That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Lose Series Finale to Reds, 7-4: Four Observations

By John Town

Apr 6, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) is picked off at second base by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) during the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) is picked off at second base by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) during the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Adam Morgan (39) throws against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Oh, So That’s Why Adam Morgan Isn’t a Starter

After two poor seasons and with the rotation full, Adam Morgan‘s only chance to make the major-league roster was in the bullpen. He was able to grab one of the last spots in the bullpen as the team’s long reliever, and both he and the team hope Morgan can find a new role there.

With Buchholz leaving the game early, Mackanin called on his long man to eat some innings and bridge the gap to the late-game relievers.

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Morgan looked like he was going to do just that, retiring the first two batters he faced in the sixth inning. With a depleted bench, the Reds sent relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen to the plate to pinch-hit. He then proceeded to hit a solo home run off of Morgan.

I wish I was kidding when I wrote that. Adam Morgan allowed a pinch-hit home run to a relief pitcher. In fairness, Lorenzen was a hitting prospect at one point, but still, that’s just disappointing to see from Morgan.

Morgan gave up another home run in the bottom of the seventh, a two-run blast to Adam Duvall.

After giving up three runs and essentially burying any chance Philadelphia had of winning the game, he deserved the loss and then some. Matt Winkelman of Crashburn Alley summed up the feeling Morgan gave fans pretty well:

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