20 Philadelphia Phillies (TBD) @ Miami Marlins (TBD)

zambonir 2020-09-12 03:55:24 UTC #101

Well, they didn't know Nola was going to pitch a complete game. Or that Parker would actually do pretty well. I think Rosso was probably slotted to relieve Parker if he failed. And they also might need Rosso to be the starting pitcher Monday (for what would be another bullpen game). Or is he the 29th man? In any case, he's staying in Florida I'm sure. I think they took one other extra guy.

andyb 2020-09-12 14:02:24 UTC #102

Well if Wheeler can't go Monday he'll certainly go on the IL because he could probably take his next turn anyway with a retroactive placement date.

Austinfan 2020-09-12 14:13:42 UTC #103

Might as well play Haseley every day, without Wheeler and a bullpen, chances of advancing deep into the playoffs are slim and none - so focus on next season. We've already seen what Bohm can do, his fielding will take a lot of work, but his bat is legitimate and will improve as he adds strength.

And you might as well start bringing up young arms, the veterans are so bad that why worry?

zambonir 2020-09-12 16:16:00 UTC #104

They can still make the playoffs without Wheeler. They probably just can't win a series.

Who knows - he could still go Monday. He could be out for the season (given how little is left). Or he could pitch, but not well, due to pain and/or a slight change in grip.

What young arms? Nobody's actually ready to pitch in the big leagues. Even if you weren't still playing for this season, which you are, they probably have more decisions to make about the guys in the major league bullpen - potential non-tenders, trades, re-signings - than anyone in Allentown who might pitch twice in the next three weeks. Those players need to stay in Allentown, they've lost enough development this season already.

Might be worth just throwing Damon Jones out there on Monday though, if they can find a spot for him.

Wonder what ever happened to Victor Arano. Does he even stay on the 40 this off-season?

andyb 2020-09-12 19:00:46 UTC #105

Not sure the question of whether they play Haseley is the biggest problem here. Girardi just does not have confidence in him against LHP and not sure last night will change that (though good to see a couple of hits). He is at best an average CF defensively, so that is why they figure Harper (a below average defensive CF) paired with a better bat in RF like Gosselin gives them a better chance to win.

Hopefully Quinn is back shortly as well. Eligible tomorrow I believe and that would solve the temporary CF issue.

I'd still probably start Irvin or Rosso on Monday if they are stretched out and Wheeler can't go. There just are no solutions to the bullpen though in the playoffs it might not be as big an issue. If Nola and Wheeler are healthy they can shorten games. Also we should have both Howard and Velasquez in the bullpen so I could easily see them taking a significant role as a bridge to the back end. We'll need a couple of back end arms to improve but that is not an outlandish expectation.

allentown 2020-09-12 21:08:47 UTC #106

Wheeler could be finished for at least the regular season, if he badly tore a fingernail. Last I read, they were trying to repair it and success seemed uncertain Is there further news?

zambonir 2020-09-12 21:11:49 UTC #107

That's a good point about the pen in the playoffs. We still need some of these guys to turn it around though.

The bigger issue between now and then might be whether they can get the rotation set up for Nola and Wheeler in the first place. If it comes down to the last weekend would you rather try and win the division or get your rotation set up for a road series? Same question with finishing 5th or 6th instead of 7th/8th.

At some point Haseley either needs to play or he's a bench/platoon player forever, but that's a question for next year. I still gotta think they add another CF in the off-season, unless they re-sign Didi in which case Kingery may end up back in the mix there yet.

Sounds like if they can repair Wheeler's nail he'll be back, if they have to remove it, he'll probably just be in too much pain/discomfort to be effective for at least a couple of weeks. I've lost my share of toenails from skiing and skating but you don't have to grip a ball with your feet.