Game 72 - Rincones Stars in Win Over Marlins

Miami Marlins	0
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2024 Topps Pro Debut
Autographs #PD-54

Monday Night, June 15th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
39-33, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Gabriel Rincones, Jr. connected for his first big league hit - a solo home run in the second - and knocked in another run in the third in this 7-0 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  I'm hoping the offense shows up two games in a row as Jesus Luzardo faces off against Tyler Phillips and the Marlins tonight.

What Happened:  Rincones' big moment supported another solid start from Zack Wheeler.  Wheeler improved to 6-1 and saw his ERA drop to 2.01 as he went six innings, allowing a pair of hits and striking out nine.  Tim Mayza, Jonathan Bowlan and Chase Shugart shut down the Marlins over the final three innings.  J.T. Realmuto stayed hot, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth.  Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford and Edmundo Sosa all enjoyed multi-hit games.  The slumping Trea Turner left the game in the sixth after being hit on the wrist by a William Kempner fastball.

Featured Card:  I have 14 Rincones cards in my Phillies collection, including this autographed card from the 2024 Topps Pro Debut set.

Transaction:  Steward Berroa (of) was activated from the paternity list and optioned to Lehigh Valley.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 33 - Phils Nearly No-Hit in Punchless Loss to Fish

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Miami Marlins	4

2024 Topps Golden Mirror #409

Saturday Afternoon, May 2nd

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
13-20, 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Marlins' starter Max Meyer handcuffed the Phillies' offense through seven shutout innings as the team went quietly in this 4-0 loss.

What It Means:  The modest four-game winning streak is over and the Phillies will attempt to start a new winning streak on Sunday afternoon.

What Happened:  In one of the more surprising outfield alignments in recent memory, interim manager Don Mattingly started Felix Reyes in right field, Adolis Garcia in center field and Garrett Stubbs in left field.  It was Stubbs' first career start in left, and he did a decent job.  He also collected the only hit of the day from a punchless Phillies line-up that struck out 10 times.  Andrew Painter was in continuous trouble, and he'd end up pitching five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.  Meyer baffled the Phillies line-up, and the Phillies managed just two baserunners the entire game.

Featured Card:  I'll give Stubbs the card here, since if not for him, the Phillies would have been no-hit.  This is his Golden Mirror parallel card from the 2024 Topps flagship set that I picked up relatively cheap last summer.

Transaction:  Stubbs' start was necessitated when Justin Crawford came down with a pre-game migraine and the Phillies had designated for assignment Dylan Moore (inf-of) their typical fourth outfielder.  Moore's roster spot was needed when J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the injured list.  Moore was 0 for 12 in 13 games with the Phillies, and he'll likely never appear on a Phillies baseball card.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 28 - Winning Streak Snapped at One; Topper's Last Game

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	6

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, April 26th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
9-19, Tied for 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies managed two hits in a lifeless loss against the Braves, dropping them to an unsightly 9-19 for the season.

What It Means:  This was the game when president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski decided he had seen enough and a change at the helm was needed.  He apparently made a call to Joey Cora, recently fired from the Red Sox manager's job, on Sunday morning, asking if Cora wanted the Phillies' job.  

Cora declined and Dombrowski would go to Plan B on Tuesday morning, dismissing Rob Thomson and naming Don Mattingly interim manager for the remainder of the season.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed all six runs in 4 2/3 innings.  He gave up a pair of home runs in the outing that ultimately cost Thomson his job.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the eighth, accounting for the only Phillies offense for the day.

Featured Card:  Fare thee well, Topper!  Maybe my favorite Phillies manager ever?  I love Larry Bowa, but I was never really a huge fan of his constant temper.  And I came to love Charlie Manuel, but he had a rough start with the club.  For anyone who knows me, it's probably no surprise I'm a huge fan of the "steady as she goes" leadership style and I can appreciate a leader who stays calm when everyone else is panicking.  He leaves with the highest winning percentage (.568) of any Phillies manager since 1900.  

