Phils Fall To Rays As Roles Solidify

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Rays Route Phillies 6-1

Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe continues to hit the baseball well this spring. Forsythe hit a leadoff home run in the first inning off Phillies right-hander Vince Velasquez in the Rays' 6-1 win over the Phillies at Bright House Field on Thursday. He entered the game hitting .500 (10-for-20) with five doubles, one RBI and six runs scored in eight games. It was the only run allowed in five innings by Velasquez, who is competing to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter. He pitched himself out of trouble in the fifth, when he allowed a single to Brandon Guyer and a ground-rule double to Nick Franklin, putting runners on second and third. Velasquez then struck out Luke Maile and Forsythe on fastballs to end the inning. "You know he has the good stuff," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said about Velasquez. "It all boils down to his pitchability. He certainly looked good when he got into trouble. That was key." Rays left-hander Matt Moore allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings, striking out eight in his third spring start. Ryan Howard doubled off him in the second before he hit a solo home run to right field in the fourth to tie the game. Howard is 3-for-6 with two doubles, one home run and two RBIs against left-handers this spring. "I feel like we're in a good place [at this point of the spring], like we've been able to get some conditioning in," Moore said. "Out there at the end of my outing, at the fourth and fifth innings, feeling like we're getting to the end of the pitch count, I'm just happy with the way we were able to get a good mix going." Moore said he wasn't really surprised by the strikeouts. "Just throwing the same pitches I normally throw," Moore said. "Sometimes they hit them sometimes they don't. ... My changeup and curveball, whenever I could get them below in the zone were pretty effective, I was doing a pretty good job of getting ahead in the count." Steve Pearce hit his first long ball in the sixth, and Richie Shaffer and Mikie Mahtook added home runs in the eighth inning for the Rays, both off Phillies left-hander Elvis Araujo.

PHILS PHACTS:

• Outfield prospect Cornelius Randolph, who the Phillies selected in the first round of the 2015 Draft, has had his right wrist immobilized recently after sliding awkwardly into a base. The Phillies said Randolph is OK. He is scheduled to begin hitting again Friday. Randolph is the No. 84 prospect in baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com.
• Right-hander Yoervis Medina felt a pop in his right elbow Tuesday, forcing him to leave that game against the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla. Medina said through a translator he has elbow inflammation and will miss the next two weeks.
• Right-hander Frank Herrmann has not pitched this spring. He had a MRI on Tuesday, which revealed a right flexor strain.
• Right-hander Michael Mariot remains sidelined after rolling his right ankle earlier this spring.

NEXT GAME:

Phillies right-hander Charlie Morton faces his former team on Friday afternoon in a Grapefruit League game against the Pirates at Bright House Field at 1:05 p.m. The Phillies acquired Morton in an offseason trade, and he is a lock to make the rotation. The game can be seen on MLB.TV. Left-handers Adam Morgan and Brett Oberholtzer will pitch in a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. Morgan and Oberholtzer are competing for the No. 5 job in the rotation.

PHILS PHACTS:

