With flyball pitcher Vince Velasquez on the mound for the opener of a last-gasp series against the Braves, manager Gabe Kapler made the calculated decision to start his best defensive outfield. That meant Aaron Altherr in left field, with Rhys Hoskins moving to first base and Carlos Santana shifting to third. Sure enough, all three were involved in questionable plays that led to an 8-3 loss, one that leaves the Phillies 6 1/2 games behind the Braves with 10 games to play.
"In a perfect world, we have our best outfield defense, our best infield defense, and our best offense," Kapler said.