Highlights from the Phillies’ 2023 Season…
Despite a somewhat disappointing end to the season, the Philadelphia Phillies experienced numerous standout moments in 2023.
Although the conclusion of the 2023 season wasn’t what the team and its fans had hoped for, it was still filled with memorable instances.
The Phillies reached 90 wins for the first time since their remarkable 102-win season in 2011, securing first place in the National League Wild Card standings with a 90-72 record. Following their improbable World Series run the previous year, the Phillies aimed to return to the Fall Classic as they did in 2008 and 2009.
After swiftly defeating the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, they let a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series slip away, ultimately losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
As the offseason approaches, along with some difficult decisions, it’s essential to set aside the disappointment and reflect on the bright moments that the 2023 season brought to fans.
- Johan Rojas’ Impressive Debut Center fielder Johan Rojas wasn’t initially expected to play in the major leagues in 2023. However, when Cristian Pache went on the injured list due to an elbow issue stemming from a prior surgery in July, the Phillies turned to their young prospect to fill the outfield gap. Rojas showcased his defensive prowess in his major league debut during a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres on July 15, making a remarkable and unconventional double play that contributed to the Phillies’ victory.
- The Impact of Young Players After the doubleheader, Kyle Schwarber shared his thoughts on the positive energy that young players can bring to the team. He emphasized the refreshing presence of players who are genuinely thrilled to be on the baseball field, especially when they are experiencing their first taste of the big leagues.
- Rojas’ Walk-Off Heroics What’s even better than contributing to a doubleheader sweep? For Johan Rojas, it was delivering his first career walk-off hit to secure a playoff spot for his team. On September 26, in the bottom of the 10th inning with the score tied 2-2 and a “ghost runner” on second, Rojas stepped up to the plate against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He sent the fourth pitch he saw right back through the middle, bringing in the winning run and propelling the Phillies back into the postseason. It was an impressive introduction for the rookie.
Phillies Unfazed by Star Pitcher’s Criticism Despite Postseason Elimination…
Following a surprising postseason exit for the Philadelphia Phillies, emotions ran high among those connected to the team. Enduring back-to-back late-stage playoff losses can have that effect.
Taijuan Walker, acquired during the previous offseason to prevent such outcomes, was conspicuously absent from postseason action, which led him to post cryptic messages on social media and engage with critical comments about Rob Thomson and the team.
It was indeed unexpected that Walker didn’t get a chance to play in the playoffs, especially considering his impressive 15-8 record and 4.38 ERA during the regular season, following his four-year, $72 million contract signing with Philadelphia in free agency.
Rob Thomson acknowledged the social media activity but remained unfazed by it, expressing his admiration for Walker’s competitiveness and dedication to the game. Thomson stated, ‘People get emotional. He’s a competitive guy.
I love Taijuan, I really do. This guy gave us 15 wins. Every time he goes out to the mound, he competes until we take him out and then he never wants to come out. I want a guy like that. That type of thing doesn’t bother me. I love him, I love his demeanor, I love his toughness. I’m sure everything will be fine.’
Thomson’s comments might raise questions about why Walker didn’t play more if he’s held in such high regard. However, Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, shed some light on the situation, explaining that Ranger, another pitcher, was performing exceptionally well during that time, limiting the need for additional pitchers in the postseason.
Dombrowski added, ‘I never get upset when a guy would like to pitch, that’s good. And the other thing, he’s in a tough spot, it’s different in the postseason, he’s not a reliever, he takes a long time to warm up, but you need someone who can give you length if you run into extra innings. It’s a tough position to be in, somebody’s got to do it.’
It appears to be a case of a player on the outside looking in, eager to contribute to the team’s success, as they watch a disappointing playoff exit. Walker is under contract for three more seasons and is expected to play a significant role in the future.
Despite the social media backlash, the Phillies appear unworried about its long-term effects, leaving the question of whether this resentment will persist throughout Walker’s tenure with the team.”
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