Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Zack Wheeler's shoulder scare, what some old friends can add to the Phillies as they return, and what lies ahead for the Phillies on their road trip that starts in Texas against the Rangers.

When will the Phillies call up stud prospects Andrew Painter and/or Justin Crawford? On this episode of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight chats with The Morning Call's Tom Housenick about the progress of Painter and Crawford and gives an update on Aaron Nola's rehab and David Robertson's progress to the big leagues. Also, the Phils take two out of three from Baltimore but fail to sweep. John is done piling on Max Kepler, and throws some flowers at Taijuan Walker as well.

00:00 - Show Introduction

02:14 - The Phillies Are Having Trouble Sweeping Teams

08:50 - Max Kepler's Last Gasp, John's Done Piling On

17:19 - Throwing Some Love At Taijuan Walker

20:28 - Ranger Suarez' Up and Down Season

24:47 - Introduction to the Iron Pigs and Key Prospects w/ Tom Housenick

25:00 - Andrew Painter's Progress in AAA

34:46 - Justin Crawford's Performance and Future

36:54 - Update on Aaron Nola's Rehab

39:04 - David Robertson Update

On Episode 994 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of SB Nation's The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and SABR's Liz Roscher discuss the Phillies' series win over Detroit and their Monday night 13-3 blowout of the Baltimore Orioles, highlighting key players like Kyle Schwarber and Christopher Sanchez. They delve into the MVP candidacy of Schwarber, compare his stats with Shohei Ohtani, and analyze the outfield situation, particularly the struggles of Max Kepler. The conversation also touches on Zack Wheeler's recent performance and injury updates for the Phils.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Game Overview

02:46 - Phillies' Performance and Player Highlights

05:27 - Kyle Schwarber's MVP Candidacy

08:37 - Comparing Stats: Schwarber vs. Ohtani

11:34 - Contract Talks and Future Considerations

14:30 - Outfield Dynamics and Player Decisions

21:09 - Max Kepler's Struggles and Stats

23:31 - Outfield Decisions and Roster Moves

25:56 - Power Surge: Phillies' Offense in the Second Half

29:29 - The Importance of Comeback Wins

33:42 - The Jhoan Duran Effect: A New Closer's Impact

39:26 - Christopher Sanchez: Rising Star in the Rotation

47:13 - Concerns About Zach Wheeler

54:28 - Injury Updates and Final Thoughts

On Episode 993 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down the Phillies' trade for outfielder Harrison Bader and what it could mean for the outfield situation over the season's final two months. Also, did Dave Dombrowski do enough, and who were the biggest winners across baseball at the deadline?

On Episode 992 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis and Justin Klugh break down the Phillies' newest closer, Jhoan Duran, for prospects Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel. Why he's a perfect fit at a very fair price. Also, Dave Dombrowski says he's not done yet, looking to add an outfield bat? What could be next on the horizon?

On Episode 991 of Hittin’ Season, powered by WHYY, the Good Phight’s John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and editor of SABR’s Baseball Research Journal Liz Roscher offer their predictions on what Dave Dombrowski will do at the Trade Deadline this Thursday. Relievers? Bats? Both? Neither? Also, Bryce Harper goes nose-to-nose with Rob Manfred in a heated clubhouse meeting over a potential salary cap, and we recap a mostly good series in the Bronx and a bad start to their series in Chicago Monday night.

Takeaways

• The Phillies are struggling to maintain consistent performance, especially against weaker teams.
• JT Real Muto's resurgence has significantly improved the Phillies' lineup.
• The trade deadline is approaching, and the Phillies need to prioritize bullpen help.
• Bryce Harper's vocal stance against a salary cap highlights player concerns about management's intentions.
• The dynamics between players and management are tense, especially with Rob Manfred's recent actions.
• The potential trade market is thinning, making it harder for the Phillies to acquire top talent.
• Players are increasingly aware of the economic challenges facing baseball and are willing to fight for their rights.
• The role of former players in management can complicate relationships with current players.
• The Phillies' management must balance short-term needs with long-term player development.
• The upcoming trade deadline could significantly impact the team's playoff chances.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Current Situation

04:47 - Trade Deadline Insights and Player Performance

09:49 - The Impact of Key Players on the Phillies' Lineup

14:53 - Analyzing the Phillies' Trade Needs and Strategies

19:47 - Recent Trade Rumors and Market Dynamics

24:48 - Injury Updates and Their Implications for Trades

29:30 - Final Thoughts on the Trade Deadline and Team Prospects

36:17 - Bryce Harper vs. Rob Manfred: Tensions Rise

42:29 - The Impact of Former Players on Current Negotiations

Keywords

Phillies, trade deadline, Rob Manfred, Bryce Harper, JT Real Muto, MLB, baseball, player performance, labor issues, team dynamics

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the "passionate, productive" conversation reported between the Phillies and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, as well as their Jesus Luzardo concerns. Then, Tim Jackson of Baseball Prospectus talks about Phillies trade deadline scenarios and Andrew Mearns of Pinstripe Alley tells us what to expect from the Yankees this weekend.

On Episode 989 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps Wednesday night's awful loss to the Red Sox and tries to get to the bottom of Jesus Luzardo's struggles. Also, Cristopher Sanchez is now a bona fide ace, John goes inside the numbers on what makes him so special. And what are the latest Trade Rumors surrounding the Phils? John breaks down all the latest. Could the Phils move Ranger Suarez or Luzardo this summer?

Show Notes:

Disastrous loss in the finale

• Phillies blow a 5-0 lead, HRs from Schwarber, Harper, Castellanos & Stott, Realmuto
• It's the Phils’ first loss in a game they homered five or more times since June 10, 2019.
• They haven't won three in a row since June 18-20.
• Blame Realmuto & Luzardo, who had a no-hitter going into the 5th, gives us 6 in the 5th after walking in two runs then serving up a grand slam
• FELL APART WHILE PITCHING FROM THE STRETCH AGAIN
• Thomson said they have to keep digging and working on what’s wrong with Luzardo, specifically in the stretch
• Since June 11, opponents have hit .192/.252/.253 with 37 strikeouts and eight walks when there is no one on base against Luzardo. With runners on base, those numbers jump to .339/.443/.576, 16 strikeouts and 11 walks. (Gelb)
• Gelb says he went back to his old mechanics last night, but it still didn’t work
• Jesus Luzardo says he is working day and night to fix his issues and he says they need to be fixed. He says teams are hitting him hard when he is pitching out of the stretch. He says it is not on JT Realmuto losing that foul ball pop-up. He says he and other Phillies lost it as well. Manager Rob Thomson says Jesus Luzardo lost his concentration.
• Phillies now 3-8 in Luzardo’s last 11 starts
• They’ve now given Luzardo 3-0, 4-1 and 5-0 leads in July only to have him lose all 3 of them.
• He posted a 2.15 ERA in his first 11 starts. He allowed 20 runs in his next two. He made significant mechanical changes when pitching from the stretch, and it’s resulted in only a 4.79 ERA over his last nine starts.
• UNLESS LUZARDO FIGURES THIS OUT, THEIR ENTIRE OFF-SEASON WILL HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE AND UTTER FAILURE
• The good news is this is a mechanical issue… which would indicate to me it CAN be fixed… but can they fix it in time?
• PITCH TIPPING: The Red Sox are renowned for doing this.
• Two pitches later, Story doubled home a run.
• THIS WAS NOT A STRONG ROB THOMSON GAME
• Luzardo should have been pulled after the second straight bases loaded walk, but got Jordan Romano up too late… after the game, Thomson admitted that was a mistake
• Pinch-ran Weston Wilson for Kyle Schwarber in the 10th after Schwarber’s RBI single… Wilson, who is not fast… thrown out trying to steal 2nd to end the 10th
• With Wilson already used, Max Kepler had to face a lefty reliever and watched a called strike three to end the game in the 11th, instead of having Wilson available to pinch hit
• Rob Thomson on the 5th inning tonight:
• Said they have to keep digging and working on what’s wrong with Luzardo, specifically in the stretch
• Harper’s home run was the 350th of his career
• Bryce Harper tonight became the youngest of the 8 active players to reach 350 career home runs joining Giancarlo Stanton, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, Manny Machado, Freddie Freeman, Nolan Arenado, Aaron Judge.
• Kyle Schwarber's 34 HR are the 3rd-most through 102 games in Phillies franchise history, behind only Ryan Howard in 2006 and Mike Schmidt in 1979 -- both had 36.
• Cristopher Sanchez is a TRUE ACE: https://www.thegoodphight.com/2025/7/23/24472912/cristopher-sanchez-is-a-real-bona-fide-cy-young-contender

WHEELER & SANCHEZ

• This gives the Phillies a leg-up in the postseason
• No one can match what the Phillies can do in the playoffs

STARK ON SCHWARBER

• Says he believes Schwarber will be back here
• 4 years, $100 million is the number… how is he going to have a better deal four years AFTER the first free agent contract???