Thomson led the team to the 2022 World Series, and they've competed in the playoffs each year since.  Interim manager Don Mattingly inherits a club that is supposedly built to reach the postseason, but needs to first climb out of the hole they've dug over the first month of the season.

Our oldest son Doug went to the Phillies game on Tuesday night, and I convinced him to stop by the Kids Club kiosk to pick up a few of the Thomson team-issued cards before they removed them from circulation.  The featured card at top is from the little-seen 2024 team-issued photo card set.

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Game 20 - Reyes Homers in First AB, Phils Still Lose

Atlanta Braves	1
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2024 Choice Jersey Shore
BlueClaws #27

Saturday Night, April 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
8-12, 4th Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Felix Reyes provided a momentary spark with his first career home run, but otherwise it was the same disappointing offense from the Phillies in this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  I keep wondering when and if they've hit the low point for the season, and maybe this is it?

What Happened:  All three Braves runs scored in the third and were unearned as Edmundo Sosa committed a costly error.  Christopher Sanchez allowed just those three unearned runs in his six innings of work, on eight hits while walking one and striking out eight.  J.T. Realmuto left the game in the seventh with back tightness.  Nothing is going right.

Featured Card:  Reyes, who has been raking for Lehigh Valley, earned a promotion and a start in left field.  He blasted a 2-0 pitch from Braves' starter Chris Sale to right field in the second inning for his first big league hit, run, home run and RBI.  It was a great moment in an otherwise forgettable game.  Reyes' first card can be found in the 2024 BlueClaws team set.

Transaction:  In a flurry of pre-game moves, Reyes (of) was selected from the IronPigs, Otto Kemp (of) was optioned down, Jhoan Duran (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and Seth Johnson (rhp) was added back to the bullpen.  Pedro Leon (of) was released to make room for Reyes on the 40-man roster.

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Spring Training Game 19 - Phils Rain on Jays' Day

Toronto Blue Jays	5
Philadelphia Phillies	8

8 Innings

2024 Topps Archives #262

Spring Training Game 19

Thursday Afternoon, March 12th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 6-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense jumped on Blue Jays pitching early, scoring eight runs in the first three innings in this rain-shortened win.

What It Means:  The World Baseball Classic is reaching its crescendo, and these spring training games are barely an afterthought.  I'm ready for the regular season to start.

What Happened:  With the score tied 1-1, the Phillies took the lead for good in the second on a Rafael Marchan sacrifice fly followed by a two-run double from Trea Turner.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run to lead off the third, the first of four runs scored that inning.  The newly extended Jesus Luzardo allowed three runs on five hits in his 3 2/3 innings of work.

Featured Card:  The Phillies announced Chase Utley would be the Wall of Fame inductee this year, in a ceremony taking place before their August 7th game.  I'm happy to report I've already secured four tickets to this game and I can't wait for the ceremony.  Here's one of the more recent Utley cards in my collection, from the 2024 Topps Archives set.  (Is it odd to feel nostalgic about the 1994 Topps set design?)

Camp Head Count:  64 - 6 = 58

With the World Baseball Classic ending and the season suddenly two weeks (!) away, the roster moves should come fast and furious at this point.  Six players were reassigned to minor league camp prior to the game:  Andrew Bechtold (rhp), Michael Mercado (rhp), Kehden Hettiger (c), Mark Kolozsvary (c), Caleb Ricketts (c) and Aidan Miller (inf).

Phillies Announce 27 Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees

2020 Topps Update - 1985 Topps Baseball Chrome #CPC-39

2022 Topps #624

2023 Topps Update #US312

2020 Topps Heritage #173

2024 Topps Update #US45

As we prepare to be buried in several feet of snow, it was a pleasant surprise to see a press release from the Phillies on Friday afternoon with the names of 27 non-roster invitees.  There were 26 players announced a year ago, a week earlier than this year, on January 14th.

Here's a look at the 27 non-roster invitees, their 2025 organizations and an example of a recently released mainstream baseball card.  Phillies' management has already announced their intention to give Justin Crawford every opportunity to win the starting center fielder's job.

