Game 32 - Phils Shut Out Nationals Again

2020 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OD-487

Phillies 3, Nationals 0
Game 32 - Wednesday Night, September 2nd in Philadelphia
Record - 17-15, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and two relievers combined to shutout the Nationals for the second night in a row as the Phillies won, 3-0.

What It Means:  The Phillies have sole possession of second place in the East and they'll go for a rare four-game sweep against the Nationals on Thursday afternoon.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 4-0 with 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing three hits while striking out six.  David Phelps was perfect in his Phillies debut, recording four outs, and Brandon Workman made it interesting again but retired the Nationals in the ninth to earn his fourth Phillies save.

Featured Card:  Wheeler would normally get the card here, but I'm not sure how many other chances I'll have to feature a Neil Walker card, so I'm taking the chance now.  Walker was starting at first base for Rhys Hoskins who was red out but in need of a night off, especially given his history against Nationals' starting pitcher Max Scherzer.  Walker singled home the Phillies first two runs in the fourth and finished the night 3 for 3.

Topps continued its Topps Now Road to Opening Day offering this summer with a Summer Camp extension available in a few waves.  Walker was a surprise addition to the set, and I'm grateful for his inclusion as this could be his one and only Phillies baseball card.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 31 - 2020 Topps Archives #253 Aaron Nola

Phillies 6, Nationals 0
Game 31 - Tuesday Night, September 1st in Philadelphia
Record - 16-15, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola pitched a gem and the Phillies offense kept pace in this 6-0 win over the last place Nationals.

What It Means:  For the first time this season, the Phillies have a winning record.  And they're now on the other side of the mathematical second half of this bizarre, shortened season.

What Happened:  Nola improved to 4-2, allowing 2 hits, 3 walks and striking out 9 over his 8 innings of work.  Hector Neris allowed a few base runners in the ninth but was able to preserve the shutout.  Alec Bohm drove in a pair of runs, hitting his first Citizens Bank Park home run in the fifth and then doubling home Didi Gregorius in the sixth.  Andrew McCutchen wrapped up the scoring with a three-run blast to left in the sixth, his 5th home run of the season.

Featured Card:  Nola gets the nod again here over Bohm and McCutchen, as he made it look easy against a confused Nationals line-up.

Transaction:  David Phelps (rhp), acquired from the Brewers on Monday, was added to the active roster and Adam Morgan (lhp) was placed on the injured list with shoulder fatigue.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #45 Ranger Suarez

#55
Ranger Jose Suarez
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  217
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  August 26, 1995, Pie de Cuesta, VZ
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, April 1, 2012
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2023, free agency eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-RS
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #31
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2020 Topps Total #489

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2019

15 - Suarez baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/31/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #46
2019 Chachi #47
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #12
2019 Chachi Photo Night #11
2020 Chachi #45

The Phillies bullpen was generally awful in 2019, but one of the surprising highlights was the emergence of Ranger Suarez as an effective left-handed reliever.  In 37 games last year, Suarez was 6-1 with a 3.14 ERA over 48 2/3 innings pitched.

He'll try to regain that form over the final month of the 2020 season.  Suarez missed a significant chunk of time on the COVID-19 injured list and he was finally activated on August 31st.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 30 - Hoskins Stays Hot; Phils Acquire Phelps from Brewers

2020 Topps Utz #47

Phillies 8, Nationals 6
Game 30 - Monday Night, August 31st in Philadelphia
Record - 15-15, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins and Jean Segura each drove in three runs and Spencer Howard earned his first career victory in this 8-6 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won six of their last seven games and they're suddenly back in the postseason picture.

What Happened:  Spencer Howard pitched five innings, allowing a pair of runs on 5 hits while striking out 4.  The bullpen struggled a little, with newcomers Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman surrendering three home runs between the two of them, but fortunately the Phillies offense didn't let up.

The Phillies had a 6-0 lead after four innings on solo home runs from Hoskins and Jay Bruce, a bases clearing double from Segura and an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.  Hoskins secured two needed insurance runs with a two-run double in the seventh.

