Series Preview: Giants at Phillies, May 30 – June 1

The Phillies are going to take a second to regroup, as they head back down to Philly. The Phillies were just swept in a three-game series against the Mets. Poor pitching from relievers in big situations is what hurt the Phillies in New York. The Giants are coming to town with former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler. They are coming off a series loss to the Reds, losing two out of three games.

The Giants had a few signings in the offseason, but none of the big names came to San Francisco. The Giants signed Joc Pederson and Matthew Boyd to on-year deals. They also re-signed Curt Casali and Mike Yastrzemski. Their big signing of the offseason, Carlos Rodon, has been off to a slow start. He has a 3.60 ERA and a 4-4 record. These numbers are not bad, but they do not compare to his 2021 season with the White Sox.

You have probably heard some headlines surrounding Joc Pederson, as he was slapped in the face by Tommy Pham over a fantasy football dispute.

Many of these players struggled over the past few years, but some have turned it around in 2022.

What will Joe Girardi’s bullpen management look like?

With many Phillies fans now saying they want Joe Girardi fired, it’ll take a well-managed series for Girardi to get the fans’ trust back. The only question is whether his prior actions have already gone too far. Girardi has been relievers in the wrong spots on the daily. In one of the games, he brought in Seranthony Dominquez to throw one pitch. In another game, he brought in Nick Nelson to pitch two innings after Bailey Falter’s good start.

The Phillies bullpen has blown multiple saves against the Mets just this season! The Phillies blew a 7-0 lead against the Mets earlier in the season. They have not yet won a series against the Mets all season. The bullpen has been the weak spot on the Phillies’ roster for many years. Blowing saves is not going to win you games. What will Joe do about this?

Can Schwarber figure it out?

When the Phillies signed OF/DH Kyle Schwarber, the city of Philadelphia went crazy. Kyle Schwarber came up big in his first at-bat of the year on opening day. He hit a leadoff home run and the fans thought that would dictate how the season would go for him. However, that is just not the case. Kyle has started the season hitting just .181 with 10 home runs. Schwarber has just 20 hits in 166 at-bats, not including home runs. Schwarber has been moved around in the lineup, as he tries to find the game that helps his swing. It would be nice if something could click for him sooner rather than later, but it is easier said than done.

Once Schwarber can figure his stuff out, it will be a tremendous addition to this Phillies offense. The offense right now is currently relying on Bryce Harper. That has worked for them in some games, but one player can not drive in all your runs. Schwarber would be hitting .120 without any of his home runs. That is just horrendous and unacceptable.

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Kyle Gibson (RHP, 3-2, 3.94 ERA) vs. Logan Webb (RHP, 5-1, 3.54 ERA)

Game 2: Ranger Suarez (LHP, 4-3, 4.74 ERA) vs. Jakob Junis (RHP, 2-1, 2.76 ERA)

Game 3: Aaron Nola (RHP, 2-4, 3.56 ERA) vs. Carlos Rodon (LHP, 4-4, 3.60 ERA)

The Numbers

• Run Differential:
• Phillies: 4
• Giants: 18

• Run Scored Per Game:
• Phillies: 4.5
• Giants: 5.04

• Runs Allowed Per Game:
• Phillies: 4.42
• Giants: 4.65

Game Times and Broadcasts

• Monday, May 30, at 4:05 ET on MLB Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP
• Tuesday, May 31, at 6:45 ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP
• Wednesday, June 1, at 6:05 ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP