The Philadelphia Phillies’ four-game unbeaten streak ended on Sunday with a 6-4 loss to the Washington Nationals in their home finale of the series.
Pitcher Taijuan Walker’s struggles played a significant role in the defeat. In 4.2 innings, he gave up three earned runs on four hits, issued three walks, and threw 99 pitches, striking out three. Although Walker didn’t receive the loss, he admitted to having an off day, highlighting issues with his strike-throwing and pitch efficiency. “I’m still not throwing enough strikes,” Walker acknowledged, noting his aim to pitch deeper into games. This was his second start after a six-week stint on the injured list due to an inflamed index finger.
Walker’s control issues were evident early; his first three pitches were balls, and he surrendered two home runs. His tendency to allow home runs has been problematic this season, with five given up in his last three starts and a concerning 5.2 percent home run rate for the year.
Matt Strahm officially took the loss, but much of the blame falls on manager Rob Thomson. With the Phillies down 6-4 in the ninth inning, Edmundo Sosa’s single put the tying run at the plate with no outs. Despite having Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto available to pinch-hit, Thomson chose not to use them, allowing Cal Stevenson to hit into a double play. Additionally, Garrett Stubbs, who also failed to deliver, was not replaced.
Harper’s OPS this season (.902) is almost as high as the combined OPS of Stevenson and Stubbs (.998). Thomson’s decision to leave Harper and Realmuto on the bench, despite the immediate need to win, was puzzling, particularly when the team already had a scheduled off-day the following day. Thomson’s rationale for resting them seems weak given the current state of the team and the importance of each win as they approach the playoffs.
The Phillies need to demonstrate more urgency to overcome their recent slump, starting with more strategic decisions from Thomson to avoid losing winnable games.
