Despite roster questions, the Phillies still have more firepower than many National League contenders, but general manager Matt Klentak –if needed– has the flexibility to add a right-swinging left fielder to platoon and pinch-hit.
Making adjustments:
Even though recent setbacks are threatening the Philadelphia Phillies hold atop the division, they do have reinforcements to withstand this unforgiving wave of misfortune. However, the other all-in franchises in the NL East are challengers not worth overestimating.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round.” – James J. Corbett"
Regarding the current injury-plagued pen, the “bug” has spread to regulars like Andrew McCutchen, but he will return for spring training. Meanwhile, the relief corps can ill afford more walking wounded before the Fightins reactivate the first of five counted-on bullpen arms.
Although some local analysts have mentioned three players not named Cesar Hernandez to replace leadoff-man McCutchen. One’s reasoning was pitches per at-bat seen by teammates, but they obtain that information in the first inning. Basically, the main criteria is OBP, and Hernandez successfully led off for three campaigns.
Because McCutchen and Odubel Herrera are not active, the dynamics of the batting order has changed. And the reason for different lineups is to cover offensive holes. Therefore, the manager didn’t have a set order because of old-school thinking. He had the horses!
As for the every day eight, you can expect Hernandez, Bryce Harper, Jean Segura, Rhys Hoskins, J.T. Realmuto, Jay Bruce, Scott Kingery and Maikel Franco except on their infrequent days off. In other words, don’t expect wholesale changes.
Concerning outfield defense, Bruce and Kingery are adequate, but Bruce adds left-side power to slot behind Realmuto and to offset some of his outfield deficiencies. Of course, Kingery is excellent at the hot corner, but he’ll be in center until the red pinstripes reactivate Roman Quinn.
While five relievers will shortly return, Vince Velasquez is the in-house fix as the critical eighth-frame bridge to Hector Neris. But the Phils are extremely competitive otherwise, and their 40-man roster can absorb their difficulties. However, the rotation needs a two-slot hurler for the playoffs and perhaps the stretch drive.