3 silver linings from the Phillies’ 2023 playoff run

The Phillies' season ended abruptly on Tuesday night in a devastating Game 7 loss, but the 2023 playoff run had plenty of bright spots.

Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Seven
Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Seven | Tim Nwachukwu/GettyImages
2 of 2

Brandon Marsh

Brandon Marsh was one of the only Phillies' offensive players who didn't fade in the final few games of the NLCS. Despite not playing against left-handed pitching in some earlier postseason games, the Phillies' outfielder made his mark when he took the field.

In 38 at-bats, Marsh racked up 13 hits — five of which were for extra bases. Eight of Marsh's 13 hits came in the NLCS when many of the other Phillies' hitters floundered. Marsh went hitless in his first three games this postseason. He rebounded quickly, however. In his next nine games, he recorded at least one hit.

Marsh's postseason OPS was .931. While that may not have been the highest on the team and he may not have provided any of the most memorable hits in the playoffs, he was one of the few offensive players who contributed consistently.

Ranger Suárez

Suárez was once again a postseason hero. In four appearances — all starts — the left-hander posted a 1.93 ERA in 18 2/3 innings. Despite falling off a little bit in Game 7 of the NLCS, Suárez was as calm and reliable as they come over the course of the 2023 postseason. In 14 innings prior to Tuesday night's loss, the left-hander allowed just one earned run.

Suárez kept the Phillies in games throughout the playoffs. He may not have gone as deep as Wheeler in some of his starts, but his outings were equally important. As the No. 3 starter for the club in the playoffs, his job was to get through the opposing lineup two, maybe three, times and limit the opposition from scoring. He did just that.

Suárez's overall postseason numbers are so impressive. Prior to Game 7, he had the best ERA in MLB postseason history and was mentioned with Sandy Koufax due to his low postseason ERA. Despite giving up three runs in Game 7, the left-hander's postseason ERA is still just 1.62 — for reference, Cy Young's was 1.59.

It was a fun postseason until it wasn't. The Phillies faded while the Diamondbacks rose to the occasion. The team received contributions from many players, but these three players were the most consistent.

Schedule