2014 Topps Heritage
High Numbers #H570

Featured Card:  I'm thrilled that Hoskins is on a hot streak, and his average is up to a respectable .260.  Over the team's last 7 games, he's hitting .379 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.

Transaction:  It was a busy day for the Phillies and the rest of MLB as yesterday was the delayed annual non-waiver trade deadline.  First, the Phillies activated Jay Bruce (of) and Ranger Suarez (lhp) from the injured list and placed Scott Kingery (inf) on the injured list with a back injury.  Deivy Grullon (c) and Reggie McClain (rhp) were designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.  The Phillies hope both clear waivers and return to Lehigh Valley.

Next, the Phillies completed its bullpen rehab, acquiring David Phelps from the Brewers for three players to be named later.  Phelps is expected to join the team in time for Tuesday night's game.  One of the game's most reliable relievers in recent years, Phelps had appeared in 12 games so far this season for the Brewers and has a 2.77 ERA.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #42 David Hale

#41
David E. Hale
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  32
Born:  September 27, 1987, Atlanta, GA
How Obtained:  Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ, August 21, 2020
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2021, free agency eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Atlanta Braves 2013-2014; Colorado Rockies 2015-2016; Minnesota Twins 2018; New York Yankees 2018-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2014

0 - Hale baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/31/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #42

David Hale was acquired from the Yankees on August 21st, but had to wait 10 days before making his Phillies debut on August 30th.  Entering that night's game against the Braves, Hale was tasked with limiting the damage already caused by starting pitcher Jake Arrieta, but he ended up allowing three runs on his own.

A veteran of seven different big league seasons, Hale has twice appeared in at least 20 games - 2014 with the Braves and 2019 with the Yankees.  Given his limited time in the majors, his baseball card appearances have been sparse and the last (and to date only) time he was in a Topps flagship was back in 2014.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Nationals at Phillies: August 31st to September 3rd

1991 Topps #674

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #7

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All's quiet, except for the piped-in crowd noise and the occasional air horn blast courtesy of the Phandemic Krew stationed outside the gate behind Ashburn Alley.

Nationals 12-19
5th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (1-2, 3.57)
Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.82)
Max Scherzer (3-1, 3.86)
Anibal Sanchez (1-4, 6.90)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Juan Soto and Trea Turner - .360
Runs:  Trea Turner - 25
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 9
RBIs:  Juan Soto - 21
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 3

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 3
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 3.82

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 55
Saves:  Daniel Hudson - 6

Phillies 14-15
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Spencer Howard (0-1, 6.17)
Aaron Nola (3-2, 3.00)
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 2.58)
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.10)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .290
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 9
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 25
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 6

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.58

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 48
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 3

Game 29 - 1989 Donruss #431 Steve Jeltz

Braves 12, Phillies 10
Game 29 - Sunday Night, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 14-15, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down 10-0 in the second, the Phillies nearly pulled off what would have been one of their most impressive comebacks in franchise history.

What It Means:  Having just missed completing a three-game sweep of the first place Braves, the Phillies open a crucial four-game series tonight with the last place Nationals.

What Happened:  The early deficit was courtesy of Jake Arrieta (1 1/3 innings, 7 runs, 6 hits, 3 walks) and David Hale (1 2/3 innings, 3 runs, 3 hits).  It was Arrieta's shortest outing of his career and Hale's Phillies debut.

The comeback began in the bottom of the second when Didi Gregorius hit a solo home run to right.  It continued in the third when the Phillies plated six runs with the big hits coming from Andrew McCutchen (RBI double), Rhys Hoskins (2-run home run) and Gregorius again (2-run triple).  The Phillies got to within a run when Roman Quinn and McCutchen hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth to make it 11-10 Braves.

The lousy outing from Arrieta and questionable umpire calls were the big factors in the loss, with manager Joe Girardi earning his first ejection in a Phillies uniform in the ninth.

