After losing 58 games in the first half, the Phillies look to get back on track with the passing of the All-Star Break.
No one expected 2017 to be the apex of the rebuild, but there were expectations of improvement. The Phillies had a bad mix of injuries, bad luck one run losses, and players who have regressed. The hope is that as they begin the unofficial second half of the season is that they can improve in all of those areas. They are tasked with the challenge of the NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Before we look forward, let’s look back at how the Phillies did against some of the players we highlighted would cause them trouble.
Wil Myers took a recent move into the leadoff spot and had run with it. Last weekend, Myers was 4-11 with two walks and a double. He also struck out twice in the Saturday matinee. While he went the entire weekend without scoring a run and barely made an impact on the series, Myers is still a presence in a very young and effective Padre lineup.
Phils Grade: B-
Jhoulys Chacin has strung together a series of impressive starts. Since June 3, Chacin has not allowed more than three earned runs. The trend continued before the All-Star break when the Phillies could not muster anything against the righty. He cruised through 6.1 innings, allowing a run on three hits and two walks. He struck out six Phils on his way to win number eight on the season. And the Phillies continued what was an incredibly frustrating 2017.
Phils Grade: D
Now, here’s who the Phillies have to deal with in Milwaukee.