1. Genesis Cabrera (lhp) - Mets / Cubs / Pirates / Twins - 2021 Topps Now Road to Opening Day Cardinals #OD-370
2. Tucker Davidson (lhp) - Brewers - 2022 Topps #624
3. Tim Mayza (lhp) - Pirates / Phillies - 2024 Topps Update #US203
4. Andrew Walling (lhp) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #30
5. Andrew Bechtold (rhp) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #3
6. Jonathan Hernandez (rhp) - Rays - 2023 Topps Update #US312
7. Michael Mercado (rhp) - Phillies - 2025 Topps #582
8. Trevor Richards (rhp) - Cubs / Royals / Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Heritage #173
9. Bryse Wilson (rhp) - White Sox - 2024 Topps Update #US45
10. Kehden Hettiger (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #4
11. Mark Kolozsvary (c) - Red Sox - 2022 Topps Heritage #511
12. Paul McIntosh (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #22
13. Rene Pinto (c) - Diamondbacks / Blue Jays - 2024 Topps Update #US107
14. Caleb Ricketts (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #28
15. Keaton Anthony (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #8
16. Christian Cairo (inf) - Guradians - 2019 Bowman Draft #BD-195
17. Carson DeMartini (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-152
18. Aroon Escobar (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Clearwater Threshers #11
19. Aidan Miller (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-113
20. Liover Peguero (inf) - Pirates - 2025 Topps Now #504
21. Bryan Rincon (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Jersey Shore BlueClaws #6
22. Jose Rodriguez (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #29
23. Dylan Campbell (of) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #7
24. Justin Crawford (of) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut Ballpark Promos #BP-7
25. Bryan De La Cruz (of) - Braves / Yankees - 2025 Topps Update #US234
26. Dante Nori (of) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-59
27. Felix Reyes (inf-of) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #27

2022 Topps Heritage #511

2024 Topps Update #US107

2019 Bowman Draft #BD-195

2025 Topps Now #504

2025 Topps Update #US234

2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #3

2025 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #4

2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #8

2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-152

2025 Choice Clearwater Threshers #11

The Phillies Room: January Notes

1984 Donruss #248

2025 Topps Update #US47

2025 Topps Holiday #H33

2024 Topps Now Road to Opening Day Bonus #ODB30

Stay on target . . . getting closer . . .

January 5 - Donny Baseball Joins Phils:  It's fascinating to me when an iconic player known for his time with another organization is suddenly wearing the Phillies' red pinstripes.  After weeks of rumors, the Phillies made it official and named Don Mattingly their next bench coach.  Mike Calitri, who had been the bench coach for Rob Thomson since June 2022, has been moved into a new position as Major League field coordinator.

Mattingly had previously been the bench coach for the Blue Jays (2023-25).  He says he has no plans to manage again, and if that's the case, he'll retire with a 885-941 lifetime managerial record while leading the Yankees on an interim basis (2007), Dodgers (2010-15) and Marlins (2016-22).  Along with his recent stint with the Blue Jays, Mattingly coached with the Yankees (2004-07) and Dodgers (2008-10).  His son, Preston Mattingly, is the Phillies' current GM.

Mattingly spent 14 seasons with the Yankees (1982-95), winning a batting title in 1984 and MVP honors in 1985.  He was a nine-time Gold Glove winner, a three-time Silver Slugger winner and a six-time All-Star during a playing career that never saw the Yankees reach the postseason.

January 13 - Trade with Bucs Nets Shugart:  The Phillies acquired Chase Shugart (rhp), whose name will likely auto-correct to Sugar all season, from the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league prospect Francisco Loreto (inf).  In 35 games last season, Shugart was 4-3 with a 3.40 ERA in 45 innings pitched.  Loreto, just 18 years old, played in 47 games for the FCL Phillies last summer, batting .237 with 10 doubles.

