Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: Lazarus-like lineup resurrected for August

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 16: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies high fives Seranthony Dominguez #58 after the game against the New York Mets in game two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on August 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 9-6. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 16: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies high fives Seranthony Dominguez #58 after the game against the New York Mets in game two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on August 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 9-6. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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When Hoskins signals to the bullpen after a bomb, they signal back and enjoy being part of the celebration like the dugout. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images. /

One through five:                 

If you combine ingredients to form a potent lineup, you’d want left-right balance to make it difficult for the opposing manager bullpen-wise, and you’d set up the order to protect your regulars from a pitch around. Basically, this projected batting order is the eventual one based on overall performance.

In the leadoff spot, Cesar Hernandez is averaging .222 with a .336 OBP in the second half after .270 and .378 before the break. In fact, his OBPs were .371 and .373 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. His foot injury, however, caused an off-kilter approach, but his technique now is like the first half.

Since his Phillies debut, backstop Ramos has increased his average to .308 with 14 long balls and 57 RBIs. Having his bat in the lineup has lit a fire under his new teammates if his first two performances are any indication. They are!

Catcher Ramos, the two-hole hitter, only had two rehab games with the Single-A Advanced Clearwater Threshers because of the need for offense. Therefore, Kapler will increase his playing time over the next seven to 10 days before he starts four or five contests per week.

After realizing he’s not a slugger, Odubel Herrera will again be in the three hole and enjoy slotting between Ramos and Rhys Hoskins. Numerically, he’s averaging .244 with a .309 OBP since mid-July’s downtime, and he probably doesn’t like hitting seventh. Prepare for a hot streak!

In the cleanup spot, Hoskins is at .263 with a .381 OBP, 11 bombs, 21 RBIs and a 1.048 OPS since the All-Star break. However, his August statistics indicate he was in a slump: .200, .333 OBP, four homers, seven RBIs and a .793 OPS. But the new receiver has animated Hoskins; so, expect more production.

Batting fifth, Santana will benefit with Hoskins in front of him and Cabrera, Nick Williams and Maikel Franco behind him. The first sacker is at .247 with a .358 OBP, three home runs, 15 RBIs and a .756 OPS in the second half. Additionally, he’ll have some days off to rejuvenate and be more productive.

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