CHICAGO – Many people were yawning and moving slowly around the Phillies on Monday before their game against the Chicago White Sox, as a ground delay in New York on Sunday prevented the team from departing for Chicago until approximately midnight. If they hoped for some excitement during their game at Rate Field, there was none to be found in front of a small crowd. Although the Phillies took a two-run lead early in the game, there wasn’t enough energy to maintain it, as they ended up losing 6-2 to the White Sox.
The starting pitcher, Cristopher Sánchez, struggled during the initial innings, and he unexpectedly allowed two two-run home runs, one hit by Colson Montgomery, a left-handed batter, in the third inning and another by Luis Robert, Jr. in the fourth.
Four runs, two hits,” said Sánchez, who dropped to 9-3 on the season after allowing those four runs in 6.2 innings. “We need to keep pushing and fighting. That’s why I was able to stay out for a few more innings. I don’t want to make excuses, but yes, we had a long day yesterday, a very long day. I felt a bit sluggish. Also, the weather was extremely humid today. But that was just part of it. I did feel a little uneasy on the field.
The entire night seemed a bit strange, partly because of the lackluster environment at the stadium, and partly because of watching Sánchez have a tough start. Allowing a home run to a left-handed batter is something he doesn’t often do.
He just threw a breaking ball, and the home run to Robert was a changeup that didn’t have its usual movement,” said Rob Thomson. “After the second or third inning, Sanchy mentioned he felt a bit tired. He wasn’t sure if it was from traveling, coming off a complete game, or the humidity, but by the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, he turned it on and got the finish back on his pitches.
Even his fastball and slider didn’t appear to have the usual sharpness. However, he found his rhythm in the fifth inning.
However, the harm was already done by the White Sox, and they moved to 39-68 on the season, while the Phillies fell to 60-46.
The anxiety that the game might be lengthy following the challenges of the previous day became evident in the first inning when Chicago’s starting pitcher, Davis Martin, struck out Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper. Harper managed to get a bit of payback in the third inning by driving in two runs with a single to left field, putting the Phillies ahead 2-0. However, this lead was brief as Chicago began to showcase their power with home runs off Sánchez.
We struck the ball with some power,” said Thomson. “I believed Schwarb had a few solid plate appearances, Harper. Most of the left-handed hitters. Kemp hit the ball to the wall. I thought our swings were decent.
Not up to par on this sweltering and humid evening. Although no one wants to make excuses, the postponement on Sunday in New York likely didn’t help.
Mum’s the word
As Thursday’s trade deadline draws near, Rob Thomson faced questions about what might be happening. Dave Dombrowski, the team’s president of baseball operations, has been with the team throughout the road trip.
There have been discussions, but I don’t think we’re definitely near agreement on anything,” Thomson stated. “We had great discussions. I mean truly great discussions.” When asked if there were topics talked about that would enhance the team, Thomson replied: “I believe so. I trust others when it comes to that kind of matter. They are the ones who assess it. I think we all share the same perspective.
The most prominent name associated with the Phillies in multiple reports is Eugenio Suarez, a powerful-hitting infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has hit 36 home runs and recorded 87 RBIs this season. Suarez has appeared in all but one game this year at third base. On Friday against Pittsburgh, he played first base. He exited Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers after being hit by a pitch on his right hand.
Robertson sees action
A newly signed veteran left-handed pitcher, David Robertson, made an appearance in Lehigh Valley on Saturday night. He pitched one inning and recorded a peculiar stat line of allowing three hits without surrendering any runs. Robertson threw 12 pitches, 10 of which were strikes.
Good,” said Rob Thomson about Robertson’s performance. “He’s going to pitch again (Tuesday) for an inning. And, yes, figure out where we stand after that. He was at 92 (miles-per-hour) and I think he allowed three singles. He threw a runner out at the plate, so he didn’t give up any runs. He didn’t strike anyone out and I don’t think he walked anyone. So basically it was fastball, slider, twelve pitches. Yeah, hopefully (he’ll be called up). We’ll see.
Following his signing last week, the Phillies sent Robertson, 40, to Lehigh Valley, where he is required to remain for a minimum of 15 days.
What’s the latest on Alec Bohm?
Third baseman Alec Bohm is working to return to the lineup as quickly as possible. He joined the team on Sunday in New York, and on Monday in Chicago, he was on the field doing some sprints and other activities. “Bohm feels better today,” said Thomson. “I think he’s going to attempt some glove work with Bobby (Dickerson), not ground balls, but glove work. Perhaps some dry swings either today or tomorrow.”
Bohm is recovering from a broken rib he sustained on July 12 following a pitch from Yu Darvish.
Ryne Sandberg passes
Previous Phillies manager and Hall of Fame second basemanRyne Sandberg died on Monday.Following a struggle with cancer, Sandberg passed away at the age of 65.
