That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Milwaukee Brewers

By Mike Azzalina

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 09: Hector Neris #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks to the sky after beating the San Diego Padres 7-1 at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 09: Hector Neris #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks to the sky after beating the San Diego Padres 7-1 at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 09: Travis Shaw
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 09: Travis Shaw /

The Position Player: Travis Shaw

With a quick look at the Milwaukee lineup, there is nothing there that screams superstar. Outside of Ryan Braun, who has had less than 150 at bats due to injury, the Brewers are a group of younger players and nomads. Even with Braun on the roster, the Brewers have a fresher name for the Phillies to focus on this weekend.

Travis Shaw, a 27 year old third baseman, has been the Brewers best and most consistent offensive player this season. He holds a 2.9 OWAR this season and leads the team with 69 RBI, .299 average, .938 OPS. His 70 Ks are only fifth highest on the team, and his 19 homers are second only to the reborn first baseman Eric Thames.

Shaw has five hits (including a homer) in his last 15 at bats, has scored five runs, and knocked in four of them. He has also walked two times in that stretch. In the month of July, he has been even more successful (9-23, nine runs, two doubles, two homers, three walks, and eight RBI).

Shaw has never faced a single pitcher starting for the Phillies this weekend. He does have at bats against Pat Neshek, Hector Neris, and Joaquin Benoit, but is hitless in those three chances.

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The lefty is more successful against right-handed pitching than lefties, which bodes well for him this weekend. He looks to improve on his career .270/.341/.480 and 35 homers against Nick Pivetta, Aaron Nola, and Jeremy Hellickson.

Playing at home in his two year career, he has hit .308/.373/.547 with eight homers and 34 RBI in 43 games. The former Red Sock has made himself very comfortable in his new digs at Miller Park.

This season, Shaw has loved the fastball on the outer half and has not had much success on fastballs on the inner part of the plate. The same goes for breaking balls. Anything back foot to the lefty has given him trouble. It seems as though the Phillies starters will have to use the inner-half in order to get Shaw out consistently this weekend.

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