Is The Rotation Complete? – Vince Velasquez showed Thursday why he might be the favorite to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter. The right-hander allowed three hits, one run, one walk and struck out seven in five innings in a 6-1 loss to the Rays in a Grapefruit League game at Bright House Field. Velasquez allowed a leadoff home run to Logan Forsythe in the first inning before retiring 13 of the next 14 batters he faced. He had runners on second and third with one out in the fifth, but struck out Luke Maile on a 95 mph fastball and Forsythe on a 93 mph fastball to end the inning. "You can't go wrong with putting up zeroes," Velasquez said of the competition to be the No. 5. "It's a good battle so far. They're putting up zeroes. This is the time -- it's really a grind right now. It's coming down to the wire." Velasquez's performances against Maile and Forsythe in the fifth impressed Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, who said the final decision on the fifth starter will be made late in camp. "The thing I liked about him the most was when he got into trouble with a couple guys on base, he softened up," Mackanin said. "He changed speeds. We talked about that early in the spring when I said he had to show a little finesse. He sure showed that today." "The changeup was money," Velasquez said. But it is Velasquez's power arm that made him the key piece in the Ken Giles trade in December. And it is that power arm that had Maile and Forsythe swinging and missing in a critical situation. "Later on in the season I may have a situation where I'm at 89-90 pitches, and I need to get out of it this inning," Velasquez said. "It's something where you have to bear down. You've got to win that battle." Velasquez has a 3.21 ERA (five earned runs in 14 innings) in three Grapefruit League starts. He has walked four and struck out 16. His competition is left-handers Adam Morgan and Brett Oberholtzer. Morgan has allowed two runs in nine innings this spring. Oberholtzer has pitched eight scoreless innings, but the Phillies like his versatility and might start him in the bullpen. Both are scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game Friday at Carpenter Complex. "It's probably going to be our toughest decision, really," Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said. The winner is expected to join Jeremy Hellickson, Aaron Nola, Charlie Morton and Jerad Eickhoff in the rotation. Eickhoff allowed three hits, one run, two walks and struck out four in four innings in an instrasquad game at Carpenter Complex. He is scheduled to make his first Grapefruit League start Tuesday against the Twins in Clearwater. He had been sidelined earlier this spring because of a fractured right thumb and slowed lately because of a blister on his foot. "Felt good," Eickhoff said. "I'm just happy to be walking over here in one piece this time." Eickhoff believes he still has time to be ready to join the rotation come Opening Day. "Every time I'm on the mound I feel better each time and I think that's key, just make steps in the right direction," he said. "That's all I can ask for."

Frontrunner For Closer – The Phillies still need a closer, but they could be closer to finding one. The club has 13 Grapefruit League games remaining following Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Rays at Bright House Field. Plenty of things can happen in that time, but some candidates have emerged from the pack. Right-hander Andrew Bailey could be the frontrunner. He has allowed one hit and struck out five in four scoreless innings. He struck out the side Tuesday against the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla. "Bailey has done it before, so just talking about it, I would lean more towards looking at him as the guy, only because he's done it before and had success," pitching coach Bob McClure said. "But it could change. It could change. I'm kind of up in the air on it a little bit." McClure coached Bailey in Boston in 2012, but the righty had shoulder issues then. "He's much improved since then," McClure said. "I might have to pitch him in a Minor League game. He's been so efficient." McClure also mentioned another interesting candidate: right-hander Dalier Hinojosa. He has thrown the ball very well in camp, allowing two hits, one walk and striking out seven in five scoreless innings. He went 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA in 18 appearances last season after the Phillies claimed him off waivers from Boston in July. "Hinojosa has showed me that he might be able to do it," McClure said. "He has an out pitch. He gets righties and lefties, so he'd definitely be somebody I'd look at in that role, too." David Hernandez entered camp the favorite because the Phillies signed him to a $3.9 million contract in December, making him the only free agent they signed to a Major League contract. But Hernandez has been slowed because of right triceps tendinitis. He could pitch in his first Grapefruit League since March 1 on Saturday against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. Hernandez still has time to get ready for the season, but he might not have long enough to earn the closer's job. The Phillies figure to carry seven pitchers in the bullpen. Bailey, Hinojosa, Hernandez, Edward Mujica, Brett Oberholtzer and Jeanmar Gomez are strong choices for the first six spots. Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Stumpf could have the edge for the final spot. Because Stumpf is a Rule 5 pick, the Phillies have plenty of incentive to keep him on the roster and give him additional evaluation during the season. The other left-handers in camp can open the season in the Minor Leagues without risk of being lost. Bobby LaFromboise has pitched well. He is out of options, but because he signed a Minor League contract he can open the season in Triple-A. Left-hander James Russell also is on a Minor League contract. He has a June 1 out clause, which again gives the Phillies further time to evaluate him. Elvis Araujo and Mario Hollands, who is behind schedule following Tommy John surgery last year, both have options remaining. "We've got plenty of time to see more of them," McClure said of his bullpen candidates.

