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.

Young Bats Back Veteran Arm In Phillies Win

GAME RECAP: Phillies Edge Marlins 4-2

The Phillies picked an opportune time to belt their first back-to-back home runs this season. With one out in the ninth inning on Saturday, Aaron Altherr and Darin Ruf each connected off A.J. Ramos, lifting Philadelphia to a 4-2 victory over Miami at Marlins Park. The Marlins held a two-run lead until two outs in the eighth inning, when the Phillies began to do their damage with solo shots. Darnell Sweeney homered off Justin Nicolino in the eighth for his first MLB hit. Philadelphia has won two of three in the four-game series, and is now one game behind Miami for last place in the National League East. "It felt good to get that hit," Altherr said. "We made a good comeback there at the end and that's all we needed. We just needed a couple hits in a row and get some runs scored. I'm just glad I was able to be a part of that." Nicolino, in his best big league start, held the Phillies scoreless on three hits through the first 7 2/3 innings. But with the rookie one out away from a clean eighth inning, Sweeney delivered a pinch-hit homer and Cesar Hernandez slapped a single to left. Nicolino was replaced after 101 pitches. Andres Blanco doubled to left on a 1-2 pitch from reliever Bryan Morris, pulling the Phillies even at 2. "We wasted a good performance," Morris said. "[Nicolino] dominated for 7 1/2 innings. You'd think it wouldn't be that hard to get one out. But sometimes it ends up being a crucial point in the game. I think if I do my job there, the game turns out different." The Marlins managed two hits and two runs off Phillies right-hander Aaron Harang, and three hits overall in the game. One of them was Derek Dietrich's bases-loaded, two-run double in the third inning, which gave Miami a lead it held until Philadelphia responded twice in the eighth. "It's bad spots. It's strictly about location," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said on the homers in the ninth. "You make mistakes, they're going to make you pay. Again, it's frustrating to see that."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phils stayed hot against Ramos, launching two more home runs off the Marlins' closer to push the series total to three. While Altherr and Ruf each launched one in the ninth on Saturday, Cody Asche homered in the ninth off Ramos in Thursday's 9-7 loss. Additionally, Jeff Francoeur also hit a walk-off homer vs. Ramos on July 19 in Philadelphia. "We got to their closer, who's been outstanding all year," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "You don't expect that, but the home runs are fun to see."
• Sweeney -- pinch-hitting in the top of the eighth for the third at-bat of his career -- jumped on Nicolino's first-pitch 84-mph cutter and hit it beyond the left-center-field wall to cut the Phillies' deficit to 2-1. The homer, which marked Sweeney's first career hit, landed a projected 445 feet from home plate with a 105-mph exit speed, according to Statcast™. "It was a good feeling," Sweeney said. "I put a good swing on a good ball and it carried out. That's all I was trying to do was be aggressive early in the count."
• "That third inning, I was just missing some pitches and they were doing a good job of taking pitches and battling. They say walks end up killing you -- and they almost did -- but the guys saw I was battling and they were able to come up and get a couple big hits." -- Harang, who walked four in the first three innings.
• The Phillies have beaten the Marlins five of six times since the All-Star break.
• Nola and Conley will face their respective opponents for the first time in their careers.
• Ryan Howard, who hit three doubles in Friday's win, should be back in the Phillies' lineup after not starting on Saturday.
• The Marlins are tagging the contest as Dontrelle Willis and Juan Pierre Day. Willis, a left-handed pitcher, and Pierre, a center fielder, were key players on the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship team. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive either a Willis or Pierre T-shirt.

NEXT GAME:

After walking a career high in his last start, promising Phillies rookie Aaron Nola looks to regain his control in Sunday's series finale in Miami. He'll match up with Marlins rookie Adam Conley, who also wasn't sharp in his last outing. Nola (3-1, 4.41 ERA) walked four batters on Tuesday against Toronto, taking a no-decision as he allowed three earned runs in five innings. The four walks marked the most he has allowed in a professional start -- which includes 29 Minor League starts and six Major League starts. "I anticipate him having good command," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "The only thing he has to be careful of is, if he gets hit -- a lot of times players will be pitching well and then all of a sudden they get hit around one time, so they get less aggressive and try to nitpick. He has to avoid that." Conley (1-0, 5.82 ERA) went just 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday in Milwaukee, getting roughed up for four earned runs on nine hits. This will be his third start since being inserted into the rotation on Aug. 12.

