Game 24 - Mariners Take Care of Phils, Falter

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #7

Mariners 5, Phillies 3
Game 24 - Tuesday Night, April 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 11-13, 4th Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A few home runs and a hot Mariners team took care of Bailey Falter and the Phillies in this 5-3 loss.

What It Means:  I'm completely missing these games.  Still busy at work, and with my late afternoons/evenings dominated by high school baseball action, there's been no time to sit and enjoy (?) much of the Phillies action against the Rockies, and so far against the Mariners too.  I saw the final inning of this game, on mute, and that was it.  Hopefully by the time I'm able to sit and watch a full game again, the Phillies have remembered how to win.

What Happened:  Falter pitched six solid innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out seven.  Two of the hits were costly home runs allowed to Jarred Kelenic in the fifth and Teoscar Hernandez, a two-run blast, in the sixth.  Edmundo Sosa got the Phillies on the board with a solo home run in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Old friend J.P. Crawford was back in town, manning shortstop for the Mariners and contributing an RBI-infield single in the fifth.  Crawford has found a home in Seattle, and while I was sad to see him go at the time, acquiring Jean Segura proved to be the right move.  Without Segura, the Phillies likely don't make it to the World Series in 2022.  Here's a blast from the past from the gone but not forgotten ALS Phillies Phestival from June 2018.  Crawford and both our sons look like absolute babies here.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 23 - Wheeler, 4 Home Runs Down Rockies

2023 Topps Big League #90

Phillies 9, Rockies 3
Game 23 - Sunday Afternoon, April 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 11-12, 4th Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and four home runs paced the Phillies in this 9-3 victory over the Rockies.

What It Means:  With the win, the Phillies won the series, three games to one, and a good Mariners team comes to town next for a three-game series.

What Happened:  Wheeler struck out 11 in his six innings of work, allowing three runs on three hits.  All Rockies runs scored in a shaky fourth inning by Wheeler.  The quartet of home runs were courtesy of Trea Turner in the first, Kody Clemens (his first) in the third, Bryson Stott in the seventh and Brandon Marsh in the eighth.  Alec Bohm had a double and two RBIs.

Featured Card:  I've not put away my 2023 Topps Big League Phillies team set yet, and given it's within reach, here's the Wheeler card from that set.

Transaction:  The Phillies added Yunior Marte (rhp) to the their bullpen, optioning down Cristopher Sanchez (lhp), who had started Saturday's game.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Mariners at Phillies: April 25th to April 27th

2014 Topps Heritage #144

2014 Topps Heritage #16

Tuesday and Wednesday 6:40, Thursday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tuesday is the second Dollar Dog Night of the season, and following the afternoon game on Thursday, seniors are welcome to stroll the bases.

Mariners 10-12
4th Place in the A.L. West, 4 1/2 games behind the Rangers

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (1-1, 3.57)
Marco Gonzales (1-0, 3.78)
George Kirby (2-1, 3.57)

Mariners Leaders
Average:  Jarred Kelenic - .319
Runs:  Ty France and Julio Rodriguez - 17
Home Runs:  Jarred Kelenic - 6
RBIs:  Ty France and Eugenio Suarez - 15
Stolen Bases:  Julio Rodriguez - 5

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Luis Castillo - 1.52
Strikeouts:  Luis Castillo - 34
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 6

Phillies 11-12
4th Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Bailey Falter (0-3, 4.50)
Taijuan Walker (2-1, 3.80)
Matt Strahm (1-2, 3.00)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .364
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 19
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 5
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 18
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Taijuan Walker and Zack Wheeler - 2
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.73

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 34
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 3

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 22 - Castellanos, Pache Power Phils to Victory

2023 Topps Big League #230

Phillies 4, Rockies 3
Game 22 - Saturday Afternoon, April 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 10-12, 4th Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos connected for two home runs in this 4-3 winning effort against the Rockies.

What It Means:  Castellanos already looks much more comfortable at the plate than he did all last season.  He was 3 for 4 on the day with his two home runs and a double, raising his season average up to .310.  The Phillies will attempt to win the four-game series with the afternoon series finale today.

What Happened:  All runs came from Castellanos or the unlikely source of Cristian Pache.  Pache made a few nice plays in the outfield and hit a two-run home run in the third, his first with the Phillies.  Castellanos' homers came in the first and in the sixth, breaking a 3-3 tie.