Howard Working On Lefties – Ryan Howard flashed a smile Thursday afternoon at Bright House Field. He had doubled and homered earlier against Rays left-hander Matt Moore in a 6-1 loss. Howard is 3-for-6 with two doubles, one home run, two RBIs and one strikeout against lefties this spring. That is noteworthy because, well, Howard's ability to hit left-handers has been a bit of a topic lately. "I don't know what you're talking about," Howard said. "No clue." Of course, he is very aware of the talk and where he stands. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has said Howard will have to hit lefties to earn playing time against them this season. At the moment Howard, who hit a 0-2 pitch for his homer in the fourth, and Darin Ruf could platoon at first base. "You've got to see them in order to be able to hit them and make adjustments against them," Howard said. "Spring Training is a great time to be able to do that and work on what you need to work on. It's tough, you may get 10 at-bats against lefties over the course of Spring Training. You try to take them as much as you can. You're going to see them during the season, coming out of the bullpen and sometimes as starters as well." Howard had a .418 OPS in 107 plate appearances against lefties last season. If he had enough plate appearances to qualify, his OPS against lefties would have been the lowest in baseball by 47 points. Conversely, Ruf's 1.107 OPS against lefties would have tied Nelson Cruz for the best mark in baseball, if he had enough plate appearances to qualify. "It's good to see," Mackanin said of Howard. "I think he's rising to the challenge. We'll continue to get a look at that for the rest of the spring." Howard, who is 5-for-25 overall this spring, is in good spirts compared to last season. He acknowledged as much. "This camp for me … I just came back trying to have fun," Howard said. "Smile again. Just putting in the work, trusting everything I was doing this offseason, just trying to relay it onto the field."

Opening Day In Question – It seems less and less likely Cody Asche will be ready to play by Opening Day. Asche remains sidelined with a strained right oblique, although he is progressing. He played four innings in left field during an intrasquad game on Thursday at Carpenter Complex. He had no balls hit his way and did not hit. "I'm about as anxious as anybody to return," Asche said. "It's been no fun. But at the same time you've got to realize -- take your time with it. Do it once and do right." Asche hopes to face live pitching in batting practice at some point over the next couple days. From there, he will need to hit on the field before he plays in a Grapefruit League game. The Phillies have 13 games remaining before they head to Philadelphia to play three exhibition games before Opening Day. Asche could start the season on the disabled list and get more plate appearances in Florida before he rejoins the team. "I'll let them decide if they deem me ready or not," Asche said. "I'm sure they'll act in the best interest of me. I've just got to trust them."

Today In Phils History - It was on this day that the Phillies promoted Ed Wade to the GM position... the rest, unfortunately, is history. It is also the birthday of Garvin Hamner who was born on this day in 1924. 

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have begun the spring with an 11-5-2 record (12-5-2 if you include the exhibition game against the University of Tampa). With the Phillies having finished the 2015 season with a spectacularly awful record of 63-99 it will be interesting to see what kind of team new President Andy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentak put on the field. At the same time I am definitely looking forward to the games against Boston with former GM Ruben Amaro on the field. Given the departures, lingering contracts, a history of injuries, bipolar performances, and unproven talent, it should, at the very least, be an interesting season for the Phillies. Who knows, maybe they can avoid 100 losses... hopefully by more than one game!

Phils Rally Past Rays To Pick Up Nola

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Rail Rays 5-2

The Phillies scored four in the eighth to defeat the Rays, 5-2, for a Grapefruit League victory at Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday. Aaron Nola started for the Phillies and hit leadoff batter Logan Forsythe on the arm. Forsythe left the game with a left elbow contusion and was replaced by Juniel Querecuto. Brad Miller followed with a single to left before Evan Longoria grounded into a double play, moving Querecuto to third. Logan Morrison then doubled down the left-field line to put the Rays up, 1-0. Rays starter Drew Smyly continued to look sharp in his third start of the spring, posting two scoreless innings before Cedric Hunter homered deep to right field on a 0-2 pitch leading off the third. "I mean, kudos to that guy," Smyly said. "It was up and away. Might have hit a righty. Definitely would have backed him off the plate. And that was the first fastball he'd seen, because I'd thrown him curveball-slider the first two pitches." Smyly allowed one run on three hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings. Of the 66 pitches he threw, 45 were strikes. "I'm feeling great right now," Smyly said. "Confident, very comfortable. Just trying to get my work in and go out and have fun." Kevin Kiermaier hit his first home run of the spring when he homered off Nola in the fifth to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. Nola allowed two runs on six hits while striking out five in 4 2/3 innings. Cesar Hernandez doubled off Xavier Cedeno in the eighth and was driven home by Andres Blanco's two-bagger in the next at-bat to tie the game at 2. Blanco later scored on Darnell Sweeney's single to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead, and Philly added two more runs when Taylor Featherston grounded into a force out with the bases loaded and Sweeney scored on a wild pitch.