January 16 - Bichette to Mets / J.T. Returns:  Neither signing had been officially announced on this day, but it was widely reported that Bo Bichette was poised to sign a three-year deal with the rival Mets, while J.T. Realmuto (c) would return to the Phillies on a three-year contract.  The Bichette signing was a shock, as the Phillies had seemed destined to sign the infielder, and in fact had offered him a seven-year deal worth $200 million.  The Mets swooped in after losing the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes and offered Bichette three years at $126 million.  A few hours later, it was announced Realmuto was returning to the club on a three-year, $45 million deal.

January 20 - J.T. Officially Returns / Wilson Departs:  The Realmuto signing was made official and surprisingly, Weston Wilson (inf) was designated for assignment to open up a 40-man roster spot.  Two days later, Wilson was claimed off waivers by the Orioles.  In parts of three seasons with the Phillies, Wilson batted .242 in 100 games, with nine home runs and 29 RBIs.  He memorably hit a home run in his first at-bat on the same night Michael Lorenzen threw a no-hitter, back on August 9, 2023.  And on August 15, 2024, Wilson hit for the 10th cycle in Phillies history.

The Phillies Room: December Notes / Schwarber Signs!

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Kids Club / Club 215

2025 Topps Now #845

2025 Chachi Special Edition #5

2020 Bowman Draft #BD-112

2024 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-YCU

November 24 - Mercado Returns:  The Phillies brought back Michael Mercado (rhp), non-tendered three days earlier, on a minor league contract.

December 9 - Topper Extended:  With rumors swirling Kyle Schwarber was about to re-sign with the Phillies, the team announced manager Rob Thomson's contract had been extended through the 2027 season.  Also happening in the background are ongoing talks with Don Mattingly to join Thomson's staff in 2026 as the Phillies' new bench coach.

December 9 - SCHWARB:  On my way to a work function on Tuesday morning, I received a one-word text from our oldest son Doug: "SCHWARB."  I had to wait until I wasn't driving to better understand the context, but I was excited to read the reports that Schwarber (dh) would be coming back to the Phillies on a five-year deal.  It was made official later that night, with the Phillies bringing back the popular slugger and clubhouse leader on a five-year deal, worth $150 million.  I'm thrilled with this, and I'm also quick to point out to those few balking at the dollars involved that it's not my money, and even if Schwarber is productive for three of the next five years, it's worth it.

December 10 - Rule 5 Draft / Trade with Rays:  As the Winter Meetings came to a close, there were a flurry of activities around the annual rule 5 draft.  The Phillies added a pitcher but lost a former top prospect.  Griff McGarry (rhp) was selected by the Washington Nationals and the Phillies picked up Zach McCambley (rhp) from the Miami Marlins.  In 47 relief appearances last year between Double and Triple-A, McCambley was 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 62 innings pitched.

In the minor league portion of the draft, the Phillies lost Carson Taylor (1b) to the Mariners, but picked up Even Gates (rhp) from the Giants, and Austin Murr (of) from the Tigers.

In a separate deal, the Phillies acquired Yoniel Curet (rhp) from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league prospect Tommy McCollum (rhp).  Curet was a combined 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 16 appearances, including 14 starts, at three minor league levels in 2025.  The Phillies 40-man roster now stands at 35 players.

December 11 - Doug Turns 19:  Speaking of our oldest son, he spent his 19th birthday with friends and a surprise visit from his girlfriend on the campus of Villanova University.  He continues to make us extremely proud, and we can't wait to have him home for almost a month over the winter break.  I'll probably stop making these annual custom cards for him at some point, but this photo from his final home high school baseball game was too good not to turn into a baseball card.  I posted back in May with some thoughts on his Senior Night, one of the true highlights of the year.

Game 161 - Phils Aren't Abel to Defeat Twins

Minnesota Twins	5
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2024 Donruss #121

Saturday Night, September 27th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
95-66, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Mick Abel enjoyed some revenge against his former team, pitching six shutout innings in this 5-0 punchless Phillies loss.