PHILS PHACTS:

Early Success – Phillies rookies Darnell Sweeney and Aaron Altherr aren't established home run hitters by any means, but the clutch power display by the youngsters in Saturday's 4-2 comeback win at Marlins Park was certainly an encouraging sign for Philadelphia's future. Trailing 2-0 in the eighth, the recently acquired Sweeney -- who's ranked 11th on the Phillies' top prospect list, according to MLBPipeline.com -- pinch-hit and launched his first career homer -- which also marked his first Major League hit. Meanwhile, the left fielder Altherr, Philadelphia's No. 24 prospect who was just recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, launched the go-ahead homer in the ninth for the second long ball of his career. "We just needed a couple hits in a row and get some runs scored," Altherr, 24, said. "I'm just glad I was able to be a part of that." Said the 24-year-old Sweeney: "I was just trying to be a little sparkplug in the lineup, and that's what they wanted me to do. I'm glad we got the win after it. It makes me feel better." Sweeney's solo shot -- which was a blast that landed a projected 445 feet from home plate, according to Statcast™ -- came off Marlins lefty Justin Nicolino, who hadn't allowed a run for 7 2/3 innings. It was only the third big league at-bat for the switch-hitting Florida native, who was just acquired from the Dodgers on Wednesday in the Chase Utley trade. "That was a nice thing to see," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "He crushed that ball, which is a good sign. ... From both sides, we like his swing. That's one of the reasons we got him in the trade." Mackanin also raved about Altherr's swing, which he said is much improved since Spring Training. Altherr -- who is 4-for-13 with two homers since being recalled -- tagged Marlins closer A.J. Ramos to break a 2-2 tie. Darin Ruf then followed with a solo homer, as the duo recorded the first back-to-back homers for the Phillies this season. "His swing path is different -- he's more compact and he's got more bat speed than I thought he had based on what I saw in the spring," Mackanin said. "He looks like he's gonna be a pretty good hitter, and we know he's a good defensive player, so nice-looking young guy." Mackanin added after the game that Sweeney earned himself his first career start in Sunday's series finale, while Altherr has started four of the past five games. "Just better pitch selection than years before," Altherr said. "I'm waiting for my pitch and not trying to swing at everything -- just being selective and it's paying off. Hopefully I can continue to keep that going."

Settling Down – Just like Phillies veteran Aaron Harang has been working extra the past couple of weeks to break his August slump, the righty did some soul searching after a rough third inning in Saturday's outing and regrouped to notch a quality start in Philadelphia's 4-2 comeback win at Marlins Park. "I kind of figured some things out after that inning -- felt like I was rushing a little bit," Harang said. "I was able to think about it after the inning. I told myself to slow down and get things under control." The 37-year-old tossed seven innings on 110 pitches, allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks. The no-decision ended a three-game losing streak to start August in which he had allowed 18 runs on 26 hits in 15 innings. "I just kind of have been figuring some things out," said Harang, who was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list on July 30. "We've kind of been working on stuff this past week in the bullpen. It felt like ever since I came back, I was rushing a little bit and not getting my arm on top enough." It looked like it might be another rough outing for Harang after he allowed two third-inning runs on three walks and a two-run double by Derek Dietrich. But he didn't surrender a hit the rest of the way and kept the Phillies within striking distance -- which they took advantage of by scoring four runs in the final two innings. "That third inning I was just missing some pitches and they were doing a good job of taking pitches and battling," Harang said. "They say walks end up killing you -- and they almost did -- but the guys saw I was battling and they were able to come up and get a couple big hits." Said interim manager Pete Mackanin said, "He settled down and pitched very well. He's a bulldog -- he has a bulldog mentality. It hasn't been going his way most of the year, at least in the second half. But I know he's got that in him."

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 49-74. 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 36-60-0 on this day.