PHILS PHACTS:

• Right-hander Yoervis Medina had to leave Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla., in the ninth inning. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Medina felt a "pop" in his right elbow. The Phillies acquired Medina from Pittsburgh for Jesse Biddle.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies have a day off Wednesday, but they return to action Thursday afternoon against the Rays at Bright House Field. Vince Velasquez will make the start with Jerad Eickhoff scheduled to follow him. Velasquez is battling Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan for the No. 5 job in the rotation. Eickhoff sees his first Grapefruit League action after being sidelined this spring with a broken right thumb. He is expected to make the rotation. Thursday's game will start at 1:05 p.m. ET on MLB.TV.

PHILS PHACTS:

Hernandez Back On The Mound – he Phillies plan to have David Hernandez pitching in the back of their bullpen this season, either as a closer or a setup man. He needs to get healthy first. Hernandez, who had not pitched since March 1 because of right triceps tendinitis, threw one inning Tuesday afternoon in a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. He allowed three hits, three runs, one walk and struck out two against Triple-A players from Toronto. Hernandez threw 28 pitches (17 strikes), and his fastball hit 93 mph. Blue Jays prospect Rowdy Tellez, who is the No. 8 prospect in Toronto's system according to MLBPipeline.com, crushed a double off the top of the batter's eye in center field to score two runs. "It's probably the best I've felt the last two weeks," Hernandez said. "Obviously, the results weren't what I wanted, but I'm just trying to get in and get out healthy, and I feel really good. We'll see how I bounce back tomorrow." The Phillies signed Hernandez to a one-year, $3.9 million contract in the offseason, making him the only free agent they signed to a Major League contract. They are counting on him to stabilize the bullpen. Hernandez said there is enough time to make that happen. After Tuesday, there were 14 Grapefruit League games remaining before the Phillies head north to play three more exhibition games. Hernandez said he can pitch enough innings in those games to improve his command, though he said appearing in back-to-back games will be a truer test of his readiness. Hernandez said he still feels something in his elbow, but he said he is not concerned about it and that it is normal for somebody who has had Tommy John surgery. "It's been mostly just post-throwing," Hernandez said. "It kind of gets tight on me, but during pitching and playing catch, it doesn't really bother me. It's just calming down, it gets cold on you and it just gets stiff. It's just part of getting back. When I threw my first game, I felt it while I was throwing, so now I don't feel it while I'm throwing. It's a good sign."

More Roster Revisions – It is officially a three-man battle to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter. The Phillies on Tuesday morning optioned right-handers David Buchanan and Alec Asher to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, leaving right-hander Vince Velasquez and left-handers Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan to compete for the job. Buchanan allowed five hits, two runs and two walks with two strikeouts in four Grapefruit League innings. He went 2-9 with a 6.99 ERA in 15 starts last season. Asher allowed 10 hits, seven runs and three walks with 14 strikeouts in eight innings. He went 0-6 with a 9.31 ERA in seven starts last season. They had a steep climb to move past Velasquez, Oberholtzer and Morgan on the depth chart. "It's part of the game," Buchanan said. "You never want it to happen. Obviously you want to spend your whole career in the big leagues. It's another opportunity to work and to continue to build on what I've been doing this whole spring. I'm excited where I'm at mentally. I know I'll get another shot there, and I'm excited for that. Because when it comes, I'm not coming back. So I'm good." Buchanan knows it is a near certainty that the Phillies will use more than five starters this season. Pitchers get injured. They struggle. There could be opportunities for him in the future. Of course, the runners-up in the No. 5 competition figure to get the first crack at it, but Buchanan and Asher could put themselves in line for a promotion down the road. Prospects Jake Thompson, Mark Appel and Zach Eflin also figure to get consideration later in the season, if they pitch well in the Minors. The Phillies are in no rush to promote them. "I'm pretty sure that's where the mental training I've been doing this offseason is helping me, because I'm not really concerned about that," Buchanan said about his place on the depth chart. "I'm not putting my energy into that, because I can't control that. "All I know is I've done a lot of training to get myself in the right state of mind to do what I can do and control what I can control. So that's what I'm focused on now. I'm going to go down there, continue to pitch, continue to do what I've been working on and continuing to get better. As soon as the phone rings, I'll be ready to go."