What It Means:  It was a long-shot, but this loss let the Brewers clinch the #1 seed in the National League playoff bracket.  The Brewers also lost to the Reds, making it even more frustrating.  Instead of facing off against the Cubs or Padres, the Phillies will wait to face the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in the NLDS.

What Happened:  Abel has struggled in his three appearances with the Twins, owning a 14.63 ERA in eight innings pitched.  But he handled his ex-teamates in this game, allowing three hits and striking out nine.  Ranger Suarez labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, including a pair of home runs.  He exited the game in the fifth after taking a liner off his groin.  (The injury was diagnosed post-game as a contusion.)  The Phillies had seven hits in this game, going 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  He only pitched in six games for the Phillies this season, but I still managed to accumulate 29 of Abel's cards during his time with the organization.  This is his logo-less card from last year's Donruss set, which I picked for this post because it kind of looks like he's wearing a Twins uniform.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 159 - Buehler, Walker Handle Marlins

Miami Marlins	0
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2024 Topps #196

Thursday Night, September 25th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
94-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A first inning run was enough for Walker Buehler, Taijuan Walker, Matt Strahm and David Robertson in this 1-0 combined shutout win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Twins come to town for a final, regular season weekend series.  Barring a three-game sweep of the Twins, combined with a three-game sweep of the Brewers by the Reds, it would seem as if the Phillies are securely the second seed in the playoff bracket.  Said another way, the Brewers magic number to clinch the first seed is just one.

What Happened:  In the bottom of the first, Harrison Bader singled, went to third on a single by Bryce Harper, and scored on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.  That was it for the scoring for the rest of the game.  Buehler improved to 3-0 with the Phillies, throwing five shutout innings, and allowing three hits and three walks.  Walker was next, pitching a pair of scoreless innings.  Strahm and Robertson finished it out, with Robertson earning his second save with the club.

Featured Card:  Buehler has the possibility of receiving a Phillies baseball card in either the 2025 Topps Update set or even 2026 Topps Series One.  Here's his card from the fantastic 2024 Topps set.

Field Report:  Jenna took a trio of happy Villanova roommates to the game, and they braved the first, three-minute rain delay, but not the second, hour-plus rain delay.

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Game 140 - Suarez Pitches Phils to Series Win Over Brewers

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Milwaukee Brewers	0

2024 Topps Heritage
Image Variation #685

Thursday Night, September 4th

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
81-59, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez was on in this 2-0 combined shutout win over the Brewers.

What It Means:  This was a great series win against the only team in the National League with a better record than the Phillies.  If the season ended today, the Brewers and Phillies would both have byes in the first round of the playoffs.

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 11-6, allowing six hits and walking a pair in his six shutout innings.  He struck out four.  David Robertson, Matt Strahm and Jhoan Duran shut down the Brewers over the final three innings.  Scoreless through six innings, Alec Bohm tripled with one out in the seventh and scored on Trea Turner's line single to left.  An insurance run was added in the top of the ninth when Bryson Stott doubled home Harrison Bader, who had doubled to start the inning.

Featured Card:  It's got to be Suarez, presumably the team's number two starter heading into the postseason, behind Cristopher Sanchez.  I recently added this image variation card from last year's Topps Heritage set.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 116 - Kepler's Double Gives Phils, Luzardo Win Over Rangers

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Texas Rangers	2

2024 Topps Update
1989 Topps Chrome #T89CU-45

Saturday Night, August 9th

Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
67-49, 1st Place, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Max Kepler's two-run double was the difference in this game, as Jesus Luzardo held the Rangers to one run to pick up this 11th win.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for the series sweep this afternoon with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  Luzardo has been inconsistent of late, so when the Rangers scored a first inning run and seemed to have runners on a lot in the early innings, there was some concern.  But he settled in to pitch six innings, scattering seven hits while striking out four.  Rangers' starter Jacob deGrom was making easy work of the Phillies line-up until the seventh inning.  With one out, Brandon Marsh singled, Harrison Bader walked, and Kepler doubled them both home for the lead.  Bryson Stott would later single Kepler home for a much-needed insurance run.  Jhoan Duran pitched his third consecutive one-two-three inning for his third save with the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Kepler was snubbed from the Topps Series Two checklist, and hopefully he gets a Phillies card in the Topps Update set.  I've only two cards of his with the Phillies, both issued by the team, and both have already had appearances on this blog.  So here's a shiny card of his from last year's Topps Update set, featuring him with his former team.