Cristopher Sanchez got the call for the start, as the double header last week necessitated a sixth starter.  Sanchez allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings for his season debut.  He struck out five.  Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect (and quick) ninth inning to record his second save.

Featured Card:  Here's the newest card added to my Phillies collection for Castellanos, from the Topps Big League set, released a few weeks ago.

Transaction:  Sanchez (lhp) was activated from the Injured List and Andrew Bellatti (rhp) took his place with right triceps tendinitis.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #9 Brandon Marsh

#16

Brandon Chase Marsh
Center Field

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  25

Born:  December 18, 1997, Buford, GA
Acquired:  Traded by the Los Angeles Angels to the Phillies for Logan O'Hoppe, August 2, 2022

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2025
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Angels 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Brandon Marsh came to the Phillies at the trade deadline last season, and immediately solidified the center field position for the club.  Before Marsh's arrival, center field had been patrolled by Matt Vierling, Simon Muzziotti, Odubel Herrera, Roman Quinn and Mickey Moniak.  Marsh batted .288 in 41 games with the team, providing a much-needed offensive spark plug along with above average outfield defense.  His three-run home run in the second inning of NLDS Game 4 against the Braves helped power the Phillies to victory and advance to the NLCS.  The opening day center fielder in 2023, Marsh is batting .355 through his first 19 games and currently leads the National League in triples with three and with an OPS of 1.122.

2022 Chachi #58

2022 Chachi #74

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP241
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2022-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Gold #237
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  24 as of 4/22/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #58

2022 Chachi #74 - NLDS Game 4

2023 Chachi #9

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #8 Jake Cave / 2023 Chachi #10 Aaron Nola

Game 21 - Sosa's Clutch Single Completes Comeback

2022 Topps Now #818

Phillies 4, Rockies 3
Game 21 - Friday Night, April 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 9-12, 4th Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down 3-0 in the first inning, the Phillies mounted an impressive comeback and won this game, 4-3, thanks to an Edmundo Sosa RBI-single in the eighth.

What It Means:  Hopefully this is the momentum swing the team needs, and they can win the next two games against the struggling Rockies.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed a three-run home run to Ryan McMahon in the first inning, but then settled down to pitch six scoreless innings.  He'd allow just four hits overall and only one hit between the second and seventh innings.  Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado kept the Rockies scoreless over the final two frames, with Alvarado saving his third game.

The comeback started in the fourth when Nick Castellanos scored from third on a balk.  Jake Cave singled home Brandon Marsh for the Phillies' second run later that inning.  In the seventh, Kyle Schwarber tied it up with a solo home run, his fifth of the season, to right.  In the eighth, off former Phillie Brad Hand, J.T. Realmuto doubled to start the inning, stole third base and came home on Sosa's big hit.

Featured Card:  Here's another pseudo Sosa Phillies card from last year's Topps Now run of cards.  Sosa is shown here with Nick Maton celebrating an 18-2 win over the Diamondbacks on August 31st.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 20 - Phils Look Lifeless in Loss to Rockies

2023 Topps #283

Rockies 5, Phillies 0
Game 20 - Thursday Night, April 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-12, 4th Place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ryan Feltner and two Rockies relievers baffled the Phillies line-up, as the Rockies prevailed, 5-0.

What It Means:  The Rockies entered this series with a 5-14 record and having lost eight in a row.  They had been swept by the Mariners and Pirates, with the Pirates scoring 14 runs off the Rockies' pitching staff twice.  The Phillies line-up looked awful and wasted a solid start from Matt Strahm.

What Happened:  Strahm allowed a first inning two-run home run to C.J. Cron, but then settled in for the next five innings.  He'd pitch into the sixth, and his final line shows three runs allowed on three hits and 11 strikeouts.  The Phillies had six hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position, with the one hit an infield single.

Featured Card:  Hopefully Strahm gets a few Phillies cards in late season releases, and this is his newest mainstream card from 2023 Topps Series One.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 19 - Trea and Taijuan Lead Phils to Victory

2023 Topps Now
World Baseball Classic #WBC-68

Phillies 5, White Sox 2
Game 19 - Wednesday Afternoon, April 19th in Chicago
Record - 8-11, 4th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit his first home run with the Phillies and Taijuan Walker had another strong start as the Phillies downed the White Sox, 5-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies left Chicago with a series win, and headed home to face the Rockies for four games.

