Phils pick up recently released Bernadina

August 21, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Center field has become a problem for the Phillies, since losing Ben Revere to a broken foot back in July.

They claimed Casper Wells off waivers in an attempt to improve their outfield depth, now the Phillies are turning to the recently released Roger Bernadina.

Bats couldn't recover from Cloyd's rough start

August 20, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

Give credit to Tyler Cloyd. He got off to a rough start on Tuesday night, but was able to settle down in the latter half of his outing.

Unfortunately, the Phillies' bats couldn't drive in enough runs to catch up with the Colorado Rockies and lost 5-3.

Phils win 5-4, Sandberg's second win arrives quicker

August 19, 2013

Box Score (from MLB.com)

By Nick Tricome

It took two shutouts from the Dodgers before Ryne Sandberg got his first win as the Phillies' manager, but the second was earned much sooner.

The Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies 5-4 on Monday night for their second win in a row and just their fifth in the month of August.

The Charlie Manuel era is over, but it still hasn't sunk in

August 17, 2013

By Nick Tricome

It's a day after the fact, but it still may not have fully sunk in yet.

Still, it is nonetheless true. Charlie Manuel is no longer the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Boston Globe report reveals tough times for Schilling

August 13, 2013

By Nick Tricome

August 2 was a night of celebration at Citizens Bank Park. 

Brad Lidge officially retired as a Phillie the night before, then it was Curt Schilling's time to be inducted into the Phillies' Wall of Fame.

It was a chance to reflect on Schilling's tenure in Philadelphia and his role on the 1993 team that won the NL pennant, especially.

But little did anyone in the stadium know, amidst all the joy in the air, that the past couple years have been tough for the former pitcher.

Hamels pitches gem, Asche homers in Manuels 1,000th win

August 12, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

It took some time, but it finally happened.

Fresh off of being swept by the Nationals over the weekend, and after having to sit through an almost two-hour rain delay, the Phillies snapped an 11-game road losing streak and gave Charlie Manuel his 1,000th win as a manager.

Cole Hamels pitched a gem in Atlanta on Monday night, throwing a complete game with nine strikeouts in the Phils' 5-1 win.

Weekend Recap: Where's the fight?

August 12, 2013

By Nick Tricome

The Phillies gave Cliff Lee a 4-0 lead on Saturday night, but the game ended with the Nationals on top 8-5, after the bullpen blew yet another lead.

Sunday night wasn't any better, with Stephen Strasburg throwing his first complete game in a 6-0 shutout of the Phils.

Strasburg allowed just four hits that game, completing the first sweep of the Phillies in D.C.'s Nationals Park.

The weekend sweep made the Phillies losers in 17 of their last 20 games and they have a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves up next on the schedule.

Nats give Lannan a hard time in Phils' 9-2 loss

August 9, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

These two teams had playoff expectations in the spring, but now even a .500 record has proven to be a bit much for them to achieve.

The Phillies and Nationals are both well out of NL East contention at this point and the same goes for a wild card spot.

So a series that could have been a pivotal point in deciding who would sit atop the division by the end of September, is now nothing more than a competition for bragging rights.

The Phillies didn't get off to a good start on that one, though, as they lost the series opener 9-2.

Delmon Young designated for assignment

August 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome

When the Phillies claimed outfielder Casper Wells off waivers Thursday, they opted to hold off on making the roster move until they headed to Washington to open up a road series with the Nationals on Friday.

The time has come and the Phillies have made their move. Wells has been added to the club's active roster, while Delmon Young has been designated for assignment to make room.

16-year old prospect inked by Phils

August 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome

The Phillies made another splash in the international market on Friday, adding a Dominican third baseman to the club's system.

Oh yeah, and he's only 16.

The Phillies signed Luis Encarnacion, who is considered the fourth best international prospect by Baseball America.

Rollins clears waivers, likely not going anywhere

August 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Like Michael Young from earlier Thursday, shortstop Jimmy Rollins has cleared waivers. He is now eligible for a trade to any team, provided he waive his full no-trade clause.

Phils rout Cubs, win series

August 8, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zachary Geibler

On Thursday afternoon, the Phillies won there first series since the All-Star break. Lighting up the scoreboard and the Cubs, to win 12-1.

Chase Utley, a "Phillie for life," gets contract extension

August 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Chase Utley was already a great second baseman for the Phillies and the rest of the Major Leagues as well, but he solidified his place in Phillies' history in 2008.

He jump started the World Series with a two-run homer in the first inning of game one. Then he made an iconic play, when game five finally resumed, where he faked a throw to first and got the ball home instead to catch Jason Bartlett at the plate.

