Down to the wire:
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After the Phillies had gone 1-2 against both the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves plus 2-2 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers, the front office choose patching the five-man staff and, perhaps, considering a starter for 2020. Basically, president Andy MacPhail stated they are more than one piece away from the World Series.
They’ve added portsiders Drew Smyly and Jason Vargas to Nola and Arrieta. And if they acquire a hurler for now and ’20, Velasquez would be the likely candidate returning to a relief role probably at the back end with Pivetta. Or they’ll wait for a free agent like Gerrit Cole or a winter trade for Matthew Boyd.
When 2019 began, analysts had predicted a four-team race, but only Atlanta has survived injuries and shortcomings so far. However, many have elevated Washington to the top contender for the first NL Wild Card even though the red pinstripes are only a half-game behind them.
Barring a last-minute deal, the decision-makers are using inexpensive pickups to plug holes in the rotation, pen, and bench. Realistically, they will keep their top prospects until the offseason. But minimal pitching additions for roster holes on the Nationals and other hopefuls will leave the Phils with what? Wild-card aspirations!
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