Series Preview - Mets at Phillies: September 15th to September 17th

1991 Topps #30

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #11

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

At the Ballpark:  This is the start of the final homestand for the Phillies as the 2020 season is rapidly barreling towards its conclusion.  The Phillies have 14 more games to play over the next 13 days.

Mets 21-26
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Rick Porcello (1-4, 6.07)
Jacob deGrom (4-1, 1.67)
Seth Lugo (2-3, 2.63)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Michael Conforto - .343
Runs:  Michael Conforto - 36
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 11
RBIs:  Dominic Smith - 38
Stolen Bases:  Andres Gimenez - 7

Wins:  Jacob deGrom and David Peterson - 4
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 1.67
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 79
Saves:  Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo - 3

Phillies 23-23
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (3-4, 5.54)
Aaron Nola (5-3, 2.40)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .277
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 35
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 11
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 30
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 5
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.40

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 77
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Game 46 - Farewell and Good Riddance to the Marlins

Marlins 6, Phillies 2
Game 46 - Monday Afternoon, September 14th in Miami
Record - 23-23, 3rd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies continued their struggles against the Marlins, losing this game 6-2, and wrapping up the 7-game series with a 2-5 record.

What It Means:  When these game summary posts start to become more chore-like than enjoyable, I know we're in trouble.  This loss dropped the Phillies back to .500 and to third place behind the Braves and Marlins.

What Happened:  Vince Velasquez and a lack of offense happened.  Velasquez was chased after 3 2/3 innings having allowed four runs on seven hits.  David Phelps allowed two more home runs to put the game virtually out of reach.  Velasquez's ERA is now 6.46 while Phelps, since being acquired from the Brewers, has allowed eight runs in  5 1/3 innings for an impressive ERA of 13.51.

Andrew McCutchen hit a lead-off home run for the depleted offense, as the Phillies were without J.T. Realmuto (hip) and Rhys Hoskins (arm).  Scott Kingery added a solo home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Rafael Marchan, who began the 2019 season at Low-A Lakewood, started behind the plate and collected his first big league hit in the third inning off Pablo Lopez.  In an afternoon of rough baseball, Marchan's energetic presence was a small highlight.

Transaction:  Ramon Rosso (rhp), the 29th man from Sunday's double header, was sent back to Lehigh Valley.  Kingery (inf) was activated from the injured list, with Ranger Suarez (lhp) optioned down.  Additionally, Neil Walker (inf) officially cleared waivers and elected free agency rather than report to Lehigh Valley.

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).
• David Phelps (rhp) - 8/31/20, Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers for three players to be named later.

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.
• Deivy Grullon (c) - 9/3/20, Selected off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.
• Neil Walker (inf) - 9/15/20, Cleared waivers and elected free agency.

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

Game 45 - 1998 Pacific Online #568 Mark Parent

Marlins 8, Phillies 1 (Game 2 - 7 Innings)
Game 45 - Sunday Afternoon, September 13th in Miami
Record - 23-22, 3rd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense managed four hits while Zach Eflin and Ranger Suarez each allowed four runs as the Marlins easily defeated the floundering Phils, 8-1.

What It Means:  The loss dropped the Phillies into third place behind the Marlins.  They play one more game Monday afternoon in Miami before mercifully heading home.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm hit a second inning home run off Marlins' starting pitching Braxton Garrett, making his Major League debut, and that was pretty much the only highlight for the Phillies. Garrett, Yimi Garcia and former Phillie Nick Vincent struck out nine and easily handled the depleted Phillies line-up.  Eflin fell to 2-2 and Suarez's ERA is now an unsightly 20.25.

Featured Card:  With J.T. Realmuto's hip ailing, Andrew Knapp started both ends of this double header.  In doing so, he's the first Phillies catcher to start both ends of a double header since Mark Parent did it at the Vet on July 24, 1998.  The Phillies won both those games in 12 innings, with Parent catching all 24 innings.  Bobby Estalella got the start behind the plate for the Phillies the following day.

