Phillies’ Plans After Seattle

While solid run production creates excitement among the faithful, a return of those offensive numbers would remind many of April’s promising output. However, the unfulfilled need for this campaign has been a left-handed right fielder with power because the free agent didn’t pan out. And Dylan Cozens will fit the bill if he can break out of his current 11-game slump over the next two weeks: .167 with two solo homers.

On the mound, we’ll see how the five youngsters do without a veteran atop the rotation after the two starters on the disabled list return. Hopefully, they can stay healthy through September. Meanwhile, the relief corps will probably feature the return of Ramos and the promotion of journeyman Pedro Beato, the right-handed closer with Lehigh Valley. And taking his place with the IronPigs will be righty reliever Jesen Dygestile-Therrien, who’ll simultaneously be auditioning for a bullpen job in August with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Six weeks after the other regulars did not respond to his initial comments, Freddy Galvis was more specific: Some in the clubhouse aren’t giving 100 percent for 27 outs. But this time they heard him. The result: Philadelphia 13 and Seattle 6.

THE CALL FOR JULY:      

14-11  or three games over .500   

Next: Trade Bait or Phillies' Placeholders

In the spirit of starting over after Galvis’ challenge, the next three months will commence on July 1 with the if factor. If the red pinstripes give a total effort on every pitch, they will have solid victories and winnable outcomes in almost every contest. If they return from the mid-season break with something to prove, the positive vibes will continue into August. Yes, if.