Phillies fall to Angels 5-3 on July 18, 2025, despite a Kyle Schwarber HR & Bryce Harper's return. Was this loss the final push for a big trade deadline move?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of mixed emotions at Citizens Bank Park. While the Phillies celebrated their 100th game of a successful season, the on-field result didn't match the festive mood, as they dropped the series opener to the Los Angeles Angels 5-3. A towering Kyle Schwarber home run and the welcome return of Bryce Harper provided sparks, but they weren't enough to overcome a determined Angels squad, reminding everyone that the road to October is never easy.
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The final score tells a familiar story of missed opportunities. Starter Jesús Luzardo battled for six innings, but a costly two-run double by Taylor Ward in the seventh inning proved to be the difference-maker. Luzardo was tagged for four runs in total, despite racking up seven strikeouts. The offense, meanwhile, couldn't string together the big hits when needed. Kyle Schwarber did his part, launching his 31st #Schwarbomb of the year into the right-field seats, and Trea Turner stayed hot with a 2-for-4 night including a double. Bryce Harper, back in the lineup after a brief scare with back tightness, also contributed an RBI. Still, the bats fell quiet at crucial moments, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Perhaps the most significant move of the day happened off the field. The Phillies traded minor league catcher Andrick Nava to the Brewers for cash, a transaction that, on its surface, seems minor. However, the implication is huge. The move clears a coveted spot on the 40-man roster, giving President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski the flexibility he needs as the trade deadline approaches. With the team still leading the NL East but showing clear needs, this is the first domino to fall. It's a clear signal that the front office is gearing up to be active buyers and improve this roster for a deep postseason run.
While the loss stings, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Down on the farm, top prospect Justin Crawford is simply on fire. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, lacing a triple and driving in two runs. Now hitting .312 for the IronPigs, the speedy outfielder is knocking loudly on the door to the big leagues. And while the team looks to the future, it also celebrated a pillar of its present. Ace Zack Wheeler was recognized for reaching the 1,200 career strikeout milestone, a testament to the durable dominance he's brought to Philadelphia. His achievement, coupled with Harper's healthy return and Turner's 'Locked in' mentality shared on social media, underscores the solid core this team is built around.
One loss, even a frustrating one, doesn't define a season. The Phillies wake up tomorrow still in first place with a chance to take the series against the Angels. With Harper back, key players performing, and the front office clearly preparing to add reinforcements, the bigger picture remains bright. The focus now shifts to bouncing back on Saturday, as the journey through the second half—and towards the trade deadline—heats up.
