Will 2023 Change the “September Phillies” Narrative? Series Preview: Phillies at Brewers, August 1 – 3
Photo via NBC Sports Philadelphia
With an epic ninth-inning comeback on the first, Bryce Harper’s curtain call on the thirtieth, and everything in between, we all know how special August was for the Philadelphia Phillies. In Michael Lorenzen’s first start in front of his new home crowd, he tossed nine hitless innings, becoming the thirteenth pitcher in Phillies history to throw a nine-inning no-hitter. $300 million shortstop Trea Turner turned his then-sluggish season around after receiving a standing ovation from fans at Citizens Bank Park. Turner went on to post a 1.044 OPS, including nine home runs, nine doubles, and a triple in the month of August, seemingly breaking out of a season-long slump that has held back his offense and defense all year long. Bryce Harper and the Phillies smacked a franchise record 59 home runs in August, with the last one being the 300th in Bryce Harper’s career.
It may not be August anymore, but the Phillies have no reason to take their feet off the pedal now. The Phillies are three games in front of the Chicago Cubs for the first Wild Card spot, which would give the Phils home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
However, a strong September will be no easy task. The Phillies have a challenging schedule for the final month of the season, one that includes ten games against division leaders and another seven games against the rival New York Mets. If the Phils want to be successful, they’ll have to swing like it’s August.
The Phillies will begin this home stretch against the 74-59 Milwaukee Brewers, who have been one of baseball’s hotter teams of late.
Last Time They Met
Not too long after the all-star break in mid-July, the Brewers came to Philadelphia in what turned out to be a disappointing series for the Phillies.
After a narrow 4-3 victory in game one, it seemed as if the Phillies were cruising, having won four of their first five games in the second half of the season. However, the Phillies’ offense faltered in the final two games of the series. In game two, the Phillies lost, 5-3, and in the rubber match the following day, they were shut out by all-star starter Corbin Burnes.
Interestingly, the two teams have been on very similar paces since they last met. The Brewers are 20-16 since July 21 while the Phillies are 22-15.
Some Philly Reinforcements
Happy September! If it were a few years ago, we would (hopefully) see the Phillies bring up some of their top prospects with rosters expanding from 25 to 40, but that, unfortunately, is no longer the case. Instead, the active roster will only increase by two players, from 26 to 28.
What makes this newer rule even less fun is that the Phillies won’t get to make any September call-ups. This morning, the Phillies reinstated left-handed starter Ranger Suarez and outfielder Christian Pache from the injured list. Suarez missed a few starts because of a nagging hamstring issue, and Pache was put on the shelf after it was discovered that a loose screw in his elbow needed to be removed. With both of these guys coming back today, September 1, the Phillies do not have to make a corresponding roster move unless they plan to recall someone from the minor leagues.
Suarez, who is getting the start in game three, has posted a 3.88 ERA in 17 starts in 2023. Suarez did not go on a minor league rehab assignment, but according to Phillies’ manager Rob Thomson, he will have a limited pitch count. Pache will likely serve as a defensive replacement on days when Kyle Schwarber starts in left field, and he may draw starts with a lefty on the mound. In 37 at-bats against left-handed pitchers this season, Pache has a .405 average and a 1.135 OPS.
A Potent ‘Pen
Many people are starting to refer to the Brewers as a high-leverage reliever factory, and it’s really not that much of an exaggeration. Despite not having Josh Hader, the Brewers still have one of the best bullpens in baseball, headlined by all-star closer Devin Williams.
Williams, who boasts obscene numbers, has 31 saves and 74 strikeouts in 49.1 innings of work. Former Phillie Hoby Milner has a 2.18 ERA in 60 appearances this season, and Joel Payamps, who has been working in the seventh or eighth inning, has a 2.05 ERA and .93 WHIP in 61.1 innings. Abner Uribe, who got called up from the Minors in July, has impressed with elite stuff at the big-league level. Even the Brewers’ bulk man, Bryse Wilson, has a strong 2.95 ERA in 64 innings of work.
Not only will this be a good challenge for the Phillies’ equally-potent offense, but this will also be a test for the Phillies’ pitching. Needless to say, the Brewers are not the team to allow first-inning runs against, so that recent narrative will have to change.
Game Times and Broadcasts
- Friday, September 1, at 8:10pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
- Saturday, September 2, at 7:15 pm ET on FOX, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
- Sunday, September 3, at 1:05 pm ET on Peacock, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 10-6, 3.59 ERA) vs. Freddy Peralta (RHP, 11-8, 3.95 ERA)
Game 2: Aaron Nola (RHP, 12-8, 4.30 ERA) vs. TBD
Game 3: Ranger Suarez (LHP, 2-6, 3.88 ERA) vs. Wade Miley (LHP, 7-3, 3.17 ERA)
By the Numbers
- Record
- Phillies: 74-59
- Brewers: 74-59
- Run Differential
- Phillies: 73
- Brewers: 21
- Runs Scored Per Game
- Phillies: 4.89
- Brewers: 4.38
- Runs Allowed Per Game
- Phillies: 4.34
- Brewers: 4.22
