Phillies: Tommy Joseph flourishing in May at the plate

Tommy Joseph’s first month of the Phillies season was rough, but he’s smoothed out his game over the past two weeks

Early calls for Phillies prospect Rhys Hoskins to surpass Tommy Joseph at first base rang through Citizens Bank Park and social media after the former catcher slumped into the season. His first 19 games were dismal with a .179 batting average and only three extra-base hits.

Working with hitting coach Matt Stairs and the rest of the staff, Joseph has a new approach at the plate that’s paid off.

Through the month of May Joseph is hitting .400 with four home runs in 43 plate appearances, and has reached base safely in 8 of his last 10 games.

Joseph is also taking more pitches and getting on base because of it. After walking four times in his first 19 games of the season, he’s taken the free pass seven times in 12 games.

He’s gotten more hits and extra-base hits in half the plate appearances in May compared to March and April combined.

Compare Joseph’s numbers to some of the best hitters in the game this month. In just three more plate appearances than Bryce Harper this month, Joseph is hitting .046 points better with more home runs and a higher on-base percentage.

Yankees star Aaron Judge, in five more plate appearances, has a lower batting average (.341) more strikeouts, and as many home runs as Joseph.

Next: Cesar Hernandez on a record breaking pace

It’s time to fully acknowledge the performance Joseph has displayed this year in the middle of the Phillies lineup.