What Happened:  Walker pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on five hits while striking out three.  His sole blemish was a two-run home run allowed to Andrew Vaughn in the first inning.  Turner had homered in the top half of the first, his first of surely many home runs with the club.  He'd fall a triple short of the cycle in this game.  Brandon Marsh homered in the second to quickly tie the game at 2-2, and Nick Castellanos broke the tie by singling home Turner with the Phillies' third run.  Bryson Stott and Turner added RBI doubles in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  I'm still waiting for my first Phillies baseball card of Turner, and here's another Topps Now World Baseball Classic card celebrating his five home runs during that series.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Happy Birthday Ben!

Our youngest son Ben officially enters his teenage years today, which is a somewhat terrifying sentence to type and then read back.  Time is seemingly speeding up, and I'm focused on enjoying every moment and soaking up as much as I possibly can.

Ben's final pre-teen year was a blur as he continued to develop his amazing piano skills, he spent a ton of time on the tennis courts and he ran cross country and track for his middle school.  He's now proud of his status as a world traveler, having toured London and Paris this past summer.  Ben has also been showing off his creative side with a few inventive and imagination-fueled blogs of his own that are designed for family viewing only at this point.  He speaks his mind, he knows what he likes and I'm proud of his kind heart.  

He's silly, smart and a great kid.  Ben cracks me up.  He has a knack of giving a look, making a noise or saying things that catch me off guard and make me laugh unexpectedly.  And now he's 13.  Hard to believe.

Memory Lane

2010 - Welcome Ben!

2010 - Ben is born, Roy Halladay wins, all is right with the world

2011 - Ben turns one as Roy Oswalt pitches the Phillies past the Padres

2012 - Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!

2013 - Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!
2014 - Ben is Four!
2015 - Ben is Five!
2016 - Ben and Chewbacca
2017 - Ben is Seven!
2018 - Ben is Eight!
2019 - Ben at the Grand Canyon
2020 - Ben is Ten! (Social distancing version)

2021 - Ben, accomplished piano player, amazing kid, turns 11

2022 - This kid, with unlimited potential and an unrivaled imagination, is 12.

2023 - Ben enters teen years. (What?)

Rockies at Phillies: April 20th to April 23rd

2014 Topps Heritage #218

2014 Topps Heritage #310

Thursday 6:40, Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 12:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will have their Jackie Robinson Salute as part of Thursday night's game, and on Saturday all kids 14 and under will receive a Phillies knit hat.  Sunday is the annual Phanatic's birthday party celebration, with all kids getting a Phanatic t-shirt.

Rockies 5-14
5th Place in the N.L. West, 6 games behind the Diamondbacks

Rockies Probables
Ryan Feltner (0-2, 8.78)
Noah Davis (0-0, 0.00)
Kyle Freeland (2-1, 3.80)
Jose Urena (0-3, 9.82)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Elias Diaz - .345
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 10
Home Runs:  C.J. Cron - 4
RBIs:  Elias Diaz - 10
Stolen Bases:  Yonathan Daza and Ryan McMahon - 1

Wins:  Kyle Freeland and German Marquez - 2
ERA:  Kyle Freeland - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Jake Bird - 16
Saves:  Pierce Johnson - 3

Phillies 8-11
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Matt Strahm (1-1, 2.13)
Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.91)
Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 0.00)
Zack Wheeler (1-1, 4.79)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .368
Runs:  Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner - 15
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 4
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 16
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 2
ERA:  Taijuan Walker - 3.80

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 23
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 2

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #8 Jake Cave

#44

Andrew Jacob Cave
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  30

Born:  December 4, 1992, Hampton, VA
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, December 2, 2022

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2018-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

The 2023 opening day left fielder for the Phillies, Jake Cave earned a spot on the roster on the strength of his solid spring training.  He had played in parts of five seasons with the Twins before coming to Philadelphia, spending time as a back-up at all three outfield spots and at designated hitter.  Cave's best season to date was his first, when he batted .265 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs for the Twins in 2018.  The Phillies were the second team to claim Cave off waivers during the offseason, with the Orioles picking him up on October 11th and the Phillies adding him a month and a half later on December 2nd.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP204
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2019-2021
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  N/A
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 4/19/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2023 Chachi #8

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #7 Alec Bohm / 2023 Chachi #9 Brandon Marsh

Game 18 - Phils Nearly No-Hit in Loss

2020 Topps Total #453

White Sox 3, Phillies 0 (Game 2)
Game 18 - Tuesday Night, April 18th in Chicago
Record - 7-11, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bailey Falter pitched well but the Phillies were nearly no-hit in this 3-0 loss in the second game of Tuesday's double header.

