter this season, and .091 (3-for-33) as a pinch-hitter in his career. "It definitely feels good," Ruf said about coming through with a clutch hit. "I haven't had the best numbers pinch-hitting. I feel like I've had some good at-bats in some situations, but it was good to be there in that situation and still have the confidence from the manager and from myself to be able to get the job done."

Franco Comes Through Under Pressure – The Phillies knew a game-changing hit had to come sooner or later. They just didn't know from whom it would come. In the midst of an 11-game slump, rookie third baseman Maikel Franco seemed as unlikely a candidate as any. The 22-year-old Dominican entered play Tuesday 5-for-42 since May 20 and started Tuesday's 5-4 win by reaching base on errors in back-to-back at-bats, dropping his batting average below .200. It didn't stay there for long. Franco laced a double in the sixth inning to break his seven-game streak without an extra-base hit, but he was stranded at second by a Cody Asche strikeout and an Odubel Herrera groundout. But his biggest contribution to the game came two innings later. Franco came to the plate with two outs and a runner on second base with his team trailing by two. Reds pitcher Jumbo Diaz slung an 85-mph slider over the plate, and Franco turned on it. Showing shades of Sammy Sosa, Franco hopped a couple of times and started running the bases. There was no doubt in his mind he had tied the game up. "When I hit it, I knew the ball was gone because I hit the ball good," Franco said. "It got a good fly, and I knew the ball was gone." That home run energized the team. The Phillies came into Tuesday's game with one hit in their past 28 opportunities with runners in scoring position, and that one hit didn't even plate a runner. Franco's two-run job, along with Darin Ruf's pinch-hit walk-off single, broke the Phillies out of not only that funk, but a seven-game losing streak that was the team's longest of the season. Despite the importance of his hit, Ruf acknowledged that it was Franco's home run that even made his walk-off possible, not just in terms of the score, but in terms of morale. "We knew a big hit would come at some point for us," Ruf said. "For him to do it, it was just electric in the dugout." Franco has now played 17 games this season since his mid-May callup. In games in which he has recorded a hit, the Phillies are 5-4. In games in which Franco has gone hitless, the Phillies are 2-6. To manager Ryne Sandberg, Franco's night was different from his 16 other 2015 outings for one reason: It was better. "I thought he looked as good tonight as he has since he's been here," Sandberg said. "I think it started with that double down the line. He really kept his front shoulder in there and reacted to a pitch aggressively. Once again, I think he built on that hit being able to come up and have the confidence to be able to hit the big two-run home run."

Slowly Rising – Chase Utley finally has his head above the Mendoza line. It has been a long climb since his batting average dropped to .099 on May 8, which was the lowest batting average among qualified hitters through a team's first 30 games since 1914. But Utley went 3-for-4 with a home run in Tuesday night's 5-4 victory over the Reds at Citizens Bank Park to raise his average to .207. It was the first time his batting average had hit .200 since April 14. "Obviously the first month didn't go as planned," Utley said. "But you can't really change that. You've got to continue to move forward. The last month or so has been a little better. You just try to build on it." Utley has hit .347 (25-for-73) with six doubles, one triple, one home run, eight RBIs and an .908 OPS in 22 games since May 8. Perhaps Utley's luck has finally turned in his favor. His batting average on balls in play had been .079 through May 8, which was easily the worst BABIP in baseball. But his .393 BABIP since seems to be evening things out. "It became a little frustrating at times," Utley said, "because you know you're putting some decent at-bats together hitting balls, maybe not perfect, but well enough where you feel like you may deserve a hit here and there. For whatever reason, they weren't really falling. You try not to change too much, but mentally it can be tough." Utley started Tuesday's game with a bunt single down the third-base line. Cincinnati had employed the defensive shift with Reds third baseman Todd Frazier essentially playing shortstop. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg had been begging his hitters to drop a ball down the line to beat the shift, and Utley finally did it. "I figured I'd try it," he said. "I think over the course of a year, guys should try it. Whether it works out or not, at least it'll get the defense thinking a little bit." Utley singled to left in the third before homering in the sixth. It was his first homer since May 1 in Miami. "They say they all even out," Utley said. "We'll see if that happens."

Once Again, Phillies Offensive Falters – The Phillies will have at least one player appear at next month's All-Star Game in Cincinnati, but he is almost certainly going to come from the pitching staff, according to the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot update. Cole Hamels (5-4, 2.91 ERA), Aaron Harang (4-5, 2.02 ERA) and Jonathan Papelbon (1.25 ERA, 11-for-11 in save opportunities) each could make cases for themselves to make the team. The case is more difficult to make for Phillies position players. Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis looked like a candidate in April, but he is fading after a hot start. He is hitting .211 with a .514 OPS since May 8. Ryan Howard had been on a roll, but he has just two hits in his past 23 at-bats. No Phillies player is among the highest vote getters in MLB.com's second National League All-Star voting update. Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots. Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info. Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities. The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Minor Awards – The Phillies named Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins their Minor League pitcher and player of the month, respectively, on Tuesday. Nola, who turns 22 on Thursday, went 4-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in six starts with Double-A Reading. He struck out 32 and allowed just five walks in 40 innings. Nola, who the Phillies selected in the first round of the 2014 Draft, is the organization's No. 2 prospect and the No. 34 prospect in baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com. Hoskins, 22, hit .342 (38-for-111) with six doubles, two triples, two home runs, 23 RBIs and a .908 OPS in May with Class A Lakewood. The Phillies selected the 6-foot-4 first baseman in the fifth round in 2014.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are starting the season as expected and are now near the bottom of the NL east at 20-33. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance this spring, don’t expect their competitive place in the standings to last. All time, the Phillies are 46-56-0 on this day.