GM Impressed With Change – What a difference. The Phillies are halfway through their Spring Training schedule, and almost nothing has resembled what happened last year. After a 5-2 win over the Rays on Tuesday, they entered Wednesday's day off at 11-4-2, which is among the best records. They have hit 23 home runs, which is tied for second. They have legitimate competition for the final rotation job. The players are younger and more energetic. They have big-time prospects. "I know they're Spring Training games," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said Tuesday morning at Bright House Field, "but I've been very encouraged by the way Pete [Mackanin] has guys playing. The energy, the effort and the outcomes. We've won a lot of games this spring, and that's been a really positive thing for us." Of course, Klentak knows Spring Training records do not predict the future. For example, the Cubs, Royals, Mets and Pirates entered Tuesday a combined 19-33. That said… "It's better to win than to lose," Klentak said. Here is a look at where the Phillies stand in three important areas as they enjoy Wednesday's day off: The rotation: Jeremy Hellickson, Aaron Nola, Charlie Morton and Jerad Eickhoff are locks, assuming everybody is healthy. The Phillies narrowed the fifth-starter competition Tuesday, when they optioned right-handers David Buchanan and Alec Asher to Triple-A. Right-hander Vince Velasquez and left-handers Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan are competing for the fifth job. Oberholtzer (eight scoreless innings) is out of options. The Phillies like his versatility, so at the very least, he will be in the bullpen. The favorite entering camp seemed to be Velasquez, and that has not changed. He has the best stuff, and he is the jewel of the Ken Giles trade. But Velasquez (four earned runs in nine innings) will need to pitch well if Morgan (two earned runs in nine innings) and Oberholtzer continue to pitch like they have. "Competition tends to bring out the best in players," Klentak said. "They've all thrown the ball really well, and they're all different. They have different track records, different strengths and different weaknesses. They're giving us a lot to think about, and that's a really positive thing." One thing is certain: The Phillies should be better prepared to handle attrition to their rotation than last season. The bullpen: There are jobs to be won. David Hernandez has one, considering the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. He pitched Tuesday for the first time since March 1 because of triceps tendinitis. If Hernandez is healthy and ready, the other locks look like right-hander Jeanmar Gomez and Oberholtzer (unless he wins the No. 5 job). Non-roster invitees Edward Mujica (four scoreless innings) and Andrew Bailey (four scoreless innings) have impressed in camp. They have solid lines on jobs. The fact Mujica has a March 26 out clause will be a factor in making the team or not. Bailey has a May 1 out clause, which is less of a factor. Ernesto Frieri has a March 31 out clause, but he has struggled (six runs in 4 2/3 innings). The Phillies are expected to take at least one more left-hander if Oberholtzer is in the 'pen (and two if he is not). Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Stumpf allowed one run in six innings before allowing three in the eighth inning Monday in Sarasota, Fla. Bobby LaFromboise has pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, and non-roster invitee James Russell has pitched three scoreless innings. Elvis Araujo (two runs in four innings) has options, which figures to play a factor when matched up against somebody like Stumpf. Right-hander Dalier Hinojosa (five scoreless innings) has pitched well. "The players have given us a lot to consider," Klentak said. "There are a lot of players that have stepped up and have thrown the ball well. Pete has been exposing a bunch of them to multiple innings to see who has the ability to carry the load that way, and I like the options we've seen from the left side." The outfield: Do not be stunned if the Phillies acquire an outfielder before camp breaks. Aaron Altherr will miss four to six months following left wrist surgery. Cody Asche remains sidelined with a strained right oblique. He might not be ready by Opening Day. That leaves Odubel Herrera, Peter Bourjos and Rule 5 Draft pick Tyler Goeddel, who has impressed the GM, as the likely starters. Darnell Sweeney and non-roster invitees David Lough and Cedric Hunter, who homered against the Rays on Tuesday, are competing for the fourth and fifth jobs. "Obviously, we'll have to make some decisions on the Opening Day roster and when Cody comes back," Klentak said. "But as far as the depth, one of the big things we're focused on is making sure we run a strong defensive club out there to help with our run prevention and to help as we introduce young pitchers to the big leagues. I want to be mindful of that. "Even in Lough and Hunter and Goeddel, we've got players who can go out there and catch the ball. You can never have enough depth at any position, and certainly with Altherr out and Asche being banged up, that's tested our depth early in spring. The good news is that it was tested early, so hopefully when we get into the season, we'll be healthy and we'll be OK."