What It Means:  There's one more game on Wednesday afternoon against the White Sox before the Phillies head home for seven games with the Rockies and Mariners.

What Happened:  Falter's only mistake came in the first inning when Jake Burger hit a three-run home run.  He'd settle down after that, pitching seven innings and allowing only three hits in total.  The White Sox pitching was better.  Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and reliever Kendall Graveman combined for seven no-hit innings.  In the eighth, with Aaron Bummer on the mound, Brandon Marsh led off with a double to left for the team's only hit of the game.

Featured Card:  Old friend Adam Haseley made a brief appearance in this game for the White Sox, entering in right field in the eighth and moving to left field in the ninth.  Haseley has spent much of the past two season with the Charlotte Knights, the White Sox top farm club.  At the end of spring training last year, Haseley was dealt to the White Sox with the Phillies getting reliever McKinley Moore in return.

Transaction:  Following the game, Yunior Marte (rhp) was returned to Lehigh Valley.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #7 Alec Bohm

#28

Alec Daniel Bohm
Third Base

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  218
Opening Day Age:  26

Born:  August 3, 1996, Omaha, NE
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round (3rd pick) of the 2018 amateur draft, June 4, 2018

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The Phillies' 1st round draft pick in 2018, Alec Bohm made his big league debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.  He'd bat .338 with four home runs and 23 RBIs, finishing as the runner-up that season in Rookie of the Year voting behind the Brewers' Devin Williams.  He suffered through a sophomore slump in 2021, which included a stint back in Lehigh Valley, but in 2022 Bohm proved he was up with the Phillies to stay.  After a rough beginning to his season, Bohm would go on to bat .280 with 13 home runs and 72 RBIs, starting 132 games at third base and five games at first base.  He batted .286 (6 for 21) in the 2022 World Series, with a home run and three RBIs.

So far in 2023, Bohm has split his time between third and first base, given the void at first caused by injuries to Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall.

2018 Chachi Almost #6

2020 Chachi #40

2021 Chachi #5

2022 Chachi #12

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Draft #BD-25
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2021-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #128
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  94 as of 4/18/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi Almost #6
2020 Chachi #40
2021 Chachi #5 
2022 Chachi #12

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6

2023 Chachi #7

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #6 Bryson Stott / 2023 Chachi #8 Jake Cave

Game 17 - Phils Take First Game of Twinbill from Sox

1954 Bowman #143

Phillies 7, White Sox 4 (Game 1)
Game 17 - Tuesday Afternoon, April 18th in Chicago
Record - 7-10

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott extended his season opening hitting streak to 17 games and the Phillies took care of the White Sox in this 7-4, Game 1 win.

What It Means:  Stott's 17-game hitting streak broke the 16-game consecutive streak record set by Willie "Puddin' Head" Jones in 1950.

What Happened:  The Phillies plated three first inning runs, with Nick Castellanos singling home Stott, and Alec Bohm adding a two-run single.  In the third, Josh Harrison added a two-run single to put the Phillies up 5-0.  Zack Wheeler ran into trouble in the third, allowing four runs to score, and Wheeler would exit after five innings.  His final line shows four runs on eight hits and five strikeouts.  Harrison hit a two-run home run in the seventh, his first with the Phillies, giving him four RBIs on the day.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect ninth inning, recording his first save of the season.

Featured Card:  I really don't want to pass up the opportunity to feature a vintage Jones baseball card, especially one showing an actual signature of his where he signed his first name as "Puddin' Head."

Transaction:  Yunior Marte (rhp) was added to the bullpen as the 27th man for this double header.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Phillies at White Sox: April 17th to April 19th

1965 Topps #372

1965 Topps #198

Tuesday Double Header 4:10, Wednesday 2:10
Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago, IL

At the Ballpark:  There are few ticket discount packages available for this series, but otherwise no other promotions or giveaways scheduled.  Bill Veeck would not approve.

