The calendar hit Memorial Day, and that means it’s time for a full check-in on the Phillies.

Josh and Austin hand out grades for every part of the roster — offense, defense, starting pitching, bullpen, bench, and coaching — and take a hard look at where things stand through the first two months of the season. Who’s carrying their weight, who’s slipping, and what needs to change as the summer heats up?

On the mound, it’s been nothing short of dominant. Cristopher Sánchez is in the middle of a historic run — 37 ⅔ straight scoreless innings, the second-longest streak in franchise history behind Grover Cleveland Alexander — paired with four straight shutout performances. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler has been just as locked in, allowing one earned run over his last 20⅓ innings. Combined, they’ve powered a staggering 51 consecutive scoreless innings.

But while the pitching has been elite, the offense has hit a wall.

The guys discuss a frustrating six-game stretch at Citizens Bank Park, during which the Phillies were outscored 21–14 and dropped two straight series. The bats went ice cold, slashing just .174/.256/.303 against the Reds and Guardians — with limited power and too many empty at-bats. The absence of Kyle Schwarber due to illness loomed large, and even the stars struggled, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto. There were a couple of bright spots, though — Bryson Stott led the way with a .959 OPS over the stretch, and Alec Bohm chipped in with a pair of home runs.

So, where does that leave this team heading into June? They’ve got grades, takes, and plenty to debate.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Josh and Austin break down a massive series sweep in Pittsburgh as the Phillies extend their winning ways to six straight series victories after dropping six in a row earlier this season — improving to 24-23 after a 9-19 start. The guys dive into the team’s incredible 15-4 run under interim manager Don Mattingly, a +37 run differential since April 28, and what’s fueling one of the best stretches of baseball in the league.

The episode highlights a wild 11-9 extra-innings comeback win, back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2022, and total dominance from Cristopher Sánchez — who may have officially entered the Cy Young conversation after three straight scoreless outings. They also discuss Zack Wheeler’s continued excellence after successfully outdueling Paul Skenes, Alec Bohm’s red-hot hitting streak, and lingering concerns with the back end of the rotation.

Plus, the guys cover recent roster moves, including Otto Kemp’s call-up, the Phillies’ interest in Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, and preview a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park against the Reds — including pitching matchups and players to watch like JJ Bleday and Chase Burns.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Josh and Austin break down the Phillies’ gritty series victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park as the Phils secure their fifth straight series win after dropping six consecutive series earlier this season — becoming the first team since the 2005 Mets to pull off that turnaround.

Despite an ice-cold offense that scored just five runs and hit .173 in Boston, the Phillies leaned on dominant pitching performances from Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and the bullpen to take two of three from the Sox. The guys discuss Kyle Schwarber’s historic home run pace, Bryson Stott continuing to come through in big spots, Brandon Marsh’s hitting streak ending, and an encouraging outing from top prospect Andrew Painter.

Plus, they preview a weekend set in Pittsburgh against the surging Pirates, including a marquee Zack Wheeler vs. Paul Skenes matchup on Sunday, and which Bucs could give the Phillies problems this weekend.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

It took a month, but the Phillies are suddenly playing their best baseball of the season.

Josh and Austin break down another solid week for the Phillies, their fourth straight series victory, and what’s changed during this recent turnaround. From Cristopher Sánchez’s dominant stretch and Kyle Schwarber’s power surge to Brandon Marsh continuing to rake and Alec Bohm looking relaxed and refreshed, the Phillies are starting to look like a complete team again.

The guys discuss the offense’s success up and down the order,  the team’s renewed aggressiveness on the bases, and why these Phillies suddenly feel like they have comeback ability again.

Plus, they recap home series victories over the A’s and Rockies, talk about Andrew Painter’s continued struggles, preview an intriguing upcoming series in Boston against the Red Sox, and a reunion with Ranger Suárez set for Thursday.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Before the Phillies took the field in Miami Monday night for the series finale, they took two of three from the Marlins on the weekend, but once again, the story is the starting pitching.

Josh and Austin start the episode by honoring the life of legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, who passed away Monday at the age of 87. They break down a Phillies series that featured dominant outings from Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo, continued inconsistency from Andrew Painter, and an offense that looked explosive two days and completely lost the other. From Bryson Stott’s big swings to a one-hit shutout loss, they recap a 5–1 start to the Don Mattingly era as interim manager.