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Game 104 - Suarez Settles Down, Handles Yanks in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	9
New York Yankees	4

2024 Topps Chrome Update
All-Star Game #ASGC-30

Saturday Afternoon, July 26th

Yankee Stadium - New York, NY
60-44, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez settled in to handcuff the Yankees for nearly six innings and the Phillies got a few timely hits when needed in this 9-4 win.

What It Means:  They would go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon behind Zack Wheeler.  The Mets keep winning too, maintaining a half game lead in the East.

What Happened:  Suarez scattered seven hits over 5 2/3 innings, allowing a run and striking out eight.  The Phillies offense took the lead early and didn't look back.  J.T. Realmuto singled home Trea Turner with the game's first run in the first.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run, his 15th of the season, in the third.  Two more runs scored in the fourth, Turner added an RBI-double in the sixth, and four runs crossed the plate in the seventh, on a two-run home run from Edmundo Sosa and a two-run double from Kyle Schwarber.  Shockingly, the Phillies were 3 for 19 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Here's a card from last year's Topps Chrome Update set, marking Suarez's selection to the National League All-Stars.

Transaction:  In a minor move, the Phillies acquired Brewer Hicklen (of) from the Detroit Tigers for cash.  To make room on the 40-man roster for Hicklen, Ryan Cusick (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 91 - Phils Can't Seem to Win at Oracle

Philadelphia Phillies	1
San Francisco Giants	3

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (3rd Edition) #26

Late Monday Night, July 7th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
53-38, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted another solid start from Cristopher Sanchez, dropping this series opening game against the Giants by a 3-1 score.

What It Means:  The team's troubles at Oracle Park continue.  Through this game, they were 3-17 in their last 20 games at the ballpark, and it wouldn't get any better on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits while striking out eight in his seven innings of work.  Orion Kerkering took the loss, allowing the Giants to score twice in the bottom of the eighth, breaking a 1-1 tie.  The Phillies scored their only run in the fifth when Bryson Stott came home on a wild pitch.  The offense had six hits and was a combined 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Nine players born in Italy have appeared in the major leagues, including former Phillies farmhand Sam Aldegheri, now with the Angels.  The Phillies dealt Aldegheri, born in Verona, to the Angels last season for reliever Carlos Estevez.  Given we just returned from a wonderful 10-day trip to Italy, and with no other logical choice for this post, here's one of Aldegheri's minor league cards.

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Game 79 - Phils Fall Short, Wasting Ranger's Pitching Gem

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Houston Astros	1

2024 Topps
Golden Mirror #661

Tuesday Night, June 24th

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-32, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a stellar pitching performance from Ranger Suarez in this 1-0 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  Where's the offense?

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez dropped to 6-2 and his ERA went down to 2.08 as he allowed just a run on four hits, while striking out seven in 7 2/3 innings of work.  He allowed a solo home run to Cooper Hummel in the bottom of the eighth inning for the only run of the game.  The Phillies were once again handled by Astros' starter Framber Valdez, collecting only four hits, and going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Phillies Room favorite Whit Merrifield announced his retirement from baseball, having last played in 42 games for the Braves last season after his release by the Phillies.  I was thrilled when the Phillies signed Merrifield, but it didn't pan out for him here, as he batted .199 in 53 games before the team released him last July 12th.  In his retirement announcement, Merrifield addressed the Phillies fans, saying, "Philly, I liked you way more than you like me.  Sorry I stunk for you."  All the best in your retirement, Whit!

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Game 62 - What's Wrong with Luzardo?