2019 R-Phils Phillies
Top 25 Prospects #25

Featured Card:  The near comeback had Phillies fans referring back to the last time the team had overcome a 10-run deficit, on June 8, 1989 against the Pirates.  That was the game in which Pirates broadcaster Jim Rooker infamously announced if the Pirates lost the game (they did) he would walk back to Pittsburgh (he eventually did).  Steve Jeltz entered the game in the second at second base, taking over for veteran Tommy Herr with the Phillies trailing 10-2.  He ended up becoming the first player in franchise history to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game, going 2 for 4 with 5 RBIs and helping to fuel the comeback.

Transaction:  Mickey Moniak was added to the team's Player Pool, and many were quick to point out that players not included in a team's Player Pool were ineligible to be traded before today's 4pm deadline.  By my very unofficial tally, I believe the Phillies now have 25 players training at their alternate site in Lehigh Valley.  It's 26 if you count the rehabbing Ranger Suarez.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 28 - 2020 Topps Chrome #184 Rhys Hoskins

Phillies 4, Braves 1
Game 28 - Saturday Night, August 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 14-14, Tied for 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin pitched seven innings of one-run ball and Rhys Hoskins launched a three-run home run to send the Phillies to a 4-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies have a nice five-game win streak going, and they'll go for the series sweep against the Braves tonight on national television.

What Happened:  Eflin allowed a solo home run to Johan Camargo in the sixth, and he probably would have come out for the eighth if not for a 37-minute rain delay.  He struck out eight Braves batters, six using his curve ball in which he's shown much more confidence in lately.  Hector Neris' scoreless eighth set up Brandon Workman for his 3rd save with the Phillies.

Rhys Hoskins made a diving catch on a Nick Markakis line drive to end the game.

Featured Card:  Speaking of Hoskins . . . his three-run home run in the fifth gave the Phillies a 4-0 lead, and was his fourth of the season.  Over his last 8 games, Hoskins is hitting .313 with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 27 - 2020 Topps Gypsy Queen #240 Scott Kingery

Phillies 7, Braves 4 (11 Innings)
Game 27 - Friday Night, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 13-14, Tied for 3rd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Scott Kingery hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 11th to give the Phillies a walk-off, 7-4 win.

What It Means:  With both teams wearing Jackie Robinson's #42, the Phillies won their fourth in a row.

What Happened:  The extra innings were necessitated when Adam Morgan allowed back-to-back home runs to Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley in the 7th, tying the score at 4-4.  That wasted a solid outing from Phillies starter Zack Wheeler who went 5 2/3 innings, allowing six hits on only one earned run.  Fortunately, the suddenly reliable bullpen (other than Morgan), kept the Braves off the board the rest of the game.  Tommy Hunter, Hector Neris, Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree and finally Blake Parker each pitched a scoreless inning.

The Phillies scored their first four runs on two-run home runs from Andrew McCutchen in the 3rd, and Jean Segura in the 4th.

Featured Card:  Kingery has looked lost at times this season, so it was great to see him come through with his big hit here.  He's lost regular playing time, his average is now only .134, and he only entered this game to pinch-run for the Phillies' 10th inning ghost runner to start the inning, originally Alec Bohm.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: August 28th to August 30th

1991 Topps #196

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #6

Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:15, Sunday 7:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Jackie Robinson Day, usually held annually on April 15th, was postponed and rescheduled for tonight and all players will wear Robinson's #42.  The timing is fitting as Robinson's courageous fight against racism is a fight that unfortunately continues to this day.  MLB posted the video below to its social media accounts earlier today, and it's highly recommended viewing.

Braves 18-12
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Marlins

Braves Probables
Robbie Erlin (0-0, 5.14)
Josh Tomlin (1-1, 3.93)
TBD

Braves Leaders
Average:  Dansby Swanson - .319
Runs:  Dansby Swanson - 27
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 8
RBIs:  Dansby Swanson - 20
Stolen Bases:  Ender Inciarte - 4

Wins:  Max Fried - 5
ERA:  Max Fried - 1.35

Strikeouts:  Max Fried - 38
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 5

Phillies 12-14
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 2.76)
Zach Eflin (1-1, 5.12)
Jake Arrieta (2-3, 4.32)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .317
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 23
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 9
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 25
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 5

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.76

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 48
Saves:  Hector Neris and Brandon Workman - 2