Transaction:  Between games, Connor Brogdon (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley and Rafael Marchan (c) had his contract selected.  The addition of Marchan means Realmuto's injury could be worse than expected.  To make room on the 40-man roster for Marchan, Jose Alvarez (lhp) was transferred to the 45-day injured list and he's now most likely out for the season.

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

2020 Chachi #49 Garrett Cleavinger

#66
Garrett J. Cleavinger
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  220
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  April 23, 1994, Lawrence, KS
How Obtained:  Acquired with Hyun Soo Kim and international amateur signing bonus pool space for Jeremy Hellickson and cash considerations, July 29, 2017
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2017 Grandstand Reading Fighin Phils Update #30
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils Update #37

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

4 - Nola baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/10/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #2

2020 Chachi #49

Cleavinger was added to the roster on September 8th for the double header against the Red Sox, but didn't see any game action.

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

Game 44 - 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP210 Sixto Sanchez

Marlins 2, Phillies 1 (Game 1 - 7 Innings)
Game 44 - Sunday Afternoon, September 13th in Miami
Record - 23-21

One Sentence Summary:  Former Phillies prospect Sixto Sanchez, now the potential ace of the Marlins pitching staff and a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, pitched his first career complete game in this 2-1 win over the Phillies.

What It Means:  It's not going well.  Both J.T. Realmuto (hip) and Rhys Hoskins (wrist) were out of the line-up with top pitching prospect Spencer Howard (shoulder) landing on the injured list before the game.

What Happened:  Sanchez dominated the Phillies, allowing three hits and striking out four.  The Phillies were forced to go with a bullpen game given the freak fingernail injury suffered recently by Zack Wheeler.  Ramon Rosso gave up both Marlins runs in his 2 1/3 innings of work.  Connor Brogdon pitched very well, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out four.  David Hale contributed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.  The Phillies scored their lone run in the second on an Andrew Knapp sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  Sanchez is going to be very good for a very long time, and the Phillies face the very real possibility of not being able to re-sign Realmuto this offseason.  Sanchez was the key player going to Miami when the Phillies acquired Realmuto before last season.

Transaction:  Before the game, Howard was placed on the IL, Brogdon was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Rosso was added as the 29th man for the double header.

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

Game 43 - 2020 Topps Living Set #293 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 12, Marlins 6
Game 43 - Saturday Night, September 12th in Miami
Record - 23-20, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Didi Gregorius' first inning grand slam and a 5-run eighth inning from the Phillies offense delivered a much-needed 12-6 win against the Marlins.

What It Means:  With three more games to play in this series, including two on Sunday, these two teams have split the series so far, 2-2.

What Happened:  Gregorius' slam was his seventh home run of the year and his second grand slam.  Bryce Harper homered in the third, breaking a long 0-fer in the long ball department and hopefully signally that the slugger is back.  The Phillies held a 5-0 lead through three innings, but Spencer Howard allowed a three-run home run to Brian Andersen in the fourth and the young pitcher departed shortly thereafter with shoulder stiffness.

Fortunately, the bullpen was able to do a relatively decent job, but the Phillies lead was down to an uncomfortable 7-5 heading into the eighth.  A barrage of hits led to the club's five runs - Harper double, Jean Segura single to score Harper, Alec Bohm double to score Gregorius, and the big blow being a bases-clearing, 3-run double from Kyle Garlick.

Realmuto also departed this game with hip discomfort and the hope is that both he and Howard are well enough to avoid the injured list.

Featured Card:  Realmuto is the Phillies' big free agent following this shortened season, but Gregorius will be a free agent as well.  I'd love to see both of them come back in 2021 and beyond.  This is Gregorius' card from the Topps Living Set, a multi-year online exclusive offering in the style of the 1953 Topps set.  I received this card in March and the print run was limited to 2,052 cards.

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

2020 Chachi #50 Ronald Torreyes

#74
Ronald Alcides Torreyes
Infield

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'8"  Weight:  155
Opening Day Age:  27
Born:  September 2, 1992, Libertador de Barinas, VZ
How Obtained:  Signed as a minor league free agent, January 2, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Dodgers 2015; New York Yankees 2016-2018; Minnesota Twins 2019; 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 (3):  2017-2019

0 - Torreyes baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/12/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #50

Ronald Torreyes had his contract selected on September 11th, replacing Neil Walker on the active roster as Walker was designated for assignment.  Torreyes, who has played previously with manager Joe Girardi when both were with the Yankees, provides more versatility in the field than Walker could.