Then when it was all said and done and the Phillies were on top of the baseball world, Utley stood in front of over 45,000 fans at Citizens Bank Park and said directly into the microphone, "World Fucking Champions!"

Heading into this season, in the final year of his contract, there was a good bit of uncertainty on how much longer Utley would be wearing red pinstripes. But all of that uncertainty is gone now.

Outfielder Casper Wells claimed off waivers

August 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome

The Phillies have claimed outfielder Casper Wells off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.

Wells will be added to the roster will be added to the roster when the team travels to Washington on Friday.

Young clears waivers, could still be traded

August 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome

The July 31 trade deadline already passed, but there still may be a chance that Michael Young could be dealt.

Three-run homer in the ninth puts Phils away

August 7, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

It would have made the story of the night even better.

In the midst of reports that Chase Utley had reached a contract extension with the Phillies, he came in to pinch-hit in the seventh, with John Mayberry Jr. at third, and ripped a single into center to score Mayberry and tie the game 2-2.

Utley would try to score from second off a Kevin Frandsen single with one out, but Cubs catcher Dioner Navarro got the throw home and tagged him out at the plate. However, it was at the cost of getting knocked out of the game with an injury, after Utley slid and collided into Navarro at the plate.

The whole thing could have resulted in the Phillies taking the lead late in the game, but it ended up with Navarro taking one for the team in order to preserve the tie, which eventually led to the Cubs taking Wednesday night's game 5-2.

Utley, Phils agree to extension. He's here to stay

August 7, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Chase Utley got the night off for Wednesday's game against the Cubs, and this might be the reason why.

Utley has reportedly agreed to a contract extension with the Phillies, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury (via Twitter).

The 34-year old second baseman has played all 11 seasons of his Major League career in Philadephia and now it looks like any future seasons he has left will be in Philadelphia as well.

Diekman, De Fratus and a bobblehead

August 7, 2013

By Nick Tricome

The Phillies will be giving fans at Citizens Bank Park a Cole Hamels bobblehead for their game against the Colorado Rockies on August 21.

Although the game is a couple weeks away, Cole's teammates Justin De Fratus and Jake Diekman got their hands on a bobblehead early and took to Instagram and Vine to have some fun with Cole look-alike.

Halladay is on his way back

August 7, 2013

By Nick Tricome

With the Phillies now 17 games back of first in the National League East, there really isn't much left to get excited about this season.

Granted, it would have been a lot more exciting if the Phillies were still in contention for October, but it looks like Roy Halladay is close to coming back.

Talks with Cuban pitcher Gonzalez reportedly stalled, cause for concern?

August 7, 2013

By Nick Tricome

News broke that the Phillies signed Cuban righthander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez at the end of July, but there hasn't been anything on Gonzalez since then.

No official announcement of the signing, no word of preparations for the Majors. Nothing.

Should that be a cause for concern?

Phillies break losing streak against Cubs

August 6, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies hoped to end there major cold streak in a three-game series with one of the weaker National League teams in the Chicago Cubs. The first game of the series was scheduled for 7:00 pm at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies won a close one 9-8.

Brown activated, Nix designated for assignment

August 6, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Domonic Brown has been activated from the seven-day concussion disabled list and Laynce Nix has been designated for assignment, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.

Bastardo named in Biogenesis scandal, suspended for rest of the season

August 5, 2013

By Nick Tricome

UPDATE: Phillies president David Montgomery issued a statement on Bastardo, following the official announcement of the suspensions.

"Obviously, the Phillies are very disappointed to learn of Antonio Bastardo's violation of Major League Baseball's Drug Program. We strongly believe in the Program and look forward to a time when performance-enhancing drugs are completely out of baseball. Hopefully the sanctions announced today will bring us closer to that day. We respect the fact that Antonio has acknowledged his serious mistake and accepted his 50-game suspension."

MLB commissioner Bud Selig also issued a statement concerning all of the suspensions handed out on Monday as a result of the Biogenesis scandal, which you can read by clicking here.

ORIGINAL
Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez have been the poster children for the Biogenesis scandal, but that doesn't mean the Phillies will take a hit from it all.

With suspensions set to be announced at 3 P.M. on Monday, word has gotten out that Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo will be one of the players getting a 50-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's substance policy.

Another day, another game back

August 4, 2013

Box Score(From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies came into Sunday's game trying to avoid a sweep from division leading Braves. With the offensive struggles the teams has had, wins have been few and far between. Sunday night's ESPN game was no different, as the Phillies lost 4-1.

Alumni weekend not going well, Phillies lose again

August 3, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

Amongst the cheery feelings of Alumni weekend where Phillies greats like Curt Schilling and Darren Daulton were shown love by the Philadelphia fan base, the Phillies were slowly deteriorating.

The Phillies were trying to avoid losing their fifth series in a row. In an extra inning battle, the Phillies lost to the Braves by a score of 5-4.

Phillies lose to Braves, fall deeper into trouble

August 2, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies opened a three game series against division leader Atlanta Braves on Friday night. With a very low probability of a playoff run, the Phillies sat 13.5 games out of first place. The Phillies lost the game 6-4.

Blown save and offensive collapse leads to Phils loss

August 1, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies went into Thursday night's game with the intentions of winning their first series since before the All-Star break. With many alumni to come and go throughout the weekend, the 2013 Phillies were trying to beat the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies lost 2-1.

Lidge retires as a Phillie to kick off Alumni Weekend

August 1, 2013

By Nick Tricome

It's been almost five years since Brad Lidge threw the last pitch in the 2008 World Series, yet he still hasn't found a good way of explaining what it was like to win it all.

"It was an incredible feeling," Lidge said. "I try to describe it, but it's still indescribable. It was the greatest feeling you could have as a baseball player, I believe."

The former closer was the focus of a Thursday afternoon press conference at Citizens Bank Park, where he retired as a Phillie to kick off the team's alumni weekend.

No trades, no wins.

July 31, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

After a horrible road trip, the Phillies won their first game back in Philadelphia against the Giants. They hoped the momentum would carry on through the rest of the series, but sadly the Giants offense returned with a vengeance, beating the Phillies 9-2.

Phils break eight-game losing streak, beat Giants.

July 30, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies needed a win and they needed it badly. Their playoff hopes had been all but shattered with the recent eight-game losing streak.  But the win was still needed though, to remind everyone that they, as a team, were still breathing. That win came Tuesday night when the Phillies beat the Giants 7-3.

Top prospect Asche to get call up, Young trade could be coming

July 30, 2013

By Nick Tricome

UPDATE: Michael Young will only waive his no-trade clause for a trade back to the Texas Rangers, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal via Twitter.

MLB.com originally reported that sources told them a reunion with the Rangers was not happening, but now it's possible that Texas could be the Phillies' only trade partner.

Stay tuned...

ORIGNAL
This is probably the heads up that Michael Young is on his way out of Philadelphia.

Third baseman Cody Asche is getting called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will join the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park for their series against the San Francisco Giants.

Like it or not, Papelbon has a point

July 29, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Before the Detroit Tigers handed the Phillies their eighth consecutive loss on Sunday afternoon, Jonathan Papelbon made opinions known.

"I definitely didn't come here for this," he said to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

It's understandable, when he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the team prior to the 2012 season, he was supposed to help what was a winning team in the five years before, continue to do so.

The Phillies missed the playoffs in 2012 and after a deflating road trip coming back from the All-Star break, it looks like they will be missing October again.

When Zolecki asked him about the direction of the club, Papelbon responded with, "Oh, man. We could be here all day."

However, Papelbon also has an idea on what it will take for the Phillies to get back in the right direction.

After a frustrating road trip, what's next?

July 29, 2013

By Nick Tricome

At this point, the season gets more and more frustrating by the day.

The Phillies lost Sunday's series finale to the Detroit Tigers 12-4 to get swept for the second straight series and lose their eighth straight game.

So far, the second half of the season has been a disaster, putting any last hopes of making the postseason out of reach at this point. The Phillies are third in the National League East, sitting seven games below .500 with a 49-56 record.

They are now 11 games back of the first place Atlanta Braves (60-45), who now sit comfortably at the top of the division after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend. They are also 9.5 games out of a wild card spot.

With the non-waiver trade deadline just two days way, it's safe to say the Phillies are sellers at this point.

It's understandably tough for fans to see a team that has had so much success in recent years fall like this, but it's tough for the team as well.

Phils shutout 10-0, losing streak hits seven games

July 27, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

The downward spiral the Phillies have been on since returning from the All-Star break just seems to keep going with no end in sight.

The Detroit Tigers shutout the Phillies in embarrassing fashion on Saturday night, winning by a score of 10-0 and extending the Phillies' losing streak to seven games.

Gonzalez signing signifies retool instead of rebuild

July 26, 2013

By Nick Tricome

At this point, the Phillies will probably be sellers at the trade deadline, after losing their sixth straight game to Detroit on Friday night to fall to 49-54.

Although the 2013 season may be lost, that didn't stop the Phillies from spending nearly $60 million while they struggled to get hits off the Tigers.

The Phillies signed Cuban righthander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, 26, to a six-year deal with $48 million guaranteed, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Gonzalez will also have an option for a seventh-year worth $11 million.

Make it six

July 26, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

It just keeps getting worse.

After getting swept in St. Louis, the Phillies headed to Detroit on Friday night, only to get handed their sixth straight loss in a 2-1 defeat to the Tigers.

They got swept

July 25, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

Yup, the headline sums this one up pretty well.

The Cardinals won 3-1 on Thursday night, sweeping the Phillies and handing them their fifth straight loss.

Zambrano given unconditional release

July 25, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Carlos Zambrano, we hardly got to know you.

The Phillies gave the 32-year old righthander his unconditional release on Thursday, after signing him to a minor-league deal back in May.

Phils lose fourth straight

July 24, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

So, there are now five games left until the trade deadline and the Phillies' situation has only gotten worse.

The Cardinals handed the Phillies their fourth straight loss in an 11-3 defeat on Wednesday night, taking away that much more hope that the Phillies would be able to go on one more run to the postseason.

UPDATED: Brown to seven-day DL

July 24, 2013

By Nick Tricome

UPDATE: Domonic Brown has been placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list and won't be able to return by Friday as he originally hoped.

The Phillies called up outfielder Steve Susdorf from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and moved reliever Jeremy Horst to the 60-day DL in reaction to Brown's DL placement.

Susdorf, 27, was drafted by the Phillies in the 19th round of the 2008 MLB Amatuer Draft. After 70 games with Lehigh Valley this season, he is hitting .335 with a .419 on-base percentage and 25 RBIs.

Susdorf has a .304 batting average and a .380 on-base percentage in two seasons (154 games) at the Triple-A level.

ORIGINAL
Domonic Brown is out of the lineup for Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The All-Star leftfielder is being tested for a concussion according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki (via Twitter).

Martinez recalled, Quintero designated for assignment

July 24, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Seriously? Again?

Alright... Michael Martinez has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while Humberto Quintero has been desiganted for assignment.

Phils lose to Cardinals, time is running out

July 23, 2012

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome

The Phillies were in a pretty good situation coming back from the All-Star break.

They were at the .500 mark and looked to make up some serious ground on the National League East leading Atlanta Braves, after finishing off the first half of the season with a good homestand.

But man, have the Phillies not capitalized on a good opportunity. They dropped two of three to the Mets and were handed their third straight loss via a 4-1 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.

Savery to DL, Valdes recalled

July 23, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Reliever Joe Savery is heading to the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his left elbow.

The Phillies recalled Raul Valdes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Savery's spot in the bullpen.

Phillies lose series to Mets

July 21, 2013

Box Score(From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

The Phillies tried to win their series against the Mets on Sunday Afternoon, but they ran into offensive woes and a dominant Matt Harvey. The Phillies were shut out 5-0.

Kratz is back

July 21, 2013

By Nick Tricome

Erik Kratz is back in the lineup and will be catching for Cliff Lee this afternoon.

Rollins, Utley homer in Phillies loss

July 20, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

After thrashing the Met’s offense the night before, the Phillies had an early game at Citi Field on Saturday afternoon. They lost the game by a score of 5-4.

Phillies start second half with a bang

July 19, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler

Citi Field hosted the All Star game festivities earlier in the week. On Tuesday night the league’s best mustered up a meek 3-0 game, the win going to the AL. On Friday night at Citi Field, the offense of these National League teams was quite the opposite. The Phillies out-slugged the Mets 13-8.

This is it

July 19, 2013

By Nick Tricome

A World Series title, back-to-back National League pennants and five straight division titles.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball over the past few years. But after missing the playoffs last year and having some core, yet aging, players in the final year of their contracts this season, 2013 could very well be the Phillies' last shot at October for a while.

The first half of the season has had its up and downs and ended with the Phillies at the .500 mark, but now they have to take full advantage of the second half to make one last run to the postseason.

It won't be easy.

Cliff Lee is not amused

July 16, 2013

By Nick Tricome




Mets fans booed Cliff Lee at the All-Star game during introductions. His reaction? None at all.

(GIF from Bill Baer of Crashburn Alley)

Phillies take series, reach .500 for All Star break

July 15, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler 

The Phillies tried to take the series against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The win would give them a .500 record at the All Star Break.

The Phillies beat out the White Sox in 10 innings by a score of 4-3.

Losing Revere is an injury the Phillies couldn't afford

July 14, 2013

By Nick Tricome

UPDATE: Revere will have surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

ORIGINAL

Ben Revere didn't get off to the best of starts in April. He hit .200 and had a .234 on-base percentage for the month, causing many fans to speculate or even give up entirely on the idea of having the 25-year old as the Phillies' centerfielder for the long-term future.

But Revere turned things around pretty quickly, batting .347 since May 1 and becoming one the Phillies' most consistent hitters.

So when Revere broke his foot in the last at-bat of the first game in Saturday's doubleheader, it was a big loss for the Phillies.