2020 Chachi #36 Enyel De Los Santos

#51
Enyel De Los Santos
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  December 25, 1995, San Pedro de Macoris, DR
How Obtained:  Acquired from the San Diego Padres for Freddy Galvis, December 15, 2017
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2023, free agency eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-2019

First Phillies Card:  2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #BCPA-EL
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2018 Choice Phillies Minor League Top 30 Prospects #13
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #51

Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Total #785

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2019

19 - De Los Santos baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/11/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #42
2019 Chachi #38
2019 Chachi Ballpark Visits #11
2019 Chachi Photo Cards #51
2020 Chachi #36

As of this writing, Enyel De Los Santos is still waiting to appear in his first Phillies game of 2020.  He was active for three games in early August, but then was sent back to Lehigh Valley without an appearance.  He was then designated for assignment on August 9th to make room on the 40-man roster for Spencer Howard.  He subsequently cleared waivers and headed back to Lehigh Valley.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 26 - 2020 Topps Big League #47 Aaron Nola

Phillies 3, Nationals 2
Game 26 - Wednesday Night, August 26th in Washington
Record - 12-14, 3rd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola looked great through seven innings and the Phillies took the lead with a pair of RBI singles from Alec Bohm and Bryce Harper in this 3-2 win.

What It Means:  This series was cut short when the Phillies unanimously voted not to take the field on Thursday night to protest the latest instance of racial injustice in our country following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.  The Phillies join several other MLB, NBA and NHL teams in protesting for change.

What Happened:  On Wednesday night, Nola struck out 8 and allowed a pair of runs on five hits before yielding to the bullpen.  Tommy Hunter and Brandon Workman nailed down the win, although Workman made it interesting with Braves runners on the corners when he struck out Victor Robles to end the game.  Rhys Hoskins hit his third home run of the season to tie the game 1-1 in 3rd.

With the Nationals holding a 2-1 lead, Didi Gregorius led off the seventh with a triple to left and came home when Bohm singled.  Harper later singled the speedy Quinn home to take the lead.  This was the 12th Phillies win for manager Joe Girardi, but the 1,000 win for his managerial career.

Featured Card:  Nola improved his record to 3-2 with the win and lowered his ERA to an even 3.00.  He leads the club with 48 strikeouts through 36 innings pitched.

2019 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #7

Transaction:  Before the game, the Phillies traded Austin Davis (lhp) to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and cash.  Davis had been designated for assignment on August 21st when an extra 40-man roster spot was needed following the Red Sox trade.  Davis had his most success with the club in 2018, appearing in 32 games during his rookie campaign and pitching to a 4.15 ERA over 34 2/3 innings.  Overall, Davis appeared in 50 games for the Phillies over the past three seasons, going 1-2 with a 5.86 ERA.

Arrived During the 2020 Season

• David Hale (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).
• Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta (rhp) and Connor Seabold (rhp).

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
• Nick Pivetta (rhp) - 8/21/20, Traded to the Boston Red Sox with Connor Seabold (rhp) for Brandon Workman (rhp), Heath Hembree (rhp), a player to be named later and cash.
• Austin Davis (lhp) - 8/26/20, Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and  cash.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #35 Greg Brodzinski / Jim Gott / Bob Stumpo CO

#81
Gregory Matthew Brodzinski
Bullpen Catcher/Catching Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  July 23, 1991, Pittsburgh, PA
Major League Teams:  N/A
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2017 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #22
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #37

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

4 - Brodzinski baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/11/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Brodzinski
2020 Chachi #35 - with Jim Gott and Bob Stumpo

I thought it would be appropriate for the three bullpen coaches to share the same card.  Greg Brodzinski is the only new coach here out of the three, having been a coach for the Williamsport Crosscutters for the past two seasons.

Jim Gott is the elder statesmen among Phillies coaches, and this is his third season as the team's bullpen coach.  He pitched in parts of 14 seasons in the majors between 1982 and 1995, finishing second in the National League in saves in 1988 with 34.