As a non-roster invitee, Torreyes had worn #74 during spring training and I had assumed he would take a lower number once he joined the Phillies.  I assumed incorrectly, and he becomes the second player in franchise history to wear #74, following in the footsteps of Ugueth Urbina who first wore the number in 2005.

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

Game 42 - 2020 Topps #286 Blake Parker

Marlins 5, Phillies 3 (Game 2 - 7 Innings)
Game 42 - Friday Night, September 11th in Miami
Record - 22-20, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Marlins bullpen bettered the Phillies bullpen in a battle that no one really wanted to see.

What It Means:  A freak injury to Zack Wheeler caused the Phillies to adjust their starting pitching schedule, and this became a bullpen game.  Wheeler tore off a finger nail while putting on a pair of jeans recently, and that's how the Phillies' 2020 season is going so far.

What Happened:  It was going smoothly for the Phillies, with emergency starter Blake Parker throwing two scoreless innings.  Heath Hembree allowed a Lewis Brinson home run in the third, and then Ranger Suarez gave up three more runs in the fourth.  J.T. Realmuto seems to have snapped out of his slump as he went 3 for 4 in this game.  Andrew McCutchen and Alec Bohm both also had two-hit games.

Bryce Harper's struggles continued, and he hasn't hit a home run since August 22nd.  In the stretch since then, over 18 games, he's hitting .136 (8 for 59) with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.

Featured Card:  Parker was an interesting addition to the Topps Series One checklist, but I'm glad he made the set.  One of the Phillies top relievers this season, this is Parker's only Phillies baseball card to date.

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

Game 41 - Nola Tosses 1st Complete Game Shutout

2020 Topps Gypsy Queen
Tarot of the Diamond #TOD 20

Phillies 11, Marlins 0 (Game 1 - 7 Innings)
Game 41 - Friday Night, September 11th in Miami
Record - 22-19

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola recorded his first career complete game shutout, albeit at only seven innings, in this 11-0 Phillies victory.

What It Means:  I just wish the Phillies had saved some of these runs for the second game.

What Happened:  Nola was in complete control, limiting the Marlins to three hits, walking none and striking out 10.  He needed 106 pitches for his effort.  The offense backed him up with Andrew McCutchen (two-run home run, RBI single, double), Rhys Hoskins (three-run home run), Adam Haseley (RBI single, RBI double) and Alec Bohm (RBI double) all having big games.

Featured Card:  Of course it's Nola, and he earned a Topps Now card for his efforts too.

Transaction:  In a flurry of roster moves, Ronald Torreyes (inf) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Neil Walker (inf) was designated for assignment.  Adam Morgan (lhp) was activated from the injured list with Connor Brogdon (rhp) optioned back down.  Finally, Ramon Rosso (rhp) was added as the 29th man for the double header.

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

1976 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards

Number of Cards:  30
Card Size:  3 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Description:  As was the case with all Phillies photocards issued throughout the 1970s, these cards feature a black and white photo with the players' name below.  The cards are unnumbered.  In 1976, all photos feature hatless portraits of the players, coaches or manager, which makes them somewhat easy to identify.  The backs of the cards are blank and there's no indication on the cards themselves that they're from 1976.  Some of the cards contain blue facsimile autographs, as noted on the checklist below.

How Distributed:  The cards were handed out to fans individually and supplied to the players in order to reply to fan mail or honor autograph requests.  I could be wrong, but I don't believe the cards were ever available in complete set form.

Complete Standard Checklist (Unnumbered, presented here alphabetically): 

1. Dick Allen 2. Carroll Beringer CO 3. Bob Boone 4. Larry Bowa 5. Ollie Brown 6. Steve Carlton (auto) 7. Dave Cash 8. Larry Christenson 9. Billy DeMars CO 10. Gene Garber

11. Terry Harmon 12. Jay Johnstone (auto) 13. Jim Kaat (auto) 14. Jim Lonborg 15. Greg Luzinski (auto) 16. Garry Maddox 17. Jerry Martin 18. Tim McCarver 19. Tug McGraw 20. Johnny Oates

21. Danny Ozark MG 22. Ron Reed 23. Ray Rippelmeyer CO (auto) 24. Mike Schmidt 25. Ron Schueler 26. Tony Taylor (auto) 27. Bobby Tolan (auto) 28. Wayne Twitchell 29. Tom Underwood (auto) 30. Bobby Wine CO

One and Only Phillies Baseball Card (0)

First Appearance in Phillies Team Issued Set (3):  Kaat, Reed, Tolan
Returning Players in Phillies Team Issued Set (22):  Allen, Boone, Bowa, Brown, Carlton, Cash, Christenson, Garber, Harmon, Johnstone, Lonborg, Luzinski, Maddox, Martin, McCarver, McGraw, Oates, Schmidt, Schueler, Taylor, Twitchell, Underwood

Manager (1): Ozark
Coaches (4):  Beringer, DeMars, Rippelmeyer, Wine
Phillie Phanatic (0)
Broadcasters (0)

Omissions:  I had originally listed Hutton within this set's checklist, but it always struck me as odd that his photo was the sole card in the set featuring a player wearing a hat.  I believe the listing at The Trading Card Database is incorrect and either Hutton wasn't included in the set or I haven't tracked down that card yet.  The Database uses Hutton's 1975 photo card for its listing.  Investigating the 1976 Phillies Photo Album, which includes contemporaneous photos as those used for the photo card set, Hutton is sporting a beard.  Since Hutton appeared in 95 games for the Phillies in 1976 and he was on their opening day roster, there's a possibility a bearded and hatless Hutton card exists.

Other than Hutton, the set does a great job of including all players from the N.L. East Championship winning team.  The Phillies featured only 32 different players in 1976 and this set includes 25 of them, with no notable omissions, again other than Hutton.  In descending order of games played, the set omits Rick Bosetti (13 games), Fred Andrews (4 games), John Vukovich (4 games), Tim Blackwell (4 games), Bill Nahorodny (3 games) and Randy Lerch (1 game).

Variations/Rarities:  I had originally listed a Jay Johnstone variation, featuring the outfielder kneeling, but I believe that's a 1975 variation so it will be listed with that set.

Also See:  1976 SSPC Phillies - Part One and Part Two; 1976 Isalay's/Sweet William Discs Phillies; 1976 Hostess Phillies; 1976 Oklahoma City 89ers Team Set

Resources:  The Trading Card Database; Beckett.com; Phillies collector Rick (@rickphils)

This set was originally featured in a post back in January 2015, and I'm going to slowly go through some of these team issued set posts and update them with new information gleaned (if any) over the past five years.

1975 Phillies Team-Issued Photo Cards / 1977 Phillies Team-Issued Photo Cards

1970-1979 Phillies Team-Issued Photo Cards Want List / Phillies Team Issued Sets Index Page

Game 40 - 2019 Topps Heritage #270 Jorge Alfaro

Marlins 7, Phillies 6
Game 40 - Thursday Night, September 10th in Miami
Record - 21-19, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies lost another game in infuriating fashion, as the bullpen crapped away a 6-3 lead in this loss to the Marlins.

What It Means:  This was only new closer Brandon Workman's second blown save, and it feels as if he's had so many more than that.

What Happened:  The Phillies built their lead with a few clutch hits from Alec Bohm and Adam Haseley, with Haseley contributing a safety squeeze in the fourth to score Jean Segura.  J.T. Realmuto drove in a run in the first with a ground out and then hit a solo home run, his 11th, in the fifth.  All this while Jake Arrieta was battling through 5 2/3 innings.  He allowed three runs on five hits and four walks, and then surrendered the game to the bullpen.

