GDT: 7/25/2020 Marlins at Phillies

[andyb]

Just getting started. Gosselin in for Bruce at DH. Wheeler vs Caleb Smith.

Villar singles to lead off.

[Lucky_Beagle]

I am pretty sure I never thought he would serve as a DH this season.

[LoneStarPhan]

Wheeler gives up a single to start the game on a hard hit ground ball that hit off him. A K and a DP, 6-3, ends the inning with Wheeler facing only 3 batters, but throwing 15 pitches.

[andyb]

He has been hot, but remember it is just 3 practice games (where Gosselin was in at the end usually).

Why is Garlick on the roster? To hit home runs against LHP was my thought. 1000 OPS with the Dodgers. 1108 in AAA (and 1057 against everybody).

[LoneStarPhan]

Smith has 14 walks in 18 innings worked vs. the Phillies.

McCutchen swings at the first three pitches of the game, down on strikes.

Hoskins walks as Smith throws 6 of first 8 pitches he throws outside the strike zone.

Harper walks but JT strikes out.

Both hitters swinging at first pitch have struck out. Both taking first pitch have walked.

Segura hits fly out to center. Smith throws 22 in the first. 12 for strikes but that includes a couple out of the strike zone that were swung at.

[zambonir]

Garlick's value is having options, he won't be here long, but yes obviously a RH power bat complements Bruce. Whereas Williams just isn't needed on this lefty-heavy team.

Gosselin's ability to play SS/CF and his success as a PH last year may help him hang on, but probably he's gone during one of the roster reductions too (but would hopefully clear waivers). Seeing him as a DH really is a surprise. Yeah, he's hot, and of course it's silly to say this after just 10 innings of baseball, but it seems like Girardi is taking an overly relaxed approach to this short season in terms. With every game counting 2.7 the smallest decisions about line-up or relief pitcher are magnified.

I've also seen it said that with the new format the top 5 or 10 teams can be a bit more laid-back, since seeding isn't going to as big an advantage. But the Phillies are not one of those teams.

[LoneStarPhan]

Another single off Wheeler; another DP, 4-6-3, to keep batters faced to six in the first two innings. Pitch count: 24.

[LoneStarPhan]

Gregorius into the upper deck off the LHP. On a 0-2 count.

Phillies 1-0.

[andyb]

The DPs are a good sign. One could argue the Phillies are better defensively now at 3 infield positions. Kingery>Cesar at 2B. Didi>Segura/Kingery at SS. Segura>Franco/Kingery at 3B.

[Philsmania]

Our first lead of the season!

[Philsmania]

Kingery walks.

[andyb]

And Gosselin walks.

[LoneStarPhan]

Quinn pops up a bunt foul for out one. Doesn't seem like smart play to me with a pitcher having 4 walks and only 3 outs to that point.

[andyb]

Pitch count close to 40 though with only 1 out in the 2nd. A few patient at bats from the top of the lineup and he could be done.

[zambonir]

Harper can't get it done with bases loaded. We'll probably chase Smith but do we want to?

[zambonir]

Can't imagine Quinn made that decision himself unless it's understood he might be able to bunt for a hit. Did not like it, even if he'd executed.

[andyb]

53 pitches in 2 innings. Can't imagine he lasts beyond 4 so everyone gets one more shot at him.

[Patchmk88]

Are we 0-10 now with runners in scoring position? Didi looks good though.

[LoneStarPhan]

Phillies continue to help Smith hang on. He is pitching a one hitter, six walks, 70 pitches in three innings. Segura caught stealing to end the third.

[LoneStarPhan]

Nick Niedert in to pitch for the Marlins. RHP.