The guys also dive into Justin Crawford’s recent surge, bullpen concerns, and what to make of a Phillies team that’s finally winning games—but still searching for consistency on the mound across the board.

Plus, a look ahead to a tough matchup with the AL West Division-leading A’s and what the Phillies need to prove against a first-place team.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Josh and Austin discuss a chaotic week in Phillies baseball, from the firing of Rob Thomson to the failed pursuit of Alex Cora and eventual promotion of Don Mattingly to the position of interim manager. All that, before a game was even played. 

The guys deep dive into a successful home series against the San Francisco Giants that saw the Phillies notch their first sweep of the season, highlighted by a doubleheader, complete with two walk-off wins. 

Is the Phillies' season still very much alive? We each have our thoughts! 

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

The Phillies are 9–19, dead last in baseball, and coming off yet another series loss — even after finally snapping a 10-game losing streak in Atlanta. In this episode of Catchin’ Phils, Josh breaks down a chaotic weekend that perfectly summed up the season so far: one step forward, two steps back.

The offense remains wildly inconsistent, the rotation that was supposed to be a strength is unraveling, and frustration is starting to boil over in all phases of the game. While Rob Thomson is taking more heat than ever, the bigger question might be whether a managerial change would actually fix anything — or if it just masks deeper roster issues.

He dives into the key takeaways from the Braves series, including the Phillies’ inability to sustain momentum, continued struggles with runners in scoring position, and concerning trends from key bats and arms alike.

Then, Josh previews the upcoming Giants series at Citizens Bank Park — the start of a critical stretch against three sub-.500 clubs.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Phillies Manager, Rob Thomson, is reportedly on the hot seat as the team continues its downward spiral. Josh and Austin discuss the news and what, if anything, the Phillies can do to improve upon a horrid start. 

The guys talk about the upcoming road trip to Chicago and Atlanta, and what each of them is looking for from a team desperate for better results. 

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

The Philadelphia Phillies are spiraling—and it’s not just one thing. After dropping another home series to the Chicago Cubs, the Phils now sit at 8-10 and suddenly look like one of the bottom feeders of Major League Baseball.

In this episode, Josh breaks down a frustrating week at Citizens Bank Park, where the offense teased with a 13-run outburst before completely disappearing again. From historically bad swing decisions (yes, 26 whiffs in one night) to brutal RISP numbers and key hitters like Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott going ice cold, nothing feels consistent right now.

He also dives into a starting rotation that was supposed to be elite—but hasn’t shown it. What’s going on with Jesús Luzardo? Why does Aaron Nola keep getting crushed by lefties? And how concerned should fans be about a staff ranking near the bottom of the league in several categories?

Plus, Josh gets into manager Rob Thomson’s questionable decision-making–including a head-scratching pinch-hit call–what a lineup shakeup could look like, and whether it’s already time for real changes.

He wraps with a preview of a tough series against the NL-East leading Atlanta Braves, zeroing in on a red-hot Dominic Smith at the plate and a must-watch pitching matchup featuring Chris Sale and Cristopher Sánchez.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.

Same story, different weekend. Josh and Austin break down another frustrating series loss for the Phillies, this time dropping two of three to the Diamondbacks to fall to 7-8 through the first 15 games of the season.

The guys dive into key takeaways from the weekend, including Bryce Harper’s red-hot six-game hitting streak, Justin Crawford’s breakout start, and a bullpen that continues to be a steady bright spot. They also discuss ongoing concerns with Taijuan Walker’s first-inning struggles, Jesus Luzardo’s inconsistency, and an offense that has gone ice cold—scoring in just three innings over its last 46.

Josh and Austin hit on all three games from the series, from a fast start on Friday that quickly unraveled, to Saturday’s power surge from Schwarber and Harper, to a back-and-forth loss on Sunday that spoiled the Phanatic’s birthday festivities.

They wrap things up by previewing a key three-game set against the Cubs, highlighting players to watch and what the Phillies need to do to get back on track. Plus, a quick nod to the Flyers as they inch closer to playoff hockey in Philly for the first time since 2018.

Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠.