Phillies News: Gregory Soto finds his groove, Trea Turner struggling

Phillies News

The Philadelphia Phillies wrapped up their World Series rematch with the Houston Astros on Sunday night as a part of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. Philly already secured the weekend series victory after taking games on Friday and Saturday. The Astros won Sunday’s matchup by the score of 4-3 by producing timely hits behind exceptional pitching. Houston limited the Phillies offense to only five hits and stranding seven runners on base. Bailey Falter had a rough go of it in his 4.1 innings as he allowed eight hits, four runs, three walks, and a home run.

The Phillies travel further west to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers for a three-game set. Monday’s starting pitching matchup has Taijuan Walker (2-1, 4.97 ERA) taking the ball for Philly and Tony Gonsolin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) does the same for LA.

On the injury front, the city of Philadelphia and the Phillies organization were blessed with some highly encouraging news. That news is the announcement of the impending return of Bryce Harper from Tommy John surgery. Harper could return as early as Tuesday night.

Ranger Suarez made progress on his injury rehab as well. Suarez made a start last Thursday, April 27th and is scheduled to make one with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

After a couple of rough starts, reliever Gregory Soto has found his groove so far in the first month of the season. Soto’s numbers in his last 11 appearances are something to marvel at.

Big-time free agent acquisition Trea Turner has not been big-time up until this point in the season. The shortstop’s numbers at the dish show in a clear manner that Turner is struggling. This could be a minor storyline throughout the rest of the week and is worth keeping an eye on.

The 2023 Phillies have something in common with other great teams of Philadelphia Phillies’ past. Not going to say anything since it’s early but this makes me feel like the stars can align again for a magical Phillies season.

The Oakland Athletics have been a major franchise in terms of historical value since their move to Oakland in 1968. More recently the A’s have been in the news because of their uncertainty as a franchise and its possible move to Las Vegas. The Oakland faithful are doing what they can to make their voices heard to keep their team. That includes people demanding ownership to sell the team, making signs with the same demand, and an online petition.

Former Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom is dealing with yet another injury to his throwing arm. The Texas Rangers starter is dealing with right elbow inflammation and will be reevaluated in 7-10 days.