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Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Los Angeles Dodgers

By Mike Azzalina

Apr 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Michael Saunders (5) hits a double during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Michael Saunders (5) hits a double during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) celebrates with third baseman Justin Turner (10) after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) celebrates with third baseman Justin Turner (10) after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Position Player: Corey Seager

While the Dodgers present the veteran matchup issues for the Phillies with players like Adrian Gonzalez, Chase Utley, Justin Turner, and even Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers largest threat is a 23-year-old North Carolina native. Corey Seager is perhaps the best young player in baseball, and not many people are aware of just how good he is because of his playing out west.

So far this season, Seager is leading the Dodgers in slugging (.565), homers (5), RBI (17), and OWAR (1.1). He is second in hits (27), average (.318), and on-base percentage (.398). He steadily finds himself slotted in the two-hole on a nightly basis and has been able to find success in that spot early in his career.

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In a very small sample size against the Phillies (6 games), he has slashed .448/.448/.759, has mashed three homers, and driven in 6 runs. And at Dodger Stadium, he has been extremely consistent, hitting to the tune of .321/.381/.569 with 22 round-trippers. Obviously, his offense is a legitimate threat to Jerad Eickhoff, Zach Eflin, and Nick Pivetta, who is making his first start Sunday afternoon.

They will look to attack him up and in the zone with fastballs. Anything left out over the plate will more than likely result in a hit. They may have more luck with off-speed and breaking stuff. He has struggled early on this year with breaking pitches in the zone. Jerad Eickhoff and Zach Eflin will more than likely attack him with their plus breaking pitches in order to keep him off balance.

If the Phillies are able to keep the young shortstop under control, they will have a much better chance to pull off another series win.

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