TRADE DEADLINE LATEST:

• Jayson Stark on 975 the Fanatic w/ Mikey Miss:
• Dombrowski wants to use his biggest chips to trade for a big time power bullpen arm controllable beyond this year, Duran, Bautista, no on Miller or Clase
• If he gets one, it’s a right-handed platoon bat that falls into his lap
• Bullpen arm is more important than a bat
• Jeff Passan: The Phillies have quietly built up one of the best farm systems in baseball, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's history of trading prospects for impact talent is unmatched. Still, with the Phillies entering a transition phase over the next few years, they aren't likely to sacrifice all of their depth. That complicates their tack at this deadline, because they are among the few teams with the need and capacity to acquire a pitcher of Clase's talent. Same goes for Cade Smith, another Guardian, and the Twins' two frontline relievers, Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax.
• Getting David Robertson for $6 million certainly helps matters and serves as insurance against objectionable demands on high-end relief pitchers. And yet adding Robertson plus a high-octane relief arm alongside Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm gives the Phillies a representative back end.
• If they can also add a right-handed-hitting outfielder with power -- Adolis Garcia is in the mix, and Luis Robert Jr. would play, too -- it will be a successful deadline for a team whose starting pitching is good enough to carry it deep into October.
• Ruben Amaro & Jim Salisbury on Phillies Show
• Very interesting stuff on the show from Amaro (doesn't think they'll be able to get a lock down closer), Aiden Miller might be more untouchable than Painter, and the clubhouse talking about Eugenio Suarez (Salisbury).
• @JohnnyPhisher: Phillies need a RHH OF
• @Buster_ESPN: A surprise name has emerged in the starting pitcher market: Dylan Cease, who will be eligible for free agency at year's end. Perception of other teams is that the Padres are intent on making a push for the playoffs, and would use Cease to help fill other roster needs. Mets, AL East teams, Cubs among teams that have talked about him.
• COULD THE PHILLIES DO SOMETHING SIMILAR WITH RANGER SUAREZ OR JESUS LUZARDO?
• Jo Adell started slow, but on May 6 he hit a 9th inning HR in a blowout that got things going for him. Since then (67 gms) he has a .907 OPS (top 20 in MLB) with 19 HR (T-6th), and his .563 SLG is higher than any Phillies player.
• An interesting name: Dane Myers. Plays center field for the Marlins. The right-handed 29 year is wailing on lefties: .324/.385/.493, .878 OPS, 2 HRs, 13 RBIs in 78 PAs, 6 doubles. Would be a platoon guy.
• The Phillies and Padres are two of the many teams that have expressed interest in Steven Kwan, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Both National League contenders are known to be looking for a left field upgrade.

In this episode of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss the signing of David Robertson, the state of the Phillies' bullpen, Bryce Harper's offensive surge and Monday's night's bizarre walk-off victory. They also dive into a trade deadline draft, evaluating potential players the Phillies could acquire to strengthen their roster. Also, why hasn't Justin Crawford been called up yet?

Takeaways:

David Robertson returns to the Phillies for a third time.

The Phillies' bullpen struggles with a 430 ERA.

Recent game highlights include a walk-off win against the Red Sox.

The trade deadline is approaching, and the Phillies need to make moves.

Players like Eugenio Suarez and Mason Miller are potential targets.

Bryce Harper is showing signs of a strong second half.

The team is looking for a dynamic leadoff hitter.

Justin Crawford could be an internal solution for the outfield.

The importance of strong starting pitching for the Phillies' success.

The need for a consistent offensive performance from the team.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Season

02:29 - David Robertson's Signing and Its Implications

05:24 - Evaluating the Bullpen and Future Moves

08:29 - Game Highlights: Walk-off Win Against the Red Sox

11:20 - Bryce Harper's Performance and Impact

14:33 - Looking Ahead: The Phillies' Playoff Contention

22:25 - Phillies' Offensive Needs and Player Injuries

24:14 - Concerns About Starting Pitchers Jesus Luzardo & Ranger Suarez

26:26 - Upcoming Challenges Against the Yankees

28:31 - Highlight Moments: Kyle Schwarber's Grand Slam

29:52 - Assessing the Phillies' Performance and Consistency

32:03 - Trade Deadline Player Draft!

01:05:46 - Final Thoughts

Kyle Schwarber put on quite the show at the All-Star Game and the trade deadline is still weeks away. Meanwhile, there's more baseball to play. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about who needs to step it up for the Phillies offense in the second half, and break down the Phillies' first opponents, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.