Phillies Opening Day: Five observations from a disappointing loss

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: A general view of SunTrust Park during the National Anthem prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: A general view of SunTrust Park during the National Anthem prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 29: A general view of third base prior to Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Suntrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kapler makes questionable decisions

This was the first time Gabe Kapler has managed a major-league game. He is quite different than any other manager the Phillies have had, with his own philosophies and strategies. After today’s game, he has some questions to answer.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Leaving Odubel Herrera out of the lineup was certainly a surprise. His career numbers against Julio Teheran were just 5-for-27, but Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams were just 2-for-16 and 2-for-10 in their career. Williams and Altherr went a combined 1-for-7 today. Considering how Herrera has played the last three years, it was certainly a surprise.

It then continued with pulling Nola. He was shutting down the Braves and looked on his way to a tremendous start to open the season. Instead, Nola came out in favor of Milner to face Freeman. Kapler is expected to lean on his bullpen heavily this year, and he did so today. That decision burned him as it may be the main reason why they lost.

Despite all the things that went wrong, Kapler remains confident that his decision-making strategy will pan out in the end:

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