PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies were not at panic stations Monday.
But on the back of a 1-9 stretch, they were close enough to have to explain why they weren’t panicking.
The message from manager Rob Thomson hewed to the same line as usual: Get back to basics, keep the same process, understand that storms pass.
“All these guys are doing the right things, as far as preparation, playing hard,” Thomson said. “I think the energy level is up. But, of course, the frustration level is up as well. And (we) just got to ride the wave, don’t get too high, don’t get too low, just keep playing.”
Thomson took the longer view. The Phillies are 5-10 in their last 15, dampened by a 1-5 trip to Toronto and Pittsburgh. It’s the first time they’ve lost nine of 10 games since 2019. But Thomson highlighted a 3-12 stretch last year that they overcame to win 95 games.
Which, since Thomson opened the door to it, can be zoomed into even more, to his possible chagrin.
The Phillies were 61-32 with a plus-132 run differential on July 11 last year after a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They finished the season 34-35 with a minus-10. This year, they carried a 37-28 record into Monday’s opener against the Chicago Cubs and a plus-15 run differential.
That’s a 71-63 record with a minus-4 run differential over the last 11 months.
Subtract the seven times they drubbed the subterranean Rockies and all of a sudden, they’re 30-28 this year with a minus-9 run differential.
Those uncomfortable facts aside, the Phillies front office acted with faith in their core that they could get over the hump and win a world title. That’s the spirit that remains in the clubhouse.
“I think that’s the biggest thing: that experience always prevails,” said Kyle Schwarber, one of the few not struggling with the bat. “If you’ve experienced things and you’ve come out on the other side of it, you know how to navigate the water. And I think that’s the biggest thing, knowing that we’ve kind of been here in these situations before. We’ve come out on the other side. So it’s being able to have the sense of urgency still, but also make sure that everyone’s attitudes, everyone’s expectations, and everyone’s demeanor stays the same.”
Schwarber stressed the need to do the little things right and get back to basics. In the first three innings Monday, the Phillies responded with an error, Edmundo Sosa getting thrown out at second trying to stretch a base hit and Trea Turner getting picked off first.
But the vibe in the room is good, at least. Thomson reiterated that it isn’t a closed-door-meeting type of group. The message that things need to be better is reinforced enough that the manager and veteran leaders need not formally preach it.
And everyone’s still happy to be there, Schwarber says.
“Everyone’s excited to walk in the clubhouse,” he said. “I think that’s the great thing about here, is that we’ve created something really cool that everyone looks forward to coming in and everyone looks forward to getting to work, everyone looks forward to doing their work, and then everyone looks forward to playing a game. And we expect to win when we walk out. And I think that’s what hurts even more, is when you don’t win.”
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Rookie Otto Kemp drew his third big league start. He began his career 0-for-6 before singling in the fifth inning, getting to third on an error and scoring on Weston Wilson’s dunker. Kemp had worked a walk Sunday off Paul Skenes.
“He’s a pro,” Thomson said. “He’s got some swagger to him. He’s played good defense. I liked his at bats against Skenes yesterday. He held his own. … I just like his demeanor and his presence.”
Kemp batted .313 with 14 homers and 55 RBIs at Lehigh Valley. He’s been playing third, but Thomson said he could get looks at first if he can get acclimated while Bryce Harper is out.
“He’s fit right in, and the way that he gets right to work when he walks in the door, it’s going to be exciting for him,” Schwarber said. “And I think it’s going to be a matter of time that we’re going to have a really cool moment for him. I’m excited to see what he’s able to do up here.”
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With the Phillies’ offense flailing, questions gravitate toward a change in hitting coach. Thomson strenuously defended Kevin Long’s job.
“I think Kevin’s the best hitting coach in baseball, and I think these guys listen to him,” Thomson said. “He’s a tireless worker. He’s great with the players. Obviously he’s knowledgeable, but he also tells them the truth, and they respect that.”
Long and Thomson worked together for most of their tenures with the Yankees, where they won the 2009 World Series. Long also won a title with Washington in 2019. He’s been with the Phillies since 2022 and is held in high esteem by Harper, Schwarber and Turner, all of whom he worked with in Washington.
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NOTES >> Harper (wrist) and Aaron Nola (ankle/side) met with team doctors Monday evening. Thomson said Nola, who has not thrown since the side issue cropped up, felt better. … Andrew Painter will throw twice in a week for the first time since his return. He’ll start Tuesday for Lehigh Valley and again Sunday on four day’s rest. As such, his pitch count will be pulled back to around five innings/75 pitches Tuesday and possibly less on Sunday. Painter has a 3.86 ERA in five starts (21 innings) with the IronPigs, with 11 walks and 25 strikeouts. … Mick Abel (1-0, 0.79 ERA) will make his third start Tuesday night, opposed by the Cubs’ Colin Rea (4-2, 3.59). Jesus Luzardo (5-2, 4.46) will try to avoid a third straight disastrous start in Wednesday’s getaway, up against Ben Brown (3-4, 5.37).
Source: Berkshire mont