Today In Phils History - Let's keep it simple today. Happy birthday to 2 players born exactly 70 years apart, Lloyd Waner (1906) and Abraham Nunez (1976). 

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have begun the spring with an 11-4-2 record (12-4-2 if you include the exhibition game against the University of Tampa). With the Phillies having finished the 2015 season with a spectacularly awful record of 63-99 it will be interesting to see what kind of team new President Andy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentak put on the field. At the same time I am definitely looking forward to the games against Boston with former GM Ruben Amaro on the field. Given the departures, lingering contracts, a history of injuries, bipolar performances, and unproven talent, it should, at the very least, be an interesting season for the Phillies. Who knows, maybe they can avoid 100 losses... hopefully by more than one game!

Phillies Walk Off Takes Series From Rays

GAME RECAP: Phillies outlast Rays 5-4

Odubel Herrera's two-out single in the bottom of the 10th gave the Phillies a 5-4 walk-off win over the Rays on Wednesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Domonic Brown singled off Brad Boxberger to start the Phillies' 10th and moved to second on Carlos Ruiz's sacrifice bunt. One out later, Herrera laced a single to left-center on the 11th pitch of the at-bat and Brown raced home with the winning run and a series win. "He did a good job of just battling," Boxberger said. "Left a pitch up there and he hit it." The Phillies scored first when they touched Rays starter Jake Odorizzi for two in the first when Ryan Howard grounded into a bases-loaded double play and Andres Blanco singled home another run. But the Rays battled back to take the lead in the fifth via RBI doubles by Evan Longoria and Logan Forsythe and an RBI single by James Loney. The Phillies regained the lead in the sixth when they scored twice via Cody Asche's RBI double and an error by Loney at first. Forsythe then tied the game with his 10th home run of the year, a solo shot off Jake Diekman in the seventh.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• After garnering criticism Tuesday for not running out a ground ball, Herrera didn't start Wednesday, but he came through when his team needed him. Herrera, pinch-hitting in the 10th inning for Jonathan Papelbon, worked an 11 pitch at-bat from Boxberger, fouling off seven pitches, before lining a sinking drive into left-center field, scoring Brown and securing the Phillies' second straight series win. "I said I felt pretty good," Herrera said with first-base coach Juan Samuel translating. "They let me know ahead of time that I was going to be the third hitter. It gave me enough time to go down to the cage and do some long toss and I was very loose for that at-bat."
• Papelbon came on for the Phillies to pitch the top of the ninth inning in a 4-4 game, but struggled from the start, walking Forsythe and allowing a single to David DeJesus. He settled down after that, forcing ground balls and letting his infield do the rest. Papelbon got Loney to ground into a 4-3-6-3-4 double play for the first two outs, but the third out came in a flashier manner. Papelbon sawed off Jake Elmore, whose swinging bunt barely made it past the pitcher's mound. Charging on the ball, Blanco made an off-balanced throw that beat Elmore and prevented Forsythe from scoring. "I knew it was a tough play, but I always say, 'If I chase a ball and I catch it, I want to be able to make that out because it will be the sacrifice I made and it will be worth it,'" Blanco said. "I'm happy. I'm proud of it."
• With the bases loaded in the eighth inning, Freddy Galvis dribbled a ground ball to Loney. Loney decided to tag first for the forceout before throwing home to try to get Asche, who was running from third base. The tactic appeared to have backfired, as Loney's throw came in a little late and Asche seemed to slide in underneath Rivera's tag for the go-ahead run. However, the Rays challenged the call on the field and after a three-minute, 42 second review, the call was overturned and Asche was ruled out at the plate, keeping the game tied. "I thought he was out," Loney said. "I knew the throw had beat him. I was just hoping he didn't get his foot in there. From the replay it is hard to tell."
• Brandon Guyer led off the third inning for Tampa Bay with a first-pitch blooper down the right-field line. On the field, first-base umpire Gabe Morales ruled the ball foul, but upon further review the ball actually kicked up some chalk, landing in fair territory. The call was overturned and Guyer was granted a single. The review lasted two-minutes and 13 seconds. Phillies starting pitcher Adam Morgan picked Guyer off at second base two batters later.
• "I saw one angle that looked like it was conclusive, but I guess I was fooled. I'm not second guessing their decision. But Cody, he thought he was safe." -- Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, on the overturned call in the eighth inning.
• Jerome Williams will make his first start in over a month for the Phillies after being activated from the disabled list on Monday night. Williams has underwhelmed in production this year compared to last as he is 3-7 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts. Williams was 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in nine starts for the Phillies in 2014.
• Rookie third baseman Maikel Franco was out of the Phillies' lineup Tuesday and Wednesday with elbow soreness. Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin indicated Tuesday that it is likely the rookie will return to the lineup Friday.
• If the rest of the season is any indication, this likely won't be a series where starters provide many innings. The Phillies and Cubs have combined to pitch 606 innings from the bullpen this year, an average of just under 3 1/3 innings per game. The two teams are second and fifth, respectively, in the NL in bullpen innings.

