Ok well, it is pretty clear that the Phils have essentially had a big slump since the All-Star break. I had though it ended several times but ultimately the Phils feel like a different team at the moment. I think they can compete with most teams, they just have to scratch and claw for wins, and scratch and claw to the playoffs at this point. One pitch at a time and stay afloat. I believe the Phillies are 12-20 since the All-Star break.

That being said, the Phillies could get hot you just never know. The Phillies have 74 wins and that still has them in first. Teams that have been chasing the Phillies, may be getting hot but, they still have to get to 74 wins. These teams that are getting hot, better hope they stay hot because I can't imagine the Phillies staying this cold much longer. Even if they don't get hot, at least play better ball than they've been, which shouldn't be hard. These aspects are what make a 162 game season so interesting. A real marathon. I love it.

All that being said, the Phillies lost yesterday to the Royals, 7-4. The Phillies tried their best to stay in this one but, it was not meant to be. Taijuan Walker continues to struggle mightily on the hill. Only lasted three innings. Allowed six runs. Not good.

Props to the Phils bullpen for keeping the boys sort of in the game. They had to last six innings and only allowed a run.

Offensively, four runs is not awesome but, not really infuriated by it.

Suarez Returns!

Tonight, Ranger Suarez returns to start for the Phillies for the first time in over a month! Suarez was struggling prior to going down with an injury, but he is having an awesome career year and overall is still a solid pitcher. Really looking forward to see how he looks.

Hopefully he can handle this dangerous Royals' team tonight.

A video about Ranger from a few months ago.

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