Philly Sports Weekly Recap: August 8th-14th

Phillies

• It was a pretty up and down week for Rob Thomson and company, starting by taking 2 of 3 from a lowly Marlins squad. Then winning only 1 of 3 from the Mets this weekend up in Queens. A 3-3 week while not the most desirable isn’t horrible when you consider the Phils had to go up against the likes of Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Sandy Alcantara, and Chris Bassitt of whom the Phillies won went 2-2 against in all. Coming in from an off day on Monday, the Phils were looking to start the week off well against the Marlins. And they did just that, taking the fish down with relative ease 4-1. The offense was clicking and Zach Wheeler was dealing as usual on the mound. Game 2 proved to be more of the same if not better, many are calling it a possible “Game of the Year” candidate, after trailing early the Phils scratched and clawed their way back into the game. And finally, a 3-run 8th inning would lead the Phils to victory as Seranthony Dominguez would shut the door for the Fightins’. Sadly the Phillies 7 game winning streak would come to an end on Thursday as the offense struggled to get off the ground not scoring a run in a 3-0 loss, despite a 9th inning rally the Phillies weren’t able to bring any runs home. Next, the Phils would head up I-95 to take on the Mets at Citi Field, and game 1 would be a dousie. With just 3 runs being scored in all, Max Scherzer and Ranger Suarez of all people would go back and forth trading blows for the first 7 innings. And in the 9th inning, one of the best defensive plays of the season would be a missile of a throw by Matt Vierling in left to get the final out and send the game tied to extras. The Phils offense would capitalize as Alec Bohm lifted a Sac Fly to score one Bryson Stott for the game-winning run. Game 2 despite being a loss was still a very played game from the Phillies, especially Aaron Nola who would throw 8 innings of 1-run ball. But the fact of the matter was Jacob deGrom was in the other dugout he wouldn’t be denied going 6 scoreless innings before being pulled, as the Phils offense struggled to score even a run. Game 3 was perhaps the worst of the week, as the Phils would go down quietly 6-0. Chris Bassitt looked like a Cy Young contender out there and the Phillies looked like some little leaguers. It was a rough way to end the week, but they will need to put it in the rearview as they head to Cincy to take on the Reds next.

• The Phillies announced that they will cut back on Bryce Harper’s throwing program to help him focus on hitting. Harper will most likely strictly DH upon his return to the Phillies lineup. A later report stated that MV3 will begin taking BP at Citizens Bank Park Monday, and hopefully progress to rehab starts by the end of the week. It’s beginning to seem more and more likely that Harper could return to the Phillies lineup by late August, though President of Baseball Ops Dave Dombrowski stated that a September 1st return seems likely at this time.

• JT Realmuto and Bryce Harper have both announced their intentions to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for team USA in Panama next winter. It will be a ton of fun to see Bryce and JT out there for Team USA, though this does mean they will miss the majority of Phillies Spring Training which could put hurt Phillies pitchers, by not being able to build a repor with JT going into the season.

• Kyle Schwarber left Thursday’s 3-0 loss to the Miami Marlins with what the Phillies are calling a Mid Calf Strain. Schwarber did however avoid an IL stint and is listed as Day to Day, though he did pinch hit in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Mets. Schwarber is hopeful to return to the lineup in a limited role whether that is as a Pinch Hitting or DH.

• The Phillies announced Sunday that they will be calling both Mick Abel and Andrew Painter the organization’s top prospects up to AA Reading. Abel is scheduled to make his first start Saturday and Painter on Sunday.

Eagles

• The Eagles had their first preseason game vs the New York Jets this week and despite the outcome, many would agree we saw a lot of good things from Veterans and Rookies alike. Jalen Hurts and the first team took the ball first for the Birds, even after a scary out-of-bounds hit from Jets Linebacker Quincy Williams, Jalen Hurts would get up and lead the Eagles downfield. Eventually throwing a touchdown to Dallas Goedert, completing a statline of 6/6 with 80 yards and a touchdown with a perfect 158.3 QBR. The 1st team defense would also shine forcing a 3 and out and an interception by Kyzir White off of Zach Wilson. The Second team would take over from there and a Jason Huntley TD would make it 14-0 Eagles. From then on the 3rd and 4th stringers would take over, and we saw some good performances from a lot of guys. Britain Covey, Jason Huntley, Nakobe Dean, and Noah Togiai just scratch the surface of young guys who made plays for the Birds on Friday. The Eagles got another preseason matchup next week when they head to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

• The Eagles announced Tuesday that Jason Kelce would have an Elbow Cleanout Surgery. He will be sidelined for the foreseeable future but the Eagles hope to have him ready by week 1. For the time being, this will give 2nd-round pick Cam Jurgens plenty of big-time opportunities to prove himself and get experience leading up to the season.

• The Eagles signed Runningback DeAndre Torrey to the roster Wednesday. Torrey. Torrey is a UDFA out of North Texas, that will now get a chance to compete for a roster spot after a multitude of injuries have struck the Eagles backfield.

Flyers

• The Flyers resigned Foward Jackson Cates to a 1-year 2-way deal. Last year Cates played in 11 games and registered just 1 point (1 goal). Cates will help to continue the Flyers youth movement this season.

Sixers

• The Sixers and Kevin Durant have reportedly expressed mutual interest in a possible trade. James Harden has been working out with Durant and has attended multiple parties and concerts with the disgruntled superstar this offseason. It’s rumored a possible Durant trade package would likely look something like; Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle, along with a plethora of picks and possible throw-in players.

• The Sixers were announced as one of 12 teams that will play on Christmas this year by the NBA. They will take on the New York Knicks at MSG, this is the first time since 2019 that the Sixers will play on Christmas when they took on the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center.

Union

• The Union took on the Chicago Fire down in Chester on Saturday and took care of them with relative ease winning 4-1. After a stinker in Cinncinatti the weekend prior, the Union needed a bounce back. And that is certainly what they got when they took on the Chicago Fire at Subaru Park on Saturday night. The Win was headlined by a Quadruple of goals for the Blue and Gold, from Danuel Gazdag, Corey Burke, Julian Carranza, and Jack Elliot. Andre Blake and the Union defense shined per usual despite still giving up a goal. The Union now hold a 5-point lead over idle Montreal in the Eastern Conference standings. They are also just 3 points behind LAFC for the league lead.

Stars

• Quarterback KJ Costello was signed by the New Orleans Saints this week. Costello went just 4/10 for 69 yards for the Stars last season.

• Running back Dexter Williams was signed by the Green Bay Packers last Wednesday. Williams recorded 102 yards for the Stars in their Championship game loss to Birmingham.

Wings

• Not too much from this Wings, this week as the start of NLL Free Agency opens up on Monday. We will see how active the Wings are after making the playoffs last season.