Back Where They Started

The Phillies caught a huge break yesterday, when the game was rained out rather than having to face the National League's best pitcher, Jacob deGrom. After starting out 5-1, the Phillies have sputtered and lost five of six, and now sit at 6-6 with a six-game homestand about to begin.

It'll be good to play someone other than the Braves and Mets for a change, as the Cardinals and Giants come to town. Maybe being back home will wake up their bats, because they were awful on the road. The Phils scored a grand total of 16 runs on the six-game road trip. And there will be a newish face with the team.

Former first overall draft pick Mickey Moniak has been called up to play centerfield after Adam Haseley announced he was leaving the team for personal reasons. Nobody knows when Haseley will be back, so Moniak has a chance to get a lot of playing time and finally make people believe he's a big league player.

Moniak's arrival means less playing time for Roman Quinn, who is hitting just .050 with 15 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances. Another struggling outfield, Andrew McCutchen, is hitting just .139 and is hitless since April 10. You really need more production from your leadoff hitter. If McCutchen has another ofer tonight, I'd move Didi Gregorius to the leadoff spot.

Even after the lousy roadtrip, the Phils are just a game out of first place in the NL East. Yeah, the season is only two weeks old, but the Phils are back with an even record, just like on Opening Day.