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Articles by Ethan Witte
Orion Kerkering cannot have high leverage innings again Original
As October draws near for teams in playoff contention, they are starting to use this time to put their bullpen in a pecking order. They have had a season’s worth of data and observation to determine which of the players in the bullpen are worthy of logging those high stress innings that come with pitching in the postseason.
Phillies on the Pharm: 9/9/2026 Original
Playoffs have begun for at least one farm team. How did the kids do? Lehigh Valley 5, Worcester 4 Otto Kemp. Jack of all trades, master of none. It was pretty funny that the Phillies thought they could make something out of Kemp when they haven’t properly developed a hitting prospect in years. Thinking that Kemp was more than deserving of the dreaded “Quad-A player” label was a miscalculation on their part, but at least now he’s where he belongs.
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, bullpen, expansion
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, bullpen, expansion Sep 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (4) fields a fly ball against the Houston Astros in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The fundamentals of this team are going to sink them in at least one key spot.
Which is the team to see in the playoffs? Original
Is it ok to talk about the playoffs? I think it’s ok to talk about the playoffs. Choose from any of the major people that make projections and you’ll find that most, if not all, have the Phillies at something close to 99% positive that they will make the playoffs. That’s pretty rare with this many games to go for a nondivision leading team, but here we are. So, we can start to look forward a little bit.
Phillies news: Jesus Luzardo, Tanner Banks, Aaron Judge
Phillies news: Jesus Luzardo, Tanner Banks, Aaron Judge Sep 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo (44) walks off the kind after the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect And now, the Astros come to town. This is actually going to be an important series as it's one of those that the Phillies really should be winning.
Is the division race over?
The Braves have already taken two games in Philadelphia and currently hold a five game lead with 19 games left to play. They have the season tiebreaker over the Phillies now, always important in this age of no more tiebreaker games to determine winners of something. Even with one more game here in Philadelphia between the two and more games this coming weekend in Atlanta, it's fair to ask the question: Is the race for the National League East over?
Phillies on the pharm: 9/7/2026
At least one team in the Phillies' organization had their season come to an end yesterday. Here's how the kids did. Scranton 7, Lehigh Valley 3 Kameron Misner hit a two run home run for the IronPigs, but it wasn't enough as Drake Fellows struggled in his four innings of work as the starter, allowing six runs in those four frames to salt the game away.
Gamethread 9/7: Braves at Phillies
Sep 6, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) wears yellow wrist bands on MLB Childhood Cancer Awareness Day during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Three up, three down: week of Aug. 31 – Sept. 6
Three up, three down: week of Aug. 31 – Sept. 6 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws the ball against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 6, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Phillies are at the top of the wild card standings thanks to a solid end of a West coast swing, but this weekend has been a bit of a bummer.
Phillies on the Pharm: 9/7/2026
Phillies on the Pharm: 9/7/2026 READING, PA - AUGUST 26: Reading Fightin Phils mascot Screwball looks on during the game between the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and the Reading Fightin Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cade Burdette/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images) At least one team in the Phillies' organization had their season come to an end yesterday. Here's how the kids did.
Is the division race over? Original
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Luis Arraez #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 6, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Getty Images The Braves have already taken two games in Philadelphia and currently hold a five game lead with 19 games left to play.
Phillies news: Jhoan Duran, Dave Dombrowski, Shane McLanahan
Phillies news: Jhoan Duran, Dave Dombrowski, Shane McLanahan PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 6, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images What was with those pitch calls by Garrett Stubbs to Ronald Acuna in the eighth inning?
Phillies on the Pharm: 9/6/2026
There was only one story any who has a passing interest in Phillies prospects was concerned with last night: how did Aidan Miller do? We'll get to it in a minute. Lehigh Valley 8, Scranton 6 Kameron Misner was acquired to provide the team some solid depth at Lehigh Valley and for the most part, he's done the job. Saturday was a good example where he went 3 for 5 with a two run home run to boot.
Who would you start in a playoff game: Aaron Nola or Andrew Painter?
Who would you start in a playoff game: Aaron Nola or Andrew Painter? Aug 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect There is a bit of an embarrassment of riches going on in the Phillies' starting rotation.
Who would you start in a playoff game: Aaron Nola or Andrew Painter?
Aug 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect There is a bit of an embarrassment of riches going on in the Phillies’ starting rotation. They have four pitchers that are throwing the ball very well and a fourth is Zack Wheeler. He’s going to start a playoff game for the Phillies.