JoJo Romero and Hector Neris did their jobs while Tommy Hunter and Workman did not.  Hunter recorded two outs in the eighth but then departed with the bases loaded.  Workman promptly allowed a bases clearing double to Starling Marte to tie the score, 6-6.  He re-took the mound in the ninth, recording a pair of outs before Jorge Alfaro singled home Monte Harrison with the winning run.

Featured Card:  Alfaro hurt the Phillies in this game, and on Sunday they'll face the big ticket player sent to Miami with Alfaro back in February 2019 for J.T. Realmuto - hot pitching phenom Sixto Sanchez.  This could be a tough weekend to be a Phillies fan.

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

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 10th to September 14th

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #10

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #18

Thursday 6:40, Friday Double Header 5:10, Saturday 6:10, Sunday Double Header 1:10, Monday 4:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  And here we go.  The Phillies and Marlins will play seven times in five days as they make up games originally postponed in August following the COVID-19 outbreak on the Marlins.

Phillies 21-18
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (3-4, 5.67)
Aaron Nola (4-3, 2.74)
Spencer Howard (1-2, 5.66)
Zack Wheeler (4-0, 2.47)
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.58)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 5.85)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .273
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 31
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 10
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 27
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.47

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 67
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Marlins 19-19
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (2-1, 3.78)
Trevor Rogers (1-0, 3.00)
TBD
Jose Urena (0-0, 5.40)
Sixto Sanchez (2-1, 1.80)
TBD
Pablo Lopez (3-4, 4.450)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jesus Aguilar - .292
Runs:  Jesus Aguilar - 19
Home Runs:  Corey Dickerson - 6
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 24
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan Villar - 9

Wins:  Pablo Lopez - 3
ERA:  Pablo Lopez - 4.50
Strikeouts:  Pablo Lopez - 40
Saves:  Brandon Kintzler - 9

Game 39 - 2012 Topps Update #US82 Ty Wigginton

Red Sox 5, Phillies 2 (Game 2 - 7 Innings)
Game 39 - Tuesday Night, September 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 21-18, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen faltered again as the Phillies dropped the second game of this double header, 5-2.

What It Means:  Corey Seidman had a depressing Tweet following this loss.  The four relievers acquired by the Phillies - David Phelps, Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree and David Hale - have pitched 21 1/3 innings, allowing 18 earned runs and 10 home runs for a 7.59 ERA.  That's not great.

What Happened:  Phelps entered in the 6th with the game tied, 2-2.  He walked Jackie Bradly, Jr. to start the inning and then allowed a bomb of a home run to Bobby Dalbec.  Dalbec drove in an insurance run in the 7th with a single to center off Hembree.

Vince Velasquez turned in a decent outing, striking out 9 over his 5 innings of work and allowing a pair of runs on 7 hits.  JoJo Romero also looked solid with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.  Rhys Hoskins had a pair of hits, but flew out to right to end the game with two runners on the bases.

Featured Card:  Meghan Montemurro Tweeted the Phillies are 0-11-8 in double headers since they beat the Rockies twice on September 9, 2012.  That's scary given the Phillies will play four more double headers over the final 2 1/2 weeks of the regular season. Ty Wigginton featured prominently in the Phillies' Game 2 win, eight years ago today.

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

Game 38 - 2020 Topps Now #98 Alec Bohm

Phillies 6, Red Sox 5 (Game 1 - 7 Innings)
Game 38 - Tuesday Afternoon, September 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 21-17

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm bailed out the Phillies bullpen with a game winning single in the bottom of the 7th to score Didi Gregorius with the winning run.

What It Means:  Not to give away the ending for the second game, but the bullpen continues to be a concern.

What Happened:  The Phillies held a 4-1 lead going into the 5th when Alex Verdugo and Rafael Devers hit back-to-back home runs off Zach Eflin to make it 4-3.  Tommy Hunter surrendered the lead in the 6th with a home run to Bobby Dalbec followed by an RBI double from Devers.

Fortunately for the Phillies, the Red Sox bullpen is just as suspect as theirs.  Down a run, Red Sox closer Matt Barnes walked J.T. Realmuto to start the inning and Gregorius singled after Jean Segura had struck out.  Bohm lined his game winning hit to left, scoring both Realmuto and Gregorius for the win.