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Toronto Blue Jays	9

2024 Topps #86

Thursday Afternoon, June 5th

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
37-25, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo was shelled in his second consecutive start and the Phillies offense was once again quiet in this 9-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  As pointed out by Matt Gelb, the Phillies scored six runs on Tuesday night in the first inning and then only four more runs for the rest of the series.  They'll open up a weekend series in Pittsburgh tonight against the last place Pirates.

What Happened:  Luzardo couldn't escape the third inning.  His final line - 2 1/3 innings, eight runs on nine hits, two walks and two strikeouts.  Weston Wilson was again called upon to pitch and threw a scoreless eighth inning.  Nick Castellanos was 3 for 3, with the rest of the line-up accounting for two more hits on the day.  They pushed across a run in the sixth on a Kyle Schwarber RBI single.

Featured Card / Transaction:  Jose Rodriguez (inf) suspended for a year due to gambling, was reinstated from the restricted list and non-tendered, becoming a free agent.  Rodriguez came to the Phillies last April when his contract was purchased from the White Sox.  He played in 38 games for Reading before the suspension was handed down, and I've been seeing his name for the past year on the team's roster.  With no other deserving choices for this game, here's Rodriguez's rookie card, marking his one game with the White Sox in 2023.

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Game 61 - Hoffman Over Romano in Battle of Closers

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Toronto Blue Jays	2

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Wednesday Night, June 4th

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
37-24, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense was quiet, and Jordan Romano couldn't shut down his former team as the Blue Jays walked it off with a 2-1 win.

What It Means:  The rubber match of this three-game series is this afternoon, and then the Phillies head to Pittsburgh for a weekend set.

What Happened:  Mick Abel returned to the majors for his second start, allowing a run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings.  The Blue Jays' first run came in the sixth on an RBI-triple from Bo Bichette, chasing Abel from the game.  Nick Castellanos had hit a solo home run in the second to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.  

Other than Casty's homer, the line-up managed four singles, including Alec Bohm's single to greet Blue Jays' closer Jeff Hoffman in the top ninth.  Bohm would be stranded and Romano entered to try to shut the Blue Jays down in the bottom of the ninth.  Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. singled, stole second and scored the winning run on a long single from Alejandro Kirk.

Featured Card:  Hoffman is 5-2 this year with a 5.74 ERA in 26 2/3 innings pitched.  He has 13 saves in 16 opportunities.  Romano is 0-2 this year with a 7.54 ERA in 22 2/3 innings pitched.  The Phillies' new closer has eight saves in 10 opportunities.  I know the price tag was high ($33 million over 3 years) but I'd rather have Hoffman in the back-end of the bullpen than Romano.

Transaction:  Abel (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley for the start, and Zack Wheeler (rhp) was placed on the paternity list.

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Game 50 - Phils Exit Denver with Four-Game Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Colorado Rockies	0

2024 Topps Brooklyn
Collection #26

Thursday Afternoon, May 22nd

Coors Field - Denver, CO
32-18, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez and three relievers combined to shut out the Rockies, completing the four game sweep and giving the Phillies a two-game lead over the Mets in the division.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won seven in a row, completing a three-game sweep of the Pirates and this sweep of the Rockies.  They've won 13 of their last 16 games.  Up next is a three-game set against the Athletics in Sacramento.

What Happened:   Suarez improved to 3-0, scattering six hits and striking out six in 6 2/3 innings.  Orion Kerkerking, Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano pitched the final 2 1/3 scoreless innings to lock down the shutout.  Romano was perfect, earning his sixth save.  In the fourth, Bryson Stott reached on an error, stole second and scored on Bryce Harper's double.  In the seventh, Kyle Schwarber walked to lead off the inning and scored an important insurance run when Max Kepler doubled him home.  It was a classic getaway day game, taking just two hours and 19 minutes to complete.

Featured Card:  Over the past 16 games, Harper is batting .361 (22 for 61) with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBIs.  I have more Harper cards than will ever see this blog, so I'll take this low-scoring affair as an opportunity to post one of the newest, and funkiest, cards of his in my collection.

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