The Phillies Media Guide indicates this is Bob Stumpo's third season as a coach as well, and admittedly I didn't realize he was an official coach resulting in his omission from the last two year's of Chachi sets.  Technically, his first Phillies card is a somewhat rare team-issued photo card from 2018 that was handed out to young baseball players who participated in a clinic held at Citizens Bank Park and facilitated by some of the coaches, including Stumpo.

#35
James Willliam Gott
Bullpen Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  250
Opening Day Age:  60
Born:  August 3, 1959, Hollywood, CA
Major League Teams:  Toronto Blue Jays 1982-1984; San Francisco Giants 1985-1987; Pittsburgh Pirates 1987-1989; Los Angeles Dodgers 1990-1994; Pittsburgh Pirates 1995
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #35
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #35

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #35

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (13):  1983-1995

4 - Gott baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/11/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Gott
2018 Chachi #28 - with Dusty Wathan, Pedro Guerrero and Chris Young
2019 Chachi #28 - with Paco Figueroa and Dusty Wathan
2020 Chachi #35 - with Greg Brodzinski and Bob Stumpo

* * *

#82
Robert Joseph Stumpo
Bullpen Catcher/Catching Coach

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  230
Opening Day Age:  33
Born:  July 17, 1987, Philadelphia, PA
Major League Teams:  N/A
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #82
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2011 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #15
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #82

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #82

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

6 - Stumpo baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/11/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Stumpo
2020 Chachi #35 - with Greg Brodzinski and Jim Gott

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 25 - 2020 Topps Archives #66 J.T. Realmuto

Phillies 8, Nationals 3
Game 25 - Tuesday Night, August 25th in Washington
Record - 11-14, 3rd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto bounced a three-run home run off the top of the right field wall and the bullpen kept the Nationals in check in this 8-3 win.

What It Means:  This was a relatively easy win for the Phillies, which is a welcome change of pace.

What Happened:  Realmuto had the big hit, but Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura also both also knocked in a pair of runs.  McCutchen's second RBI was a fielder's choice that scored the speedy Roman Quinn from third as Quinn was able to race home and elude the tag of catcher Kurt Suzuki.

Jake Arrieta started and threw five strong innings, allowing a lead-off home run to Trea Turner, before an hour-plus rain delay cut his outing short.  The bullpen performed well again with Tommy Hunter throwing an inning and a 1/3 of scoreless relief.

Featured Card:  Realmuto gets the card, but his home run was less than an inch away from bouncing the other way and back onto the field.  His 9 home runs are tops on the club.  This is his 1955 Topps-inspired card from the just released Topps Archives set.

Transaction:  Deolis Guerra (rhp) cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #41 JoJo Romero

#79
Joseph Abel Romero
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  23
Born:  September 9, 1996, Camarillo, CA
How Obtained:  Selected by the Phillies in the 4th round of the June 2016 amateur player draft
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  2018 Bowman Prospects #BP111
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #30
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #18

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  2016-2020

19 - Romero baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/21/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #4
2020 Chachi #41

Romero made his big league debut on Friday night, striking out the side against the Braves on 12 pitches.  His spring training photo used for his card doesn't do his current look justice as he's grown a full mustache and sports a large, curly puff of hair in the back.

He's the second recent Phillies pitcher to wear #79 with Justin De Fratus (2012-2013) wearing the high number before him.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: August 25th to August 27th

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #6

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #22

Tuesday and Wednesday 6:05, Thursday 6:37
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will try not to contribute to the daily mess in Washington with a three-game series against the Nationals.  Thursday night's game will be televised nationally, resulting in the strange start time.