Gregorius had homered in the 2nd to give the Phillies an early 1-0 lead.

Featured Card:  I love listening to the Phillies broadcasters gush about how much of a professional hitter Bohm looks to be.  It's also great that he seems to usually be the guy at the plate when the game is on the line, and more often than not he's come through.

Transaction:  Garrett Cleavinger (lhp) was added to the roster as the 29th man for this double header, but he didn't see any action in either game.

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

Series Preview - Red Sox at Phillies: September 8th

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #25

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #9

Double Header Tuesday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  This was originally a two-game series scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, but with the Marlins series now at seven games (in five days) these games will be played as a double header to give the Phillies an off day on Wednesday.

Also, Brandon Workman is the current saves leader for the Phillies and he's tied for the Red Sox team lead in that category too.  Have two teams with the same pitcher as their saves leader ever faced off in a series?  In September?

Red Sox 14-28
5th Place in the A.L. East, 14 games behind the Rays

Red Sox Probables
Martin Perez (2-4, 4.07)
TBD

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Alex Verdugo - .311
Runs:  Alex Verdugo - 27
Home Runs:  Xander Bogaerts - 10
RBIs:  Xander Bogaerts - 26
Stolen Bases:  Xander Bogaerts and Alex Verdugo - 3

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Martin Perez - 4.07

Strikeouts:  Nathan Eovaldi - 33
Saves:  Matt Barnes and Brandon Workman - 4

Phillies 20-17
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.45)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 6.60)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .272
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 30
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 10
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 27
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.47

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 67
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Game 37 - 2020 Topps Gypsy Queen #181 Jean Segura

Phillies 9, Mets 8 (10 Innings)
Game 37 - Monday Afternoon, September 7th in Flushing
Record - 20-17, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jean Segura's 10th inning home run and his 4 for 5 day bailed out another rough day from the bullpen as the Phillies won, 9-8.

What It Means:  Having lost the last two games to the Mets, this was a much-needed win to earn the four-game series split.  After a double header in Boston on Tuesday, the Phillies will head to Miami where they'll play the Marlins seven times in five days.

What Happened:  In his first start against his former team, Zack Wheeler was spotted a 6-0 lead on a bases clearing, 3-run double from Segura in the first, a 2-run home run from Rhys Hoskins in the second and a solo home run from J.T. Realmuto in the fifth.  The Mets chipped away though and took a 7-6 lead in the seventh with four runs off relievers JoJo Romero and David Phelps.

The Phillies battled to tie it in the eighth when Alec Bohm's single scored Segura.  After scoreless innings from Tommy Hunter and Brandon Workman, Segura launched his home run to center to give the Phillies a 9-7 lead and the eventual win.

Featured Card:  Manager Joe Girardi heaped praise on Segura in his post-game comments, noting that Segura shows up ready to play wherever the manager has him that day, be it second or third base.

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2020 Chachi #48 Mauricio Llovera

#63
Mauricio Alejandro Llovera
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  224
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  April 17, 1996, El Tigre, VZ
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, December 14, 2014
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2017 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #18
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils Update #36

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

5 - Llovera baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/7/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2020 Chachi New Additions #3
2020 Chachi #48

Mauricio Llovera was added to the active roster on September 6th, and made his big league debut that same day against the Mets. The right had a tough outing, facing 10 batters in the seventh and beginning of the eighth and allowing four runs on five hits.

Signed as a free agent in late 2014, Llovera first appeared in a Phillies minor league team set in 2017 with the BlueClaws.

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Game 36 - 2019 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #36 Mauricio Llovera

Mets 14, Phillies 1
Game 36 - Sunday Afternoon, September 6th in Flushing
Record - 19-17, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Shaky defense, an unhittable Jacob deGrom and a tough day from the bullpen all contributed to this blowout 14-1 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  This was a horrendous loss.  Best just to move on.

