PHI • • #
The lead was one too many runs for a save, but it’s notable that the Phillies again lined up Orion Kerkering for the eighth and Strahm for the ninth tonight. Since Kerkering’s last save on June 19, he’s pitched the eighth in all four of his appearances. Strahm has pitched the ninth four times, plus one appearance in the eighth, and earned two saves.
about 20 hours ago
July 3, 2025 1:46 AM
PHI • LF
about 20 hours ago
Kepler’s homer off Dylan Cease was his 10th of the season. This is actually just the sixth time all year that he’s driven in two runs in a game, and he’s never knocked in more than that. The Phillies were hoping from more from their free agent signing, but Kepler’s current .685 OPS is basically a match for what he did in 2022 and 2024, with 2023 standing out as his only really positive season in the last five years.
PHI •
about 20 hours ago
Sánchez is going to have to be an All-Star. He’s allowed exactly one run in his last three starts and hasn’t given up more than two runs in any of his last seven outings. This was also a fourth straight start in which he did not walk a single batter. He’s 7-2 with a 2.68 ERA and a 108/28 K/BB in 100 2/3 innings, and he’s slated to face the Giants next week.
PHI •
about 24 hours ago
Two of the walks came with the bases loaded. That Abel had walked just four batters in 23 1/3 innings as a major leaguer coming into the day was an extremely nice surprise for the Phillies. Unfortunately, he unraveled in this one and went back to looking like the guy who finished 3-12 with a 6.46 ERA and 78 walks in 108 2/3 innings in Triple-A last year. The Phillies will need a fifth starter just once more before the break, so we’ll have to wait and see if they stick with Abel then or maybe send him down for a fresh arm and go with a bullpen game next week. It’s possible they’ll want to turn to Andrew Painter as their fifth starter after the break.