Phillies Rally But Can’t Get Past Marlins

GAME RECAP: Marlins Beat Phillies 9-7

The Marlins struck early with a pair of two-run homers from Martin Prado and Marcell Ozuna, and then held on late to beat the Phillies, 9-7, on Thursday at Marlins Park. Miami's Brad Hand was in trouble in the first inning, loading the bases with one out. But he allowed just a sacrifice fly to Darin Ruf, and minimized the damage. The lefty, who threw 97 pitches, allowed one run on four hits in six innings. Hand had plenty of support as Miami sent nine to the plate and scored four runs in each of the first two innings. "I'm glad we had what we had the first two innings," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. "That was great to see. I thought Brad did a great job, gave us six innings, which was huge, something we definitely needed. He did a nice job to limit the damage there in the first inning." Phillies starter Jerome Williams, who had given up three earned runs in 18 innings (1.50) in his previous three August starts, was unable to make it through two innings. The right-hander was tagged for eight runs on eight hits with four walks in 1 2/3 innings. After throwing 38 pitches in the first inning, he was lifted after 68 pitches, and his team trailing by seven. In the seventh inning, the Phillies chipped back with three runs off right-hander Scott McGough, who gave up five hits in his MLB debut. Odubel Herrera had a two-out RBI double in the inning. And in the eighth inning, Freddy Galvis had a run-scoring triple in a two-run frame. Cody Asche homered off A.J. Ramos in the ninth. but Ramos settled down to pick up his 21st save of the season. "We got caught in a hole and tried to dig our way out," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "We fell silent for about five innings and then we started digging. It was a [heck] of a comeback. We had a good chance to win that game."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Williams wasn't sharp from the beginning, allowing two singles and a walk to load the bases with no outs in the first inning. It didn't get any better from there, as the righty allowed four first-inning runs and two homers in the second inning before being pulled after just 1 2/3 innings as his ERA ballooned to 6.10. "Everything snowballed and I wasn't throwing the ball where I wanted to," Williams said. "Command was the main problem. I couldn't throw any pitches where I wanted to and you're not going to survive like that."
• A day after Darnell Sweeney was acquired from the Dodgers for Chase Utley, he made his Phillies and Major League debut. The 24-year-old, who arrived just a couple of hours before first pitch, pinch-hit in the pitcher's slot in fifth inning and popped out to second on the second pitch of the at-bat. Sweeney is the Phillies No. 11 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com.
• "The 'pen picked up the slack and guys were swinging the bats later on in the game. So it [stinks] to go out there and have the performance I had when guys are busting their butt out there and trying to comeback. I feel terrible about it." -- Williams.
• Lefty reliever Cesar Jimenez was designated for assignment after the game to make room for Friday's starter, Jerad Eickhoff. Jimenez, 30, tossed 2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts in the loss.

NEXT GAME:

Marlins Park will be the site for two Major League starting pitching debuts on Friday in the second game of the four-game set between Miami and Philadelphia. Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff -- acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade -- is getting his first taste of the big leagues, while Miami rookie Kendry Flores makes his first career start after making six relief appearances this season. Since joining the Philadelphia organization on July 31, Eickhoff -- the Phillies No. 15 prospect -- went 2-1 with a 2.49 ERA in three starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 25-year-old righty was also 9-4 with a 4.25 ERA for Texas' Triple-A Round Rock. "I think it's a tremendous honor," Eickhoff said of being traded for Hamels. "He's been such a great player and he's done so much in this game already. Those are tough shoes to fill, and I'm not trying to fill them by any means. But if I can help in any way, that's what I'm here to do."

PHILS PHACTS:

Leaving A Lasting Legacy – A member of the Phillies since 2013, left fielder Cody Asche admitted that, early on, he used to have his groggy days. "I'd get to the field in plenty of time to do everything, but I didn't really feel like doing it," he said prior to Thursday's contest against Miami. "And then I take a walk around and there's Chase [Utley] -- he's already worked out and done this, this and this. He's already studying the pitchers. [Shoot], I guess I better do something, too, you know? "So [Utley} taught me a lot about the preparation aspect of it and his game speaks for itself." After 13 years, Philadelphia traded its longtime second baseman Utley to the Dodgers on Wednesday night. However, the intense six-time All-Star certainly left his mark on a Phillies roster that is currently being rebuilt with young players. "I think most of us, you come up being preached, 'This is how you go about being successful in the game' and 'This is what you're supposed to do'…and then when you see it live and in person -- that's who Chase was," Asche said. "It was a natural fit, I think, for us to just watch what he did and how he did everything." With the departure of the 36-year-old Utley, only two players -- Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz -- remain from the Phillies' 2008 World Series championship team. More than half of the current 25-man roster consists of players no older than 28 years old. Interim manager Pete Mackanin believes those young guys learned plenty from one of the franchise's greatest players. "I think a lot of guys have a certain approach and some are more intense than others," Mackanin said. "I think watching a guy like Utley that has had so much success over the years -- and who has so much intensity in preparation and focus during the game -- I think the players have to notice that."

“Replacing” Utley – Not that Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin is glad Chase Utley is gone, but with the longtime second baseman's departure on Wednesday, it clears things up at second and third base for Philadelphia going forward. Prior to Thursday's 9-7 loss at Marlins Park, Mackanin named Cesar Hernandez as the second baseman and Andres Blanco as the third baseman moving forward. Both responded by going 2-for-5, including notching back-to-back singles in the Phillies three-run seventh inning that sparked their comeback attempt that fell just short. Hernandez moves to second base fulltime in place of Utley for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, although Darnell Sweeney -- who was acquired in the Utley deal -- will get looks at third base, Blanco will mainly handle the hot corner for the rest of 2015 with Maikel Franco on the disabled list. "As far as where we stand right [now, Blanco's] the guy that's gonna get the most playing time over at third base," Mackanin said. "And Cesar's priority is at second. I don't want to keep moving him around." Hernandez, batting .281 in 105 games, filled in at second base for the injured Utley earlier in the season and has played 66 games at the position so far. When Utley returned, prior to being traded, the 25-year-old recently started three games at third base, four at second and one at shortstop. "He's made a few errors in the last few games," Mackanin said. "He looked so good at second base over that time he started playing, I don't want to screw him up." While Blanco has been the Phillies utility man, most of his appearances have come at third base (15). Batting .297 in 118 at-bats, the 31-year-old has also played one game at first base, 10 at second base and five at shortstop. Even though Mackanin is handing Blanco the reigns to third for now, he's doing so with caution. "I don't want to overexpose Blanco," Mackanin said. "He's been so good -- some guys are really good part-time players -- and sometimes if you overexpose them, they're not at their best. Blanco is an outstanding utility player." In turn, the newly acquired Sweeney may get opportunities at third. The 24-year-old made his Major League debut in Thursday's loss, popping out to second in a fifth-inning pinch-hit appearance. Mackanin said Sweeney will work out at various positions prior to Friday's game, adding "I don't have any real priority to play him right away." While he hit .271 in 116 games for the Dodgers' Triple-A team in Oklahoma City this season, he mainly played second base (45 appearances). However, he also played 43 games in center field and 19 in left field -- with just four appearances coming at third base. "We're gonna work him out at third base and second base [Friday]," Mackanin said. "We're coming out early and we're gonna get a look at him and see what his actions look like. He didn't play much at third, but if he looks OK, I can sneak him in there and see how he reacts during a game."

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 47-74. 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 55-53-0 on this day.

Phillies Win On Utley’s Final Night With The Team

GAME RECAP: Phillies Top Toronto 7-4

The Phillies fans who came to Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night were hoping to learn the official fate of Chase Utley. Jeff Francoeur, Aaron Altherr and Andres Blanco homered, and rookie left-hander Adam Morgan allowed just two runs in seven innings in the Phillies' 7-4 win over the Blue Jays. Shortly after the game, the Phillies announced that they had completed the deal to send Utley to the Dodgers for prospects infielder/outfielder Darnell Sweeney and right-hander John Richy. "Morgan was outstanding tonight," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "Other than the fifth inning, he kind of mowed them down." "That's twice [Morgan] has pitched against us and we haven't been able to do anything with him," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "I thought we had him on the ropes there in the fifth inning and we got that second run so we went for it there and pulled it close. But then we gave up three [runs in the bottom of the inning.]"

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies promoted Altherr on Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and he quickly showed why they think he could be part of their future. He doubled to score a run in the first inning. It was the first hit, double and RBI of his big league career. He then hit a two-run homer to left field in the fifth inning for his first home run. "It's good to get that first hit out of the way," Altherr said. "I just thank God for this opportunity. Hopefully I can continue to produce up here."
• Morgan had arguably the best outing of his 10-start career. He allowed five hits, two runs and struck out three in seven innings against one of the best offenses in baseball. It should be a confidence booster for Morgan, who allowed five hits and two runs against the Blue Jays in Toronto on July 28. "Any team you face is a good team," Morgan said. "So any team I face and do well against is a confidence booster."
• "I haven't seen the first one yet. Mystery ball. I don't know where it went. I got the home run ball, though." -- Altherr, on if he got the ball from his first-inning double. Teammates are almost certainly holding it as a prank.
• Altherr is the first Phillies player to record his first hit, home run, RBI, run, double and walk in the same game since Denny Southern on Sept. 10, 1926, against the Cubs.
• The Phillies lead the season series between the two clubs, 5-4, despite the Marlins outscoring Philadelphia, 42-35, over the nine games.
• The Phillies begin life without iconic second baseman Chase Utley, whom they traded Wednesday night to the Dodgers. It is expected to make Cesar Hernandez the team's second baseman the remainder of the season, although it leaves them a man short in the infield with Maikel Franco on the disabled list with a broken left wrist. It will be interesting to see moving forward how the Phillies handle both second base and third base.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies and Marlins will open up a four-game series on Thursday at Marlins Park in a battle between division rivals. Philadelphia will send Jerome Williams to the mound to square off against Miami starter Brad Hand. Williams has had a difficult 2015, but August has been kind to the veteran right-hander. He's 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA, allowing just three earned runs over 18 innings. Williams entered the month with an ERA over 6.00, but he's now sitting at 5.47. Hand will hope his last outing was a blip on the radar, as the left-hander had also been strong to begin August. He surrendered 11 hits and six runs over six innings against the Cardinals his last time out. However, Hand allowed just one earned in his first two starts of the month (11 innings).

PHILS PHACTS:

A Night To Remember – Phillies left fielder Aaron Altherr had a night of firsts on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. He picked up the first hit, double and RBI of his big league career in the first inning against the Blue Jays. He then hit the first homer of his career in the fifth inning of a 7-4 victory over Toronto. Altherr is the first Phillies player to record his first hit, home run, RBI, run, double and walk in the same game since Denny Southern on Sept. 10, 1926, against the Cubs. "It's good to get that first hit out of the way," Altherr said. "I just thank God for this opportunity. Hopefully I can continue to produce up here." The Phillies promoted Altherr from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, replacing injured third baseman Maikel Franco on the 25-man roster. He will get a chance to play the remainder of the season. He has performed well since Winter Ball. He hit a combined .293 (127-for-433) with 32 doubles, five triples, 14 home runs and 67 RBIs in 111 games with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Altherr is ranked the No. 23 prospect in the Phillies' system, according to MLBPipeline.com.

