Phillies Week in Review: Howard Booming Off Bench

Aug 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) is congratulated by third base coach Juan Samuel (8) after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the twelfth inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) is congratulated by third base coach Juan Samuel (8) after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the twelfth inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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The Fightins had a good week to start August. The team took two of three from both the Giants and Padres to finish with a 4-2 record. The offense came alive, posting 38 runs over six games played. Now they begin a three game set against the Dodgers, facing the iconic Chase Utley for the first time since the team traded him to L.A. last season.

This week the Fightins turned their first triple play since this beauty in 2009.

The Phillies did receive some bad news this week when young righty Aaron Nola was placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury. While it remains to be seen if the season is over for Nola, it does explain his recent command struggles. Here’s hoping Aaron makes a full recovery and finds his pinpoint command again after some rest.

Let’s take a look at who was surging and who was struggling for the Phils to begin the dog days of August.

Next: Surging Bats

Schedule