Phillies 10-14
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (1-3, 4.95)
Aaron Nola (2-2, 3.10)
Spencer Howard (0-1, 6.17)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .320
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 22
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 8
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 22
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 4

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.76

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 40
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Nationals 11-15
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (1-1, 2.55)
Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.99)
Max Scherzer (2-1, 4.31)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .314
Runs:  Trea Turner - 21
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 7
RBIs:  Asdrubal Cabrera and Juan Soto - 17
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 2

Wins:  Patrick Corbin and Max Scherzer - 2
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 3.99

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 44
Saves:  Daniel Hudson - 6

2020 Chachi #43 Heath Hembree

#43
Richard Heath Hembree
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  220
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  January 13, 1989, Spartanburg, SC
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with Brandon Workman, cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold, August 22, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  San Francisco Giants 2013; Boston Red Sox 2014-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2014

0 - Hembree baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/24/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #43

No matter how many times I encounter this, it's still mind-boggling to me how a relief pitcher like Heath Hembree, owner of 250 career appearances dating back to 2013, has one and only one Topps flagship set appearance to his name.  How is he so consistently overlooked?  Hembree appeared in 62 and 67 games respectively for the 2017 and 2018 Red Sox.

He was graced with a Topps Total card this year, so I'll need to track that down for my 2020 Phillies binder.

Hembree also is that rare player to assumes the uniform number of the guy he was traded for.  Nick Pivetta, now pitching at the Red Sox' alternate training site, wore #43 during his four-year stint with the Phillies.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 24 - Bohm Homers, Bullpen Survives, Phils Win

2020 Bowman 1990 Bowman
#90B-AB

Phillies 5, Braves 4
Game 24 - Sunday Night, August 23rd in Atlanta
Record - 10-14, 5th Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With a dramatic play at the plate to end the game, the Phillies held on to defeat the Braves, 5-4.

What It Means:  The bullpen didn't implode!

What Happened:  Heath Hembree, in his Phillies debut, and Tommy Hunter combined for 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief before turning the game over to new closer Brandon Workman with the Phillies leading 5-3.  Workman allowed a pair of runners to reach and surrendered a double to Freddie Freeman that scored a run.  But a relay throw from Roman Quinn to Didi Gregorius to Andrew Knapp at home cut down Dansby Swanson, preserving the lead and ending the game.  The play unexpectedly earned a Topps Now card for Knapp.

Alec Bohm crushed his first big league home run in the second, with Rhys Hoskins and Gregorius following with home runs in the third.  Andrew McCutchen drove home a much-needed insurance run with a single scoring Bohm in the fourth.

Featured Card:  Bohm's homer was hit off Josh Tomlin an estimated 446 feet to dead center and into a pond beyond the outfield wall.  The Braves fished out the ball for Bohm and it was presented to him following the game in a cup of water.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #38 Blake Parker

#53
Richard Blake Parker
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  35
Born:  June 19, 1985, Fayetteville, AR
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent, February 5, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  Chicago Cubs 2012-2014; Seattle Mariners 2016; New York Yankees 2016; Los Angeles Angels 2017-2018; Minnesota Twins 2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2019-

First Phillies Card:  2020 Topps #286
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2020 Topps #286

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (4):  2013-2014, 2019-2020

4 - Parker baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/12/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #57
2019 Chachi Photo Cards #54 (UER)
2020 Chachi #38

Blake Parker came to the Phillies in July of last season as part of the wave of relievers the team picked up in the second half to try to bolster the beleaguered bullpen.  He came back to the club on a minor league deal signed in February.

He surprisingly appeared in the 2020 Topps Series One checklist, despite having pitched only 23 games for the Phillies last season.

I botched his custom photo card, assigning Parker #54 on the card, a number he's never worn for the Phillies or any other team.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 23 - 2020 Donruss Base Variations #193 Bryce Harper

Braves 6, Phillies 5
Game 23 - Saturday Night, August 22nd in Atlanta
Record - 9-14, 5th Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Once again, the bullpen let the Phillies down, coughing up a late lead in a 6-5 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  I'm trying not to be too cynical, but when the bullpen can't hold a lead at this point it's no longer surprising to me.  I've just come to expect it.  The Phillies' last five losses have gone like this:

Wednesday against Red Sox - blown 2-0 lead, loss
Thursday against Blue Jays (Game 1) - blown 2-0 lead, loss
Thursday against Blue Jays (Game 2) - blown 7-0 lead, loss
Friday against Braves - scored first, lose by 9 runs, loss
Saturday against Braves - blown 4-0 lead, loss

What Happened:  With a 4-2 lead provided by home runs from Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen, along with an RBI single from J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler exited the game after seven solid innings.  The bullpen duo of Hector Neris and Brandon Workman were tasked with recording six outs and preserving the two-run lead.  They couldn't do it.

Neris was erratic facing four batters to start the eighth - line drive single, walk, single, and the lead was down to 4-3.  With runners on the corners, Workman made his Phillies debut and gave up a double to Matt Adams on the very first pitch he threw, scoring both runners and giving the Braves a 5-4 lead.  The Phillies battled and tied the score in the top of the ninth on a Harper sacrifice fly, but Workman loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning and Adam Duvall singled home the winning run.

Featured Card:  Harper's home run in the first was a moon shot, traveling 470 feet.  After the game, while extremely disappointed in the loss, he reveled in the knowledge he had hit a home run on his son Krew's first birthday.

Transaction:  Workman (rhp), David Hale (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) were added to the roster with Connor Brogdon (rhp) and Cole Irvin (lhp) optioned to Lehigh Valley and Deolis Guerra (rhp) designated for assignment.  In addition, Adam Haseley (of) was activated from the injured list, with Jay Bruce (of) landing on the injured list with a quad injury.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #44 Brandon Workman

#44
Brandon Carlin Workman
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  August 13, 1988, Arlington, TX
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with Heath Hembree, cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold, August 22, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  Boston Red Sox 2013-2014, 2017-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2019-2020

0 - Workman baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/23/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #44

It's a complete coincidence that Brandon Workman's uniform number and his number in this year's Chachi set are the same.

When the Phillies acquired Workman on Friday night, I reviewed his recent baseball card appearances and added his following 2020 base cards to my want list:  2020 Topps (series two), 2020 Topps Heritage and 2020 Topps Total.

Workman should hopefully help the awful Phillies bullpen, but in his Phillies debut on Saturday night he allowed a two-run double to Matt Adams, on the very first pitch he threw, allowing the Braves to take a 5-4 lead. He led the Red Sox in saves last season with 16 and was one of the best relievers in the entire American League.

Workman was originally drafted by the Phillies in 2007 in the 3rd round of the amateur player draft, but he didn't sign with the club opting to go to the University of Texas at Austin.  The picks made by the Phillies before Workman in that draft were Joe Savery (1st), Travis d'Arnaud (supplemental) and Travis Mattair (2nd).

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #27 Adam Morgan

#46
Adam Christopher Morgan
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  30
Born:  February 27, 1990, Tampa, FL
How Obtained:  Selected by the Phillies in the 3rd round of the June 2011 amateur player draft
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2021, free agency eligible in 2022
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2015-

First Phillies Card:  2013 Bowman Chrome Cream of the Crop Mini Refractors #CC-PP5
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2012 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #23
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #39

Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Total #15

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2016

22 - Morgan baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/11/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi #45
2015 Chachi Special Edition #12
2016 Chachi #39
2017 Chachi #19
2017 Chachi Photo Night #26
2018 Chachi #19
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #15 - with Vince Velasquez
2019 Chachi #20
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #17 - with Andrew Knapp
2020 Chachi #27

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Phils Add Sox Relievers for Pivetta, Top Prospect

2020 Topps Heritage #297

2019 Topps Total #175

2020 Topps Total #189

2017 Bowman Draft #BD-77

In desperate need of semi-reliable bullpen arms, the Phillies acquired Red Sox closer Brandon Workman and reliever Heath Hembree on Friday night for former starting pitcher Nick Pivetta and top pitching prospect Connor Seabold.  The Red Sox sent cash to the Phillies to cover a portion of Workman's and Hembree's remaining 2020 salaries, and a player to be named later will be coming to the Phillies eventually as well.

22 games into this shortened season and the Phillies bullpen is on pace to be one of the historically worst bullpens of all-time.  GM Matt Klentak, who failed to strengthen the weak bullpen in the offseason, needed to make a move now if the Phillies have any hope of claiming one of the 8 National League play-off spots up for grabs this year.  As of right now they're on the outside looking in, not in the playoff picture at all.

Workman was the key to the deal for the Phillies, and he could (and should) take over closer duties from Hector Neris.  As Corey Seidman Tweeted, Workman has the lowest opponents' batting average in the majors (.141) since the start of last season among pitchers with at least 75 innings pitched.  He saved 16 games for the Red Sox last year, going 10-1 with a 1.88 ERA over 73 games.  He's a free agent following the season, so this is a pure rental move by the Phillies.

Hembree, again from another Corey Seidman Tweet, has a fastball that has averaged 94.4 mph the last four seasons and only Zack Wheeler exceeds that mark among current Phillies pitchers.  Over the past seven seasons with the Red Sox, he has a 3.70 ERA over 251 games.  Hembree is under control through next season, so he already factors into the team's 2021 bullpen plans.

And for my final Corey Seidman Tweet reference, Nick Pivetta's 5.50 ERA over 396 1/3 innings pitched is the highest ERA among any Phillies pitcher with that manny innings logged since 1931.  So that's not great.  Acquired from the Nationals in 2015 for Jonathan Papelbon, Pivetta showed flashes of brilliance every once in a while, but most of his appearances ended in frustration.  He departs the Phillies with a 19-30 record over four seasons, with 92 appearances including 71 starts.

The wild card here is Connor Seabold, one of the Phillies top 25 prospects entering the season.  Seabold, a right-hander who projects as a solid middle of the rotation starter, has pitched as high as Double-A and he was a surprise addition to the team's Player Pool in July.  Like Addison Russ, traded a few hours before this deal to the Yankees, letting Seabold go could come back to haunt the Phillies.

Arrived During the 2020 Season

• David Hale (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).
• Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta (rhp) and Connor Seabold (rhp).

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
• Nick Pivetta (rhp) - 8/21/20, Traded to the Boston Red Sox with Connor Seabold (rhp) for Brandon Workman (rhp), Heath Hembree (rhp), a player to be named later and cash.

Game 22 - Nola Flounders; Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Trades

2019 Bowman Heritage
#53P-122

Braves 11, Phillies 2
Game 22 - Friday Night, August 21st in Atlanta
Record - 9-13, Tied for 4th Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola had his first rough outing of the year and the offense  stayed mostly quiet again in this 11-2 shellacking by the Braves.

What It Means:  At least help is on the way for the bullpen.  The Phillies acquired David Hale (rhp) from the Yankees before the game and then Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) from the Red Sox during the game.

What Happened:  Nola was chased after 2 2/3 innings, and his final line wasn't pretty - 6 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, 2 home runs.  Costly errors from Alec Bohm at third led to three more unearned runs.  Reggie McClain and Cole Irvin contributed to increase the bullpen's ERA with a combined 3 2/3 innings, allowing 7 runs (4 earned).  Scott Kingery made an acrobatic leaping catch in center in the second to save a few more runs.

Featured Card:  JoJo Romero made his impressive big league debut in the bottom of the 8th, striking out the side on 12 pitches.  Adam Duvall, Austin Riley and Johan Camargo went down in order.

Transaction:  The Phillies made a few bullpen moves prior to his game.  First, and more painfully, Jose Alvarez (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a testicular contusion suffered in Sunday afternoon's debacle.  Romero (lhp), the 29th man from the double header remained on the roster.

In the first of hopefully a few trades, the Phillies acquired Hale from the Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).  It's tough to see Russ go, and we first met him back at a BlueClaws game in 2018.  He's been pitching in Lehigh Valley at the team's alternate training site since July.  He appeared in 55 games last season for Double-A Reading, all in relief and as the team's primary closer, and had a 2.54 ERA with 22 saves.  Russ has exactly 200 minor league strikeouts over 152 2/3 innings pitched.

2019 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #30

2014 Topps #363

Hale has pitched for the Braves, Rockies, Yankees, Twins and Yankees again in parts of seven seasons dating back to 2013.  He had appeared in five games for the Yankees so far this year, and had a 3.00 ERA over 6 innings, with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks.  He was designated for assignment on August 17th, who needed his roster spot for the recently activated Aroldis Chapman.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Hale, Austin Davis (lhp) was designated for assignment.  I'll write about the Red Sox trade in a separate post.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist