Uh yeah, it's wild thinking of new ways to write about the Phillies losing again. I guess it's a unique challenge. At least when the Sixers stunk last season the games were often every other day. With the Titans that pain came only once a week. A loss every day is just brutal.
For the second game straight though, the Phillies fought a bit better. They held the lead on two occasions. After a Trea Turner homer, his third of the season, that gave the Phillies a two run lead in the third. Then Bryce Harper hit his sixth of the season in the fifth that gave the Phillies a one run lead. But the Braves always responded. Rookie Andrew Painter did his best on the mound but ultimately couldn't keep the Braves at bay enough. He got through 5 2/3 innings of work allowing 5 runs.
Since catcher J.T. Realmuto has been sent to the 10-day injured list due to a back injury, Garrett Stubbs has been called up to play a bit. Stubbs is a fan favorite and is sort of permanently in AAA and sparingly used in the bigs. 2024 was the last time he saw significant playing time. He seems to be a good guy to have around the clubhouse, he just brings food energy. He's been known as the "Chief Vibes Officer". It's a unique, valuable role. Stubbs has skills too though! He's a solid catcher and even went 2 for 4 yesterday! The guy is just a legend. It stinks he's in the lineup because Realmuto is injured but maybe his pleasant presence can turn out to be a positive. There's been some rumors Stubbs may be traded so if that's the case it will be nice to see him suit up a couple more times as a Phillie. Rafael March谩n, the current backup catcher, is batting .086 right now though so maybe the Phillies will consider keeping Stubbs around longer.
Zack Wheeler is set to start for the first time in 2026 tonight so that's another massive bonus. He's the Phillies' true ace so let's hope he can come to the rescue! The game is currently delayed due to rain so we'll have some slightly later baseball tonight.
This losing has to end soon, I sense a victory coming shortly! Hopefully tonight.
