5 things we learned about the Philadelphia Phillies this season

The trade deadline didn’t have much activity for the Phillies other than Michael Lorenzen and Rodolfo Castro. There were definitely some arms that were acquirable to help this team make that postseason run. The fact that Dave Dombrowski didn’t add to an already questionable bullpen left many fans scratching their hands.

We have seen some brilliance from the bullpen at times. However, we have also some suspect usages of the bullpen by Rob Thomson. As of right now, I feel like Alvarado, Strahm, Kimbrel and Hoffman have been Philadelphia’s most trustworthy pitchers. Marte and Soto have been up and down this season, but if they can have their best stuff, they are extremely effective. Unfortunately for Dominguez, he just hasn’t had the command or consistency that made him so effective last season.

Even the starters have been up and down at times. Aaron Nola has been a huge disappointment at times this season. While showing flashes of his form from last season, this is definitely not the way he envisioned his contract year to go. However, Nola has slowly been regaining his form and seems to be pushing towards confidence and command similar to last season. He will most likely be Philadelphia’s second choice for the Wild Card round.

Walker, Sanchez and Suarez are all getting a chance to get that third pitching spot. At this point, it will go to whoever is pitching the hottest. Regardless, the other two who go to the bullpen will help this pitching staff out immensely, especially if Lorenzen can find his form going into to the post season.

There is much time left, but this season has been a fun one and Phillies fans hope it is a season that sees the team return to the promised land.