Phillies News: Big series against Mets, Dave Dombrowski comments on 5th starter

The Philadelphia Phillies return from their day off on Memorial Day to play bitter rival the  New York Mets. It is a three-game set between two teams that have been struggling to begin this season. Both clubs are looking up at 1st and 2nd place in the NL East as the Mets sit in 3rd and the Phillies in 4th. The Phillies sit 1 ½ games back of New York’s third-place spot. 

This series will be crucial for both clubs. Each team sends out a pretty talented pitcher to start off the series right for their team. Tuesday night’s pitching matchup is between the uber cool, calm, and collected (even if his stats don’t represent that so far this year) Ranger Suarez for the Phillies (0-1, 9.82 ERA) and the wizard of the forkball who goes by the name of Kodai Senga (4-3, 3.94 ERA) for the Mets.

Phillies News

• The Phillies’ pitching, their starting pitching in particular, has been shaky this season. After Dylan Covey’s start on Sunday against Atlanta, the Phillies are 1-9 in games started by the 5th pitcher in the rotation. 

• President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has seen and heard the concern for the Phillies’ 5th starter. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com asked Dombrowski about the situation. Dombrowski wasn’t too revealing about his moves outside of the obvious pitching problems the team has had.

• Minor League baseball systems are a pillar in the MLB and for the development of players of all ages. Iron Pigs outfielder Jake Cave is developing his offense well as he’s hitting over .400 with Lehigh Valley. Who knows when Cave sees time with the big club again? It seems certain that he will be ready for his second chance and prove to rake when at the plate. 

MLB News

• On Memorial Day, White Sox closer Liam Hendriks made his return to the mound on Monday night. The Chicago pitcher is returning to the majors after beating non-Hodgkins lymphoma blood cancer. A cancer he was diagnosed with six months ago by doctors. Hendriks enjoyed a cinematic and touching return to the field in front of White Sox supporters. 

• The AL MVP is continuing to play like a god among men. Aaron Judge is truly a larger-than-life figure in today’s game. Simply by being a physical and athletic marvel at a consistent clip. Judge surely made many fans rise out of their seats with his two home runs and home run robbery last night.