Phillies Roster Continues To Evolve Amid Injuries & Offseason Acquisitions

Hoping to keep their NL East first place position unhinged, this week the Philadelphia Phillies added a new meaning to the term “lost and found” amid some roster turnover.

Although injury appeared somewhat inevitable with the former NL MVP’s age climbing up to 32, outfielder Andrew McCutchen’s injury woes worsened, as he suffered a season–ending ACL tear. While Philly poises to miss McCutchen’s services, a bright spot to combat this bad break appeared almost immediately as the new acquired Jay Bruce crushed two home runs including a grand slam just days after Cutch’s injury, leading the Phillies to a 9–6 win over the San Diego Padres and illustrating how the effective Philadelphia front office continues to improve their roster.

Not too long ago, the Phillies roster appeared inked with question marks across the entire diamond, as their young an unproven players held the Phillies as an inconsistent team with a cloudy future. Although recent off–field issues concerning Odubel Herrera illustrate work that still need doing, change commenced this offseason with winning the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, as the once unproven Phillies now stand as a true NL power, thanks to a front office that makes strategic effective moves such as adding Bruce. Harper currently resides as Philadelphia’s crowned jewel with his marketable name, home run threatening power, and effective glove. Yet, the other moves that Philly’s front office orchestrates prove equally as effective.

Standing in at shortstop, newly acquired Jean Seguara highlights the league as a true steal for the Phillies with his .285 batting average and 23 RBIs thus far. Even with Segura’s production aside, the trade which sent Carlos Santana packing allowed potential All–Star Rhys Hoskins to shift back to first base, a more comfortable position where Hoskins now posts a top ten NL fielding percentage, which combines with his 13 home runs at the plate. Adding to the cause stands J.T. Realmuto, yet another addition conducted by the Philadelphia front office. Although not putting up monster numbers, he hits quite effectively with a .273 batting average and remains generally on pace to match last year’s numbers, which earned him a Silver Slugger Award. Realmuto proved his value once again during last night’s contest going 3/5 at the plate.

These expensive and somewhat risky moves are essential to Philadelphia’s success and continually fit in like puzzle pieces, filling jagged and unusual holes perfectly as if made for that exact purpose. The Phillies also await newly-signed relief pitcher David Robertson‘s return from injury, as his effective bullpen pitching poises to assist the Phillies down the stretch. With the always entertaining trade deadline forecasted to strike soon, look for Philadelphia to slide more pieces, improve their team and look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Article by Collin Helwig

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