The Phillies' postseason run ended with a loss to the Dodgers, raising questions about the team's future roster, management, and key players. Orion Kerkering faced criticism after a costly error, but was supported by Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. Jimmy Rollins indicated that the current core may not return, signaling a potential rebuild, while the future of manager Rob Thomson remains uncertain amid the team's recent playoff struggles.
Rob Thomson, the Phillies manager, reflects emotionally on their playoff loss, expressing the pain of the defeat and uncertainty about his future, despite being under contract through 2026, emphasizing that the outcome is out of his control and focusing on supporting his team.
The Phillies' postgame show erupted into a shouting match after their 4-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLDS, mainly over managerial decisions by Rob Thomson during the ninth inning, which some analysts criticized as questionable, contributing to the team's 2-0 series deficit.
The Phillies lost Game 2 of the NLDS due to a conservative strategy by Rob Thomson and roster management issues by Dave Dombrowski, including poor bullpen choices and a questionable bunt call in the ninth inning, which ultimately cost them the game and potentially the series.
Nick Castellanos expressed dissatisfaction with communication from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, highlighting ongoing issues and recent benching, but remains focused on helping the team win the World Series despite underwhelming performance and contract concerns.
Nick Castellanos was benched after a disagreement with Phillies manager Rob Thomson over a defensive substitution, highlighting Thomson's strategic decisions and player management style. Thomson also chose Orion Kerkering as the closer over veteran Jordan Romano, a move supported by recent performance data. Despite some player-manager tension, Thomson's decisions aim to optimize team performance, reflecting his steady leadership approach.
Nick Castellanos was benched by the Philadelphia Phillies after making an inappropriate comment to manager Rob Thomson, ending his streak of 236 consecutive games played. Castellanos expressed dissatisfaction with being removed from the lineup, which he considered a punishment for speaking his mind. The incident highlights team discipline and emotional dynamics within the Phillies.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson explained that the team did not retaliate after Bryce Harper was hit by a pitch from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, believing it was unintentional, and provided a positive update on Harper's health.
The Philadelphia Phillies received positive updates on injured players Ranger Suarez and Brandon Marsh, with Suarez potentially making his next start and Marsh possibly returning by June 13. Manager Rob Thomson remains optimistic about Trea Turner's mid-June return and continues to trust Taijuan Walker despite his recent struggles.
Phillies' Brandon Marsh exited the game against the Cardinals with a right hamstring injury, adding to the team's ongoing hamstring issues. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed the injury and stated Marsh's status is day-to-day, with further evaluation expected.
Less than 24 hours after being hit by a 106.1 mph ball, Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez is showing promising signs of recovery, with X-rays coming back negative and swelling down. Manager Rob Thomson remains optimistic about Suarez's quick return, though his next start is uncertain. The Phillies have backup options, including Spencer Turnbull, who could step in if needed.
Philadelphia Phillies' manager Rob Thomson stated that Bryce Harper's absence from Sunday's lineup was a planned day off, despite his scary fall into the camera well during Saturday's game. Harper had scraped his left hand in the fall but remained in the game for seven innings. Thomson expects Harper to be back in the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. The decision to sit Harper against the Braves after two tough games raised questions, but Thomson explained that it was part of managing Harper's workload and protecting him, especially against tough left-handed pitchers like Chris Sale.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has no plans to make lineup changes for Game 7 of the NLCS, despite some players slumping. Thomson likes the current lineup, particularly the first three hitters, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper. While some players have struggled, Thomson believes in his team's depth and trusts in their ability to produce when needed. Pitcher Zack Wheeler will be available out of the bullpen if needed.
The Philadelphia Phillies lost Game 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to their lack of offense, but manager Rob Thomson's decision to use rookie pitcher Orion Kerkering in the seventh inning with a one-run lead was questioned. Thomson explained that he chose Kerkering because he anticipated Arizona using left-handed pinch-hitters and liked Kerkering's slider against lefties. However, Kerkering allowed two singles and an RBI double to the three hitters he faced. In the ninth inning, closer Craig Kimbrel struggled with poor command, walking two and giving up the walk-off single. After a high-stress outing, the Phillies may look to preserve Kimbrel for Game 4.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has the flexibility to be creative with his pitching plans for Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. Every reliever is available out of the bullpen, including Orion Kerkering, who hasn't pitched in back-to-back games all season. The Braves will have Spencer Strider on the mound, who has been strong on extra rest but has struggled on normal rest. Ranger Suárez will start for the Phillies and has a good track record against Atlanta. Thomson has not discussed the pitching plan with Suárez, leaving room for him to pitch deep into the game or be pulled early depending on the situation. Additionally, Thomson mentioned that Rhys Hoskins, who has been rehabbing from a torn ACL, is likely to return as a pinch hitter rather than a starter in the NLCS or World Series.