Phillies 6-10
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (0-1, 4.02)
Bailey Falter (0-2, 4.80)
Taijuan Walker (1-1, 4.20)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .380
Runs:  Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner - 13
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 4
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 14
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 3

Wins:  Six tied with - 1
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 5.91

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 19
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 1

White Sox 6-10
Tied for 3rd Place in the A.L. Central, 4 games behind the Twins

White Sox Probables
Lance Lynn (0-1, 7.31)
Lucas Giolito (0-1, 6.00)
Mike Clevinger (2-0, 2.20)

White Sox Leaders
Average:  Yasmani Grandal - .298
Runs:  Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert - 10
Home Runs:  Luis Robert - 5
RBIs:  Luis Robert - 11
Stolen Bases:  Tim Anderson - 5

Wins:  Dylan Cease and Mike Clevinger - 2
ERA:  Dylan Cease - 2.01

Strikeouts:  Dylan Cease - 29
Saves:  Reynaldo Lopez - 2

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #6 Bryson Stott

#5

Bryson Jeremy Stott
Second Base

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  25

Born:  October 6, 1997, Las Vegas, NV
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round (14th pick) of the 2019 amateur draft, June 3, 2019

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2025
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Bryson Stott was a non-roster invitee to spring training last year, and made the Phillies' opening day roster following an impressive spring.  Batting just .133 after his first nine games, Stott was briefly sent back down to Lehigh Valley and he was recalled for good when Didi Gregorius went down with a left knee sprain on May 7th.  He'd assume regular shortstop duties for the remainder of the season, ultimately appearing in 127 games and batting .234.  In the postseason, Stott struggled at the plate, batting .136 (6 for 44) with three RBIs.

With the offseason signing of Trea Turner, Stott began the 2023 season as the team's regular second baseman, taking over the position from the departed Jean Segura.

2019 Chachi Almost #3

2022 Chachi #8

2022 Chachi Friendly Encounters #15

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2019 Bowman Draft #BD-79
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2022-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #295
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  42 as of 4/18/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi Almost #3 
2022 Chachi #8

2022 Chachi Friendly Encounters #15

2023 Chachi #6

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #5 Nick Castellanos / 2023 Chachi #7 Alec Bohm

Game 16 - Phillies Offense Unloads on Reds Pitching

2022 Bowman Heritage #84

Phillies 14, Reds 3
Game 16 - Sunday Afternoon, April 16th in Cincinnati
Record - 6-10, 4th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies didn't let up on Sunday afternoon, unleashing 23 hits and 14 runs and leaving Cincinnati in a winning mood.

What It Means:  A day after being shut out by the Reds, 13-0, the Phillies returned the favor (plus one extra run) in this thrashing.  The win gave them a four-game series split and they'll head to Chicago next to take on the White Sox, who also have a disappointing 6-10 record.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott started things off in the first, hitting his first career lead-off home run and extending his season-opening hitting streak to 16 games.  That ties Stott with Puddin' Head Jones for the longest Phillies hitting streak to open a season in the modern era, as Jones began the 1950 season hitting safely in his first 16 games.  Brandon Marsh had a four-hit day, while Stott, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm all had three hits a piece.  Realmuto hit a seventh inning home run, his second of the season.

Aaron Nola was the recipient of the offense, earning his first win while pitching six strong innings.

Featured Card:  This Stott card arrived over the weekend, and it's from the recently released 2022 Bowman Heritage set, which pays tribute to the original 1994 Bowman design.

Transaction:  Luis F. Ortiz (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley to take McKinley Moore's (rhp) spot on the roster.  Ortiz made his Phillies debut in the ninth, striking out a pair in a scoreless inning.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #5 Nick Castellanos

#8

Nicholas Alexander Castellanos
Right Field

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  203
Opening Day Age:  31

Born:  March 4, 1992, Hialeah, FL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, March 22, 2022

Contract Status:  Signed through 2026
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2013-2019; Chicago Cubs 2019; Cincinnati Reds 2020-2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

One of the steadier hitters in the game today, Nick Castellanos has batted over .260 in all but three of his 10 seasons in the major leagues.  He spent seven seasons with the Tigers, where he drove in a career high 101 runs and led the league with 10 triples in 2017.  With the Reds in 2021, Castellanos batted a career-best .309 with 34 home runs, attending his first All-Star Game and winning a postseason Silver Slugger Award.  He signed as a free agent with the Phillies prior to the 2022 season and by his own admittance, initially struggled with the transition to his new team and city.

Castellanos was a key factor, with both his bat and glove, when the Phillies advanced past the Braves in the 2022 NLDS.  He was the opening day designated hitter for the Phillies in 2022, and opened the season as the team's regular right fielder in 2023.

