Phillies News: Ranger Suárez struggles in 2nd start after IL, Mick Abel pitches at Reading

The Philadelphia Phillies lost in a blowout to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night. Phillies' starter Ranger Suárez failed to make it past the second inning, sending the bullpen into action early once again. In two innings of work, Suárez allowed four runs to score on five hits and three walks. The offense did not help the cause as they mustered up just three hits on the night and scoring just one run in the first inning. Things unraveled for the Phillies in the fifth inning when Erich Uelmen came on in relief. Uelmen allowed five runs— four of which were unearned. Trea Turner made a costly error and Nick Castellanos misjudged a fly ball to allow runs to score. The club went on to lose 10-1.

The Phillies will look to even up the series Saturday afternoon. Aaron Nola (3-3, 4.53 ERA will pitch for the Phillies. He will be opposed by Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.66 ERA).

Phillies News

Highly touted pitching prospect Mick Abel pitched on Friday night for the Reading Fightin' Phils. Abel rebounded after a tough outing in his last game. Abel tossed five innings and allowed just one unearned run. He struck out three batters, however, he walked three batters as well. The main thing holding Abel back at this point is his control. He will need to cut back on the walks as he progresses towards the big-leagues.

Bryce Harper has been making progress at learning the position of first base. He has been taking reps at the position regularly and according to infield coach Bobby Dickerson, is "checking all the boxes" when it comes to handling the nuances of playing the position. The Phillies plan to play Harper at first base prior to getting him back into right field. The hope is that he can play the outfield at some point after the All-Star break but play first base at times leading up to that point.

MLB News

Chicago White Sox pitchers Michael Kopech and Kendall Graveman held the Kansas City Royals to just one hit on Friday night. What makes the one-hitter so newsworthy is that the White Sox pitchers still faced the minimum 27 batters over the course of the game. Kopech allowed a broken bat single in the sixth inning. The next hitter, Jackie Bradley Jr., hit into an inning ending double play in the following at-bat. Kopech would go on to pitch eight innings of one-hit baseball leading the White Sox to a 2-0 victory.

San Diego Padres' third baseman Manny Machado hit the injured list retroactive to 5/16 with a fractured left hand. Machado suffered the injury on Monday as he was hit by a pitch. The Padres do not plan on their third baseman being out for too long and hope to have him back by next weekend to play the New York Yankees.