Call to the pen
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Phillies: Hidden nuggets since hitting guru’s return

By Tal Venada

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 20: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies and Hector Neris #50 celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox 3-2 at Fenway Park on August 20, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 20: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies and Hector Neris #50 celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox 3-2 at Fenway Park on August 20, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Dickerson has secured left field for the Phillies despite the losses of McCutchen and Bruce. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images. /

The Manuel Era:             

Scott Kingery still has a third Phillies summer of development before the home faithful will realize his impact as a star. Recently, he’s produced seven hits in his last 18 at-bats (.389) with one long ball and six RBIs for those six ballgames including five starts.

As for the third productive left fielder for ’19, Corey Dickerson has 14 RBIs in 12 contests including two homers. He also has eight hits in 22 at-bats (.364) over the last five games with two long balls and nine RBIs, and he will probably finish September on a high note with an eye toward free agency.

Phillies stats beginning on Aug. 14 through Aug. 29:

  • Kingery: 13 Gms., 45 AB, 13 H, .275, 1 HR and 9 RBI.
  • Dickerson: 12 Gms., 52 AB, 14 H, .269, 2 HR and 14 RBI.
  • Haseley: 13 Gms., 41 AB, 9 H, .220, 0 HR and 6 RBI.
  • Harper: 10 Gms., 39 AB, 13 H, .333, 6 HR and 14 RBI.

Although Adam Haseley realistically needs three months with the Allentown affiliate. the experience here is important for his development and will show up more in a year or so. That stated, he has seven hits in 23 at-bats (.304) with five RBIs during the last six games. Yes, the potential is visible.

Even though Bryce Harper‘s recent success is obvious, perhaps, the extent is also powerful in numerical form. He’s hitting .333 with six bombs and 14 RBIs for 10 ballgames including a walk-off grand slam on  Aug. 15 to defeat the Chicago Cubs and cap off a six-run ninth frame.

Putting runs on the board to start, the Fightins also have enough late-inning relief to win close games if their starters can provide five frames of three-run ball. Ahead of them, the Cubs –or  St. Louis Cardinals– have enough pieces for an advantage.

In other words, the Phils’ chances for the National League Wild Card Game will come down to the four starters besides Aaron Nola and the relievers other than closer Hector Neris. Can Jason Vargas, Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin and Drew Smyly give the offense the opportunity to win with at least five runs?

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