After a winning record through May, the Phillies have won just 4 out of 13 games to start June. The reason: The Phillies’ upstart pitching staff – which had covered the team’s poor offense – has been exposed, posting a 4.77 ERA so far this month. Another reason is that the team’s poor offense hasn’t improved, producing just a .220 average and a .671 OPS to start the month.
Future Phils Hall of Famer Ryan Howard (.153 avg, .571 OPS) has contributed to the low-run production, and has subsequently played his way out of the lineup. Former catching prospect Tommy Joseph, who already has seven home runs with the big club, has since been named the full time starter. With Howard’s benching, seniority officially means nothing. Only results matter. So as the team sinks down the NL East standings, here are a few more starters vulnerable to lose their jobs:
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Freddy Galvis – The Venezuelan has played excellent defense this season, showing exciting range and staying on pace to commit less than 10 errors this year. Still, with a .618 OPS and Phillies’ top prospect J.P. Crawford knocking on the Triple-A door, expect Galvis to step aside by September.
Cesar Hernandez – If he isn’t gone entirely, Galvis might end up moving over to 2B if Hernandez isn’t careful. Cesar ranks 19th in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among starters at his position. Galvis is probably better defensively at his position and is providing similar offensive production. Plus, Hernandez is more prone to mistakes on the basepaths. In short, Galvis may replace Hernandez by season’s end.
Cody Asche – If not for a spring training injury to Aaron Altherr and an anemic outfield offense not named Odubel Herrera, it’s possible Asche would not even be with the organization. Now back from injury, Asche is starting in left field, but the career .245 hitter likely won’t have the offensive punch to fight off Triple-A prospect Nick Williams, who has warmed up at the plate recently in his bid for a big league call-up.
Out with the old and in with the new — that’s what rebuilding is all about. In hopes of a better future, the Phillies organization is hoping today’s struggling starters will give way to tomorrow’s winning players.
For more Phillies commentary and analysis, follow Michael on Twitter @mcollazo215.
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