Utley To Reunite With Rollins – Chase Utley raised the Phillies cap from his head and acknowledged the fans standing and cheering for him behind the Phillies' dugout following Wednesday night's 7-4 win over the Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park. He descended the steps and quietly disappeared into the clubhouse. It would be his last time in a Phillies uniform. The Phillies announced they had traded their iconic second baseman to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Minor League prospects Darnell Sweeney, who is a Triple-A infielder/outfielder, and John Richy, who is a Class A right-hander. Sweeney, ranked the 11th-best prospect in the Phillies' organization according to MLBPipeline.com, already has been promoted to take Utley's spot on the roster. FOXSports.com reported the Phillies will pay $4 million of the $6 million owed Utley through the end of the season, which includes a $2 million buyout on a 2016 club option. "I'm not necessarily an emotional guy," Utley said in a news conference. "But this city's meant a lot to me over the years. I think everyone knows my love and affection for the city. It was a very, very difficult decision for me and my family to go. It's not so much changing uniforms, it's about leaving this city, which has given so much to me over the 12 or 13 years I've been here." Utley's departure leaves Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz as the only remaining members of the 2008 World Series championship team. It also reunites Utley with longtime teammate Jimmy Rollins, whom the Phillies traded to Los Angeles in December. Utley waived his no-trade rights to join the Dodgers, who are his hometown team. Utley grew up in Long Beach, Calif. He attended a 1988 World Series game at Dodger Stadium with his father. He attended UCLA before the Phillies selected him in the first round of the 2000 Draft. Utley, 36, had indicated for some time that he wanted to remain in Philadelphia, but his stance shifted as the Phillies continued to lose and traded Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere and Jake Diekman in July. "Three weeks ago or so I had a conversation with [general manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.]," Utley said. "We put our heads together and decided it might be best for us to part ways. I gave them a list of a handful of teams that I would consider playing for, and then it was Ruben's job to find the best deal he could for the organization. And ultimately it came down to the Dodgers, a team I grew up watching." "Chase is an iconic, generational player here in Philadelphia, and arguably one of the most popular and most successful players we've ever had in our organization," Amaro said. "To have to take him away from our organization and put him in another one is not what I'd consider to be particularly gratifying. But I can say that I believe this is the best thing for all parties at this stage of the Phillies development and this stage of Chase's career." Utley leaves the Phillies as their greatest second baseman, and one of the most popular athletes in Philadelphia history. He ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in hits, doubles, home runs, extra-base hits, RBIs, games and walks. He helped the Phillies win five consecutive National League East titles from 2007-11, two National League pennants and one World Series title. He set a standard for hard-nosed play, which Phillies fans loved. "I don't think we're going to be around all night so we can go through all the great memories we had here, but obviously winning the World Series here in 2008," Utley said about his greatest memories. "Nothing is better than that. The way the city reacted to that team was truly special, something I will never forget. Going down Broad Street after winning the World Series was an amazing feeling. "But … it's time." Utley's locker had been cleared out by the time he spoke to reporters. His bags had been packed. He eventually left the ballpark with his wife Jen and his son Ben. The Phillies move on. Utley moves on. But the memories linger. "I don't think it has totally set in yet that I'm not going to be around here for the rest of the year," Utley said. "I don't know. Time will tell. But both myself and my family were comfortable with this decision."

Farewell To An Iconic Phillie – First baseman Ryan Howard won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2006. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins won it in 2007. Chase Utley never took home that hardware. But it's not a stretch to suggest that he meant more to the Phillies in those years than Howard or Rollins or Cole Hamels or Pat Burrell or anybody in that era. "He was flanked by league MVPs, left and right," said Ed Wade, the general manager when Utley was drafted. "But I think if you boil down his decade worth of performance in a Phillies uniform, I don't think it would be overstating to say he was the MVP of that era. As good as that core nucleus was, what all those guys did, there was sort of a performance and a heartbeat level that was happening at second base." That's not hyperbole. As calculated by baseball-reference.com, Utley's WAR is fourth in franchise history. Among position players, it is second only to Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt. Utley waived his full no-trade protection and was traded to the Dodgers on Wednesday night. Plaques and numbers are one thing. No player was more quickly adopted or fervently embraced by Philadelphia's blue collar fan base, a group that values unrelenting effort above any other quality in its professional athletes. He becomes the third member of the Phillies nucleus to say goodbye in the last eight months. Rollins was traded to the Dodgers last December, Hamels to the Rangers just before the non-waiver Trade Deadline last month. Now only Howard and Carlos Ruiz remain as links to the greatest run of sustained excellence in franchise history: five division titles, two pennants and a World Series championship from 2007 through 2011. It's a sobering reminder of how fleeting athletic glory really is. All good things must end. Utley had more staying power than most. For 13 Major League seasons, he played for the same team. "There aren't many guys who have been able to wear just one uniform through a fairly long career," Utley said after signing his most recent contract extension. "Especially nowadays with the amount of movement there is and the amount of money there is in baseball ... So, something that I've always wanted to do." It didn't work out that way, but he did join a select list of the longest-tenured Phillies ever. Only Schmidt (18 years), Granny Hamner (16), Steve Carlton and Rollins (15) and Robin Roberts and Chris Short (14) had more continuous service. It wasn't just that he was around for a long time that made him such a civic fixture. It wasn't just the six All-Star Game appearances. It wasn't just his good works along with wife Jennifer, much of it focusing on pet adoption and raising money for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It wasn't even that he became the best second baseman the Phillies, who opened for business 132 years ago, have ever had. Just as Rollins was the best shortstop, Howard the best first baseman and Hamels the best pitcher the organization had developed in 60 years. No, it was more intangible than that. The rugged good looks that made women swoon. The strong-but-silent demeanor that men admired. The countless hours studying video, part of his leadership by example. The understated derring-do and the sense that, no matter what, he was giving everything he had at all times. If there's one vignette that sums it up, it came on Aug. 9, 2006, at Turner Field in Atlanta. Trailing in the top of the seventh, the Phillies took the lead on a bases-loaded double by Utley. Howard followed with a dribbler to the right side that pitcher Macay McBride fielded in front of the base and flipped to first. Utley, running all the way, scored from second on an out that was hit, maybe, 70 feet. In the broadcast booth, Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas couldn't contain himself. "Chase Utley, you are the man!" he yelled into the microphone. That became a rallying cry, a short-hand for everything he meant to the team and, now, an epitaph. He signed that last contract two years ago and it ran through 2018 when he'll be approaching 40. But, to protect the team, the last three seasons were $15 million options that would vest with 500 plate appearances the previous year. That was prudent considering the knee problems that dogged him in 2011 and 2012. In the end, it took a perfect storm to end Utley's Phillies career. He injured his ankle working out before the season, but tried to play. He was batting .179 when he finally went on the disabled list on June 23. In his absence, Cesar Hernandez took off for an organization that by now was in full rebuilding mode. When Utley came back, he had no chance of guaranteeing his option. He also had to prove he could still hit, which he did by batting .484 (15-for-31) with a 1.227 OPS. That encouraged contenders to make offers. Finally, the front office needed to iron out the complicated details with a team he would also be willing to go to. It had to be an emotional ordeal for Utley, who remained publicly stoic throughout the process. That, too, demonstrated consistency. He shared little of his private life and few of his thoughts, which only added to his mystique. That's one reason it generated such a reaction when he referred to the Phillies as "world [bleeping] champions" in the giddy post-parade celebration at Citizens Bank Park following the 2008 World Series. It was one of the rare times he bared his emotions for the world to see. Once again, Philadelphia watches as a baseball icon who was signed and developed and helped the franchise reach unprecedented heights has been traded. It's best for the Phillies, who are retooling. It's best for Utley, who gets another shot at the postseason. But that doesn't make it any easier.

Howard Talks About Utley’s Departure – The next time Ryan Howard sets foot in the Phillies' clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park, the nameplate above Chase Utley's locker will be removed. The contents have already been packed. "And then there were two," Howard said following Wednesday night's 7-4 victory over the Blue Jays. Howard and Carlos Ruiz are the only two holdovers from the 2008 World Series championship team after the Phillies and Dodgers announced the trade that sent Utley to Los Angeles for a pair of Minor League prospects. "It's crazy," Howard said. "All the things we've been able to do here. He's been here ever since I first got called up to the big leagues. Yeah, it's going to be different looking over here and not seeing him here and everything. "All things come to an end. We had a great run. Things are definitely changing. It is hard to believe, but just four years ago the Phillies won a franchise-record 102 games. They looked like they could win forever. But now the rebuilding effort is in full swing. Since December, the Phillies have traded Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere, Marlon Byrd, Jake Diekman and Antonio Bastardo. "You remember when you first walked in and you were a rookie," Howard said. "And then the next thing you know you're the veteran guy on the team and you've got change taking place. It's definitely different. And it's definitely kind of a weird feeling."

Examining The Return For Utley – In the twilight of his career and in the midst of his worst big league season, six-time All-Star Chase Utley wasn't going to command a lot in a trade. But the Phillies managed to get a pair of potentially useful prospects when they granted Utley's wish of playing for a contender in his native Southern California. The Dodgers acquired Utley on Wednesday night in exchange for outfielder/infielder Darnell Sweeney and right-hander John Richy. Sweeney will report immediately to Philadelphia for his first big league callup. Sweeney, 24, signed for $100,000 as a 13th-round pick out of Central Florida in 2012. He has raised his prospect profile by producing throughout his pro career, including leading the high Class A California League with 16 triples in 2013. Sweeney also led the Double-A Southern League with 88 runs and 77 walks in 2014. He was hitting .271/.332/.409 with nine homers and a Triple-A Pacific Coast League-high 32 steals in 116 games this season. Though he's ranked No. 8 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 10 Second Base Prospects list, Sweeney has spent more time in the outfield in 2015. Philadelphia could give him a look at second base, though Cesar Hernandez has hit well there this year. Or they could use Sweeney as a utilityman. On a contending club, he would profile better in the latter role. Sweeney doesn't have a plus tool, but he can provide a little bit of everything, and he can play just about anywhere on the diamond. He's a switch-hitter with occasional power and a knack for drawing walks. Sweeney's a solid runner with an average arm, though his infield actions and footwork aren't the smoothest. Richy, 23, is in the midst of his first full pro season after signing for $534,400 as a third-rounder from University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2014. Toiling in the hitter-friendly Cal League, he has gone 10-5 with a 4.20 ERA and a 105/34 K/BB ratio in 124 1/3 innings in 22 games (18 starts). Richy has currently tied for the league lead in victories. Richy's fastball can reach 94 mph, but it is more notable for its run and sink -- he can add and subtract from it well. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, and he also employs a curveball and cutter/slider. The righty throws all four pitches for strikes, giving him a chance to become a back-of-the-rotation starter. On MLBPipeline's updated Phillies Top 30 Prospects list, Sweeney checks in at No. 11 and Richy at No. 30.

Two Debuts Set For Friday – This week in Miami the Phillies will get a look at two of the prospects they acquired in the Cole Hamels and Chase Utley trades. The Phillies announced following Wednesday night's 7-4 win over the Blue Jays they had promoted Triple-A right-hander Jerad Eickhoff, whom they acquired in the Hamels trade with Texas. Eickhoff will start Friday night against the Marlins at Marlins Park. The Phillies also announced they have promoted second baseman/outfielder Darnell Sweeney, whom they just acquired in the Utley deal. Eickhoff is 2-1 with a 2.49 ERA in three starts with Lehigh Valley. He is the No. 15 prospect in the Phillies' organization, according to MLBPipeline.com. Sweeney is ranked as the Phillies' No. 11 prospect after being the No. 13 prospect in the Dodgers' organization. He hit .271 (128-for-472) with 30 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 49 RBIs, 32 stolen bases and a .741 OPS in 116 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. MLBPipeline.com said about Sweeney: "Sweeney doesn't have a standout tool but can do a little bit of everything. He's a switch-hitter who has made strides in tightening his strike zone and possesses more power than most middle infielders. He has solid speed but is still figuring out how to use it after leading his leagues in getting caught stealing in 2013 and '14. He was also tied for most in the PCL when he was dealt to Philadelphia." The Phillies also acquired Class A right-hander John Richy in the Utley deal. He is ranked as the Phillies' 30th-ranked prospect, and was 29th in the Dodgers' system. He went 10-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 22 games (18 starts) with Rancho Cucamonga. Said MLBPipeline.com: "Richy can throw strikes with four different pitches. He can add and subtract from his fastball, ranging from 86-94 mph and maintaining his velocity deep into games. His heater features run and sink, and he uses his 6-foot-4 frame to leverage it down in the strike zone. Richy has good feel for his changeup and spins both a curveball and a slider/cutter. He has a clean delivery and works in the strike zone enough to profile as a durable end-of-the-rotation starter."

Utley Named To AFL HOF – Two of the National League's most decorated players have been recognized for their individual achievements. Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen and Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley were named to the Arizona Fall League's Hall of Fame on Thursday. McCutchen, a five-time NL All-Star and the 2013 NL Most Valuable Player Award winner, has already won three NL Silver Slugger Awards and one NL Gold Glove Award in his first six seasons. McCutchen, 28 years old, is the sixth player in Pittsburgh's franchise history to hit 100 home runs and steal 100 bases. Utley, a six-time NL All-Star and a four-time NL Silver Slugger, was a key cog in the Philadelphia team that went to the World Series in 2008 and '09. Utley led all Major League second baseman in runs scored (868) and on-base percentage (.375) between 2005-14, and he had a 35-game hitting streak in 2006. "At 28, Andrew McCutchen is one of the youngest players to merit AFL Hall of Fame consideration and election," said Cobb. "He has become one of baseball's elite players in a very short time. Chase Utley is one of the most potent offensive performers in the history of Major League second basemen. It is an honor to welcome both players to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame."

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 47-73. 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 49-57-1 on this day.