2022 Chachi New Additions #13

2022 Chachi #4

2022 Chachi #71

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2011 Topps Pro Debut #110
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (9):  2014-2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Living Set #601
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  23 as of 4/16/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi New Additions #13 
2022 Chachi #4

2022 Chachi #71 - NLDS Game 1

2023 Chachi #5

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #4 Darick Hall / 2023 Chachi #6 Bryson Stott

Game 15 - Maybe This is the Low Point of the Season?

2022 Reading Fightin Phils
Holiday Top 10

Reds 13, Phillies 0
Game 15 - Saturday Afternoon, April 15th in Cincinnati
Record - 5-10, 4th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nothing went right for the Phillies in this 13-0 thrashing by the Reds.

What It Means:  I didn't see a lot of this game, but what I did see included Phillies pitchers getting hit around, more questionable defense and more bad decisions on the base paths.

What Happened:  The only bright spot of this game was Bryson Stott extending his hitting streak to 15 games with a lead-off double.  It was downhill from there.  The Phillies offense managed four more hits, two from Edmundo Sosa.  (Sosa would later leave the game with a back injury.)  Matt Strahm started and went only 2 2/3 innings, departing after throwing 67 pitches and allowing three runs.  Andrew Bellatti and McKinley Moore couldn't stop the Reds, as those two relievers combined to give up five more runs in 2 1/3 innings.  Josh Harrison was called on to pitch the final inning, and the Reds tacked on five more runs off the veteran utility player.

Featured Card:  Moore looked great in spring training, but he's struggled mightily in his three appearances since getting recalled.  He's allowed at least a run each time, and after allowing three runs in today's game, his ERA shot up to 18.90.  The Reading Fightin Phils produced three cards for Moore last season, including this unnumbered card from what the team website called the Holiday Top Ten set.

Transaction:  And following the game, Moore was optioned down to Lehigh Valley.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 14 - Walker Wins First with Phils

2023 Topps Now
World Baseball Classic #WBC-45

Phillies 8, Reds 3
Game 14 - Friday Night, April 14th in Cincinnati
Record - 5-9, 4th Place, 5 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker won his first game with the Phillies, throwing six strong innings in this 8-3 victory.

What It Means:  For one night at least, the Phillies looked good all the way around and won easily.  I'm hoping for a few more of these no-doubt-about it wins in the coming weeks.

What Happened:  Walker allowed four hits and a run in his outing while striking out four.  Seranthony Dominguez continued his early season struggles, allowing a run in the seventh, but Jose Alvarado struck out the side in the eighth, making it look easy.  The offense collected hits when it needed them.  Early scoring came on an RBI double from Kyle Schwarber in the first and a solo home run from Edmundo Sosa in the second.  Nick Castellanos doubled home Schwarber in the third, with Brandon Marsh tripling home Castellanos shortly thereafter.  Marsh would come home on a J.T. Realmuto sacrifice fly, making it 5-0.  Three more runs crossed the plate in the ninth on a Realmuto double and a two-run single from Alec Bohm.

Featured Card:  We're still waiting for a Phillies baseball card for Walker, and this is his only baseball card to date from 2023.  Walker pitched for Mexico against Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic in March, striking out eight batters over four innings.  The print run for this card was only 317, making it fairly rare.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #4 Darick Hall

#24

Darick Hall
First Base-Designated Hitter

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  232
Opening Day Age:  27

Born:  July 25, 1995, Hereford, AZ
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 14th round of the 2016 amateur draft, June 11, 2016

Contract Status:  Signed through 2023, arbitration eligible in 2026
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

Darick Hall earned the opportunity to become the Phillies' regular first baseman when Rhys Hoskins went down in spring training with a season-ending knee injury.  Hall appeared in six games to start the season and then he himself went down too with a thumb injury following an awkward base running dive back to first base.  Surgery was performed on the thumb on Wednesday, and Hall be out at least a few months.

Hall had his contract selected last season on June 29th, replacing Johan Camargo on the roster.  He was with the club through August 22nd, and came up again on September 30th.  In 41 games, wearing #25, Hall batted .250 with nine home runs and 16 RBIs.  He swapped #25 for #24 following the off-season acquisition of reliever Matt Strahm.

2017 Chachi BlueClaws Signing Autographs #3

2022 Chachi #47

2023 Chachi Preview #2

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Topps Pro Debut #185
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #209
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  19 as of 4/14/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2017 Chachi BlueClaws Signing Autographs #3
2022 Chachi #47

2023 Chachi Preview #2

2023 Chachi #4

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #3 J.T. Realmuto / 2023 Chachi #5 Nick Castellanos