Gabe Kapler called Monday night’s loss at Fenway Park a “punch in the face” after the Phillies’ punchless offense failed to rally around Aaron Nola’s dominant night. But the Phillies still woke up this morning with a first-place lead. That could change tonight, as the Phillies enter Tuesday with just a half-game lead over Atlanta, which will play those lousy Marlins while the Phillies try to fend off the Red Sox.
The trade deadline will come three hours before Tuesday’s first pitch, and the Phillies need to be active. They can surely use another hitter after scoring only seven runs during a four-game losing streak, and their bullpen can use an extra arm for the stretch run.