3 Phillies players who fans should be concerned about

Thursday marks exactly two weeks since the Philadelphia Phillies opened the 2021 season with a thrilling victory against their division-rival Atlanta Braves.

Entering the eventual 3-2 home opener win, there was much optimism surrounding the team. Pretty much the identical, potent lineup was returning from the 60-game 2020 season. Also, the back end of the starting rotation underwent what most considered a notable upgrade — with the additions of veterans Matt Moore and Chase Anderson.

Things aren’t looking as great for the Phillies after their strong opening series.

The Phillies lived up to that optimism by starting the season 4-0, a rare feat for their franchise. However, the team has since lost three in a row to the New York Mets — as well as five of their last six, with the only win in that stretch being the controversial “Alec Bohm slide” down in Atlanta.

To say the least, things are returning back to reality for the Joe Girardi-led squad. Their four-game series finale on Jackie Robinson Day against the Mets won’t come any easier, either — given Zach Eflin is tasked with opposing perennial Cy Young Award candidate Jacob deGrom.

While some Phillies are shining so far — such as first baseman Rhys Hoskins slugging six doubles and a pair of home runs through a dozen games, or right-handed reliever Connor Brogdon tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with a Major League Baseball-best 3-0 record to go with it — there are players on the team who simply are not putting up ideal numbers early in the season. Here are three fans should be concerned about.