Reliever Bailey Falter was cruising last night. He was spectacular in relief of Spencer Howard (more on that in a bit). Falter gave up two hits and a walk in four innings last night, and struck out six. Falter got the first hitter of the seventh inning to ground out, and then gave up a single.
That was enough for Girardi. Falter had only thrown 66 pitches, well short of his season high, when he called for Neftali Feliz, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2017. Feliz walked the first hitter on four pitches, struck out the next guy, then hit Jesse Winker to load the bases.
Nick Castellanos was next and hit a grand slam, because of course he did. A two-run lead was suddenly a two-run deficit. That's what happens to the 2021 Phillies. It's almost like this year's relievers look back at the historically bad 2020 bullpen and say "hold my beer." They've blown seven saves in the last six games and 21 on the season. Enyel De Los Santos did his part to the misery, giving up six more runs. The only guy out of the bullpen who got his job done last night was infielder Nick Maton, who struck out the only hitter he faced. Reds 12, Phillies 4.
On Saturday, Girardi lifted start Zach Elfin after six strong innings and 82 pitches. But Girardi let Eflin hit for himself in the seventh, where he dropped a successful sacrifice bunt. Enter Ranger Suarez in the seventh, who gave up a tying homer to the second batter he faced.
Falter's season high is 88 pitches. He was terrific and deserves to start. Spencer Howard is good for two good innings. Move him to the bullpen and let him get late-game outs.
The Phils have lost nine of their last 13 games. They've led in the seventh or later in their last four losses. They should one game behind the Mets. Instead, they're five games out and four games under .500. Girardi has a reputation for brilliant bullpen management. It's about time he starts showing it off for the Phillies.
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