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Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day 2017: Five Observations From Philly’s Win

By John Town

Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 29, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jeanmar Gomez reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeanmar Gomez Didn’t Have a Great Start

Pete Mackanin raised some eyebrows this spring when he named Jeanmar Gomez the closer despite his rocky end to the 2016 season. Some thought the job should have gone to the veteran Joaquin Benoit or the rising Hector Neris. It’s safe to say not everyone was (is) on board with Gomez as the closer.

Gomez only allowed those questions linger with his outing on Monday. Benoit, Edubray Ramos, and Neris bridged the gap from Hellickson without giving up any runs to hand Gomez a three-run lead in the ninth inning.

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Gomez then proceeded to give up a leadoff single. He was able to record two outs, but Scooter Gennett cranked a two-run home run to bring the game within one run. Thankfully, Gomez retired Billy Hamilton to preserve Philadelphia’s win.

However, Gomez’s first outing was disconcerting. Had the game been closer before Gomez came in, the Reds could have tied or won the game.

A blown save would have certainly brought the debate of the closing job back to the center stage.

Even Mackanin expressed concern over Gomez’s outing: [quote via Mark Sheldon and Todd Zolecki of MLB.com]

"“I’m concerned,” Mackanin said about Gomez. “I had two guys up in the ‘pen in that ninth inning [Joely Rodriguez and Pat Neshek]. He’s just not getting the ball down the way he did when he was successful. I want to make sure that he gets opportunities, but at the same time, I don’t want to let games slip away.”"

Gomez’s performance as the closer will be something to keep tabs on. If he can’t fix himself, Mackanin may be forced to replace Gomez as the closer.

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