NEXT GAME:

Already the lowest-scoring offense in the National League by runs scored per game, the Phillies run into a pitcher who isn't just hot, but has a dominant track record against them. They'll face Jon Lester when they visit the Cubs for the first game of a three-game weekend series Friday. Lester (5-8, 3.37 ERA) has an ERA of 1.27 over 28 1/3 July innings spanning four starts, and in two of those he allowed just two hits. In five lifetime starts against the Phillies, Lester is 4-0 with a 1.59 ERA, a .912 WHIP and 31 strikeouts versus just eight walks. The seven Phillies on the active roster who have at least one at-bat against Lester are a combined 10-for-61 with 18 strikeouts. Ryan Howard, Jeff Francoeur and Carlos Ruiz are a combined 3-for-37 with 13 of those strikeouts.

PHILS PHACTS:

Herrera Comes Through – Odubel Herrera fought off a game's worth of pitches in a single at-bat. The rookie outfielder made his way into the batter's box for the first time in Wednesday's 5-4 Phillies win in the 10th inning, pinch-hitting for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Herrera forced Rays closer Brad Boxberger to throw him 11 pitches -- more than half of what Papelbon threw in two innings -- with Herrera fouling off seven pitches to extend the at-bat. On the 11th pitch, however, Herrera found one he liked and, with Domonic Brown on second base, lined the ball into left-center field for the game-winning single. Herrera said through translator and first-base coach Juan Samuel that he was briefed earlier in the game that he would be the third pinch-hitter used and that he should prepare himself for such an occasion. This gave him time to warm up his bat and his arm down in the cages behind the dugout while the game went on. For Herrera, the walk-off single might've meant more than just his second-career walk-off hit. Tuesday night, Herrera received some criticism for the lack of effort he exhibited on a groundout to first base during which he walked out of the box rather than ran. To Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, Wednesday's hit was redemption. "We had a talk and I let him know that we didn't like what he did," Mackanin said. "Needless to say, that doesn't mean that we're giving up on him or we're down on him. He gives it 100 percent and he works hard. It was almost fitting after we spoke to him that he got the big hit to win the game." The conversation with Mackanin resonated with Herrera, as he said that his outlook has been changed since Tuesday's events. "I learned that I need to hustle at all times and never assume that a ball is going to go foul and play hard on a consistent basis," Herrera said. "That's what I need to do." The RBI single secured the Phillies' fifth win in six games since the All-Star break and their first string of back-to-back series victories since Sept. 1-7 of 2014. With the team energized by both the recent success and the go-ahead hit, players and coaches alike stormed onto the field to chase down and dog pile Herrera in celebration. Herrera laughed when he was asked which player got to him first. Turns out, it was the man for whom he secured a win. "Papelbon," Herrera said. "[He doesn't hit] that hard, but it hurts a little."

Blanco’s Defense Key To Victory – Andres Blanco just wants to be like his friends. Blanco has played in a little more than half of the Phillies' games this season, filling in as a first baseman, a second baseman, a third baseman and a shortstop, but he's barely averaging more than half an at-bat per appearance. So when a day like Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning win comes around where Blanco sees his name on the lineup card, his main objective is to make his mark on a game the same way his teammates do every day. "Our starter [Adam] Morgan throws a great game," Blanco said. "Then we end it with Jonathan [Papelbon]. Jonathan we know has already pitched every day. And what have I done? I'm not a part of it." Regardless of Blanco's contributions, Morgan would've still started the game and Papelbon would've still ended the game. But Blanco's play at third base with the game on the line in the ninth inning was the difference between a win in extra innings and the possibility of a loss in nine innings. With Papelbon on the mound, Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe on third base and two outs in the ninth inning of a tie game, infielder Jake Elmore squibbed a ball into no-man's land between the mound and where Blanco was at third base. Blanco instinctively charged in on the ball and grabbed the bouncer with his bare hand. With his forward momentum drawing him toward home, Blanco mustered enough strength to fire the ball to Ryan Howard at first base and catch Elmore by a step. Given the rare opportunity to make a play, Blanco said he was just fulfilling his purpose. "I knew it was a tough play, but I always say, 'If I chase a ball and I catch it, I want to be able to make that out because it will be the sacrifice I made and it will be worth it,'" he said. "I'm happy. I'm proud of it." Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, who made the decision to start Blanco for the second straight day to give regular third baseman Maikel Franco some extra days to rest a sore elbow, said he was far from surprised to see Blanco make that play. "He's a natural out there with great fielding actions," Mackanin said. "He's got Major League experience, played at every position, and he works his tail off. These guys really work at it. He's out there taking extra ground balls. It doesn't surprise me at all because he's a real good defender."

Utley Making Progress – Hours before Wednesday's game versus Tampa Bay, Chase Utley trotted onto the field at Citizens Bank Park for some soft toss. Utley, who is on the disabled list retroactive to June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle, resumed baseball activities earlier in the week, saying he's "ramped it up" coming out of the All-Star break and feels that he is making progress toward a return. He went on to confirm that he will opt to go on a rehab assignment rather than return straight to the Phillies when he has a clean bill of health. He was unsure both of when the rehab assignment will be and how long it will be, estimating he could be in the Minors for between two and 10 games. As a result of the recovery process, Utley said he feels he has regained some of the power he was lacking before the injury when he was batting .179 with a slugging percentage of just .275. "I do feel a little bit better," he said. "I have a little bit more motion in my ankle that I was lacking before. But it's still going to take a little bit of time to have the muscle memory remember the right way to do it." With the swelling "pretty much out" of the ankle, Utley said he is going to continue to take soft toss and field ground balls with the team on the road trip in Chicago before making a decision as to when he will come back. "I think continue to do this and feeling more comfortable taking ground balls, hitting, just try to make progressions on all of that," Utley said. "And once we feel it's time to go on a rehab assignment, we will do so."

Utley Still Has Heart And Hustle – Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has been named the team's 2015 Heart and Hustle Award winner. Given by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, the award honors active players who demonstrate a "passion for the game of baseball and best [embody] the values, spirit and tradition of the game." The MLBPAA said the award is the only one voted on by former players. "We are proud to present this award to Chase for the sixth time," MLBPAA director of communications Nikki Warner said in a statement. "He embodies all the qualities the Heart and Hustle Award represents and is an inspiring role model to young players." Every team has one Heart and Hustle winner, who becomes eligible for the MLB Heart and Hustle Award, selected via a vote by fans, alumni and active players. Previous winners include former Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay (2010).

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are starting the season as expected and are now at the bottom of the NL east at 34-63. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance so far this season, this could end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 45-52-1 on this day.