What Happened:  deGrom allowed a run (a solo home run to Andrew Knapp in the second) on three hits while striking out 12.  Aaron Nola struck out 10, but costly errors and mental mistakes from Adam Haseley, Alec Bohm, Rhys Hoskins and Didi Gregorius led to three unearned runs.  The bullpen trio of Heath Hembree, Mauricio Llovera and Blake Parker combined on 2 2/3 innings, allowing 9 hits, 8 runs and 3 home runs.  Parker's runs allowed were the first runs he had allowed all season.

Bryce Harper, who appeared to have cut his hair following Saturday night's ejection, went 1 for 2.

Featured Card:  Llovera made his big league debut and exited after an inning with a 36.00 ERA.  Facing 10 batters, he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits and a walk.  On a positive note, he earned his first strikeout when he caught Mets' catcher Wilson  Ramos looking in the 7th.

2019 Grandstand Reading
Fightin Phils #19

Transaction:  Jay Bruce (of) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left quad strain and Roman Quinn (of) was placed on the 7-day concussion protocol list.  Kyle Garlick (of) and Llovera (rhp) were recalled from Lehigh Valley.

Also of note, the Phillies added three more players to their 60-man player pool - Henri Lartigue (c), Jeff Singer (lhp) and Luke Williams (inf).  I believe that brings the club to 59 players, with just one spot still open - 28 active, 5 on the injured list (not counting the 2 on the 60-day injured list) and 26 training in Lehigh Valley.

Lartigue and Williams were both non-roster invitees to spring training and Singer is a new name for the mix.  A Philadelphia native and a graduate of Rutgers, Singer has been pitching through the Phillies minor league system since 2016 and he appeared in 42 games last season for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, going 7-0 with a 2.34 ERA.  It would be quite the story if Singer joins the Phillies at some point, as he was a non-drafted free agent signing back in October 2015.

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Game 35 - 2020 Topps Big League Flipping Out #FO-13 Bryce Harper

Mets 5, Phillies 1
Game 35 - Saturday Night, September 5th in Flushing
Record - 19-16, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets didn't stop chipping away at Spencer Howard and Ranger Suarez, and the Phillies offense went 0 for 6 in this 5-1 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  The loss ended a five-game winning streak.  That in and of itself wasn't good, but the Phillies also lost two outfielders in the process.  Jay Bruce aggravated a quad injury and Roman Quinn exited after slamming into the outfield wall in the sixth attempting to make a catch.

What Happened:  Howard went four innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits.  Suarez made his 2020 debut and gave up 2 more runs in 1 2/3 innings of work.  Rhys Hoskins scored the only run for the Phillies with a solo home run in the first.

Featured Card:  Bryce Harper was ejected in the fifth for trying to ask umpire Roberto Ortiz about a questionable foul ball call.  Harper hardly flipped out (see what I did there?) but his questioning was enough to earn the ejection.  It was Harper's third ejection as a Phillie.  Over his last 11 games, Harper is hitting .135 (5 for 37) with a double and 2 RBIs.

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Game 34 - 2020 Topps Total #18 Jake Arrieta

Phillies 5, Mets 3
Game 34 - Friday Night, September 4th in Flushing
Record - 19-15, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Arrieta rebounded to throw seven strong innings and the Phillies played some small ball to defeat the Mets, 5-3.

What It Means:  The Phillies stayed hot, winning their 5th in a row and their 10th game out of their last 11.

What Happened:  Arrieta was atrocious in his last start, but in this game he battled through 7 innings, scattering 7 hits and allowing a pair of runs while striking out 7.  Hector Neris struggled before the bullpen duo of Tommy Hunter and Brandon Workman recorded the final five outs needed for the win.  Workman earned his fifth Phillies save.

The struggling Bryce Harper was given the day off and Phil Gosselin made his first ever start in right field.  He rewarded manager Joe Girardi's decision by doubling with two-out in the 7th off Jared Hughes and scoring on Roman Quinn's RBI single to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.

Featured Card:  Arrieta has been maddeningly inconsistent throughout his tenure with the club, but when he's good, as he was in this game, it serves as a reminder that he's still a pretty good option as a middle of the rotation starting pitcher.  Hopefully he's got a few more outings like this left in the tank for the rest of 2020.

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