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, Orion Kerkering, Corbin Burnes
Jonathan Bowlan gave up another home run last night, leading to some discussion about his effectiveness. For me at least, I think he's simply getting tired after a long season of being depended on as much as he has been this year. With Kansas City, he wasn't used to being put into higher leverage spots all year, thus hasn't been subjected to the type of stress he is under each time he toes the rubber with the Phillies. So now, having done it for months, he might be wearing down a bit.
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, Orion Kerkering, Corbin Burnes
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, Orion Kerkering, Corbin Burnes Jun 21, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Bowlan (52) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Jonathan Bowlan gave up another home run last night, leading to some discussion about his effectiveness.
Gamethread 9/5: Braves at Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto #10 throws his bat in frustration after striking out during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on September 4th, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Wild card, here we come! Original
Sep 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Earlier this week, I asked you how you believed the Phillies would end the season. Here are the results: God bless you one percenters.
Phillies news: Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Arte Moreno
The streak is now over for Bryce Harper. His on base streak ended last night after 35 games, a testament to how well he has done in the past month plus. Coincidence that he didn't get on base and the Phillies lost the game? I think not. On to the links. Phillies news: The lawsuit brought against his parents by Alec Bohm has been settled out of court ($) . An end to a sad series of events. To get the trade for Luis Arraez done, the club needed buy in from Bryce Harper to switch positions .
Has Bryce Harper earned a top three MVP finish? Original
Aug 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper tosses his bat after flying out to end the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The National League has pretty clearly set themselves with two frontrunners for the MVP award. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani will likely finish one-two when the final votes are counted, however that order is made.
Phillies news: Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Arte Moreno Original
If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, September 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images The streak is now over for Bryce Harper.
Phillies news: Zack Wheeler, Alex McFarlane, L.A. Angels
Phillies news: Zack Wheeler, Alex McFarlane, L.A. Angels Aug 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (right) tags out Philadelphia Phillies base runner Kyle Schwarber at home plate in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.
Gamethread 9/1: Phillies at Diamondbacks
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 31: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates a win after the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Monday, August 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Phillies add Rafael Marchan, Grant Holman for stretch drive Original
It’s September, which means rosters can be expanded a bit. Gone are the days where a ton of players move up to the big leagues, where rosters went to somewhere near 40. Instead, the team is only allowed to bring up two players. Marchan adds a third catcher to the group, meaning there will probably be more chances for Garrett Stubbs to be used as a left handed bat off the bench. Marchan has been hurt for seemingly eternity, but he’s ready to go.
Get the best of The Good Phight on the new SB Nation app
It's a big day for The Good Phight. Today, the SB Nation app is live, and it's the best way to follow the Phillies. You can download it by searching SB Nation for iOS or Android. I have already downloaded it and lemme tell you: it's a much improved experience from what I've had to do before. The overall look of it is cleaner, it's easier to comment on and just feels like a better experience.
Gamethread 8/31: Phillies at Diamondbacks Original
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 31: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands in the dugout before the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images
Which prospect has impressed the most this season?
Which prospect has impressed the most this season? RICHMOND, VA - AUGUST 08: Bryan Rincon #4 of the Reading Fightin Phils looks on during the game between the Reading Fightin Phils and the Richmond Flying Squirrels at CarMax Park on Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Matthew Mitrani/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images) Earlier in the week, I put a post on The Feed asking about which prospect has impressed the most in the Phillies' minor league system this year.
Which prospect has impressed the most this season?
Shortstop Bryan Rincon has had a real breakout season this year in his first go-round in Double A, with 20 homers already (his previous season high was eight) and a .267/.402/.501 line that has him up 98 points of OBP and over 200 points of SLG from 2025. Reading is a great home-run park, but Rincon doesn’t have much of a home/road split.
Three up, three down: week of Aug. 24-30
Three up, three down: week of Aug. 24-30 ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 29: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies embraces teammates in the dugout against the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 29, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images The week that started out not so hot ended up being a solid week for the Phillies, the team going 4-2 against the Mariners and Angels.
Should the Phillies re-sign Luis Arraez? Original
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) celebrates after getting on base Aug. 13, 2026 at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co Since acquiring Luis Arraez in a deadline day trade with the Giants, the Phillies have played really well. There was a patch of lethargy of course, but for the most part, Arraez has seemingly been exactly what they needed in the lineup.
Phillies news: Front office, baserunning, Ketel Marte
Phillies news: Front office, baserunning, Ketel Marte Aug 30, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) watches his solo home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Sweeping the Angels was needed, particularly as they head on to Arizona. We all know how well they play once there, so getting these three wins was a must. On to the links.
Who was an unsung hero of the 1980 championship team? Original
Aug 7, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Larry Christenson acknowledges the crowd during Alumni Day ceremony before game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports If you’re wondering why this is the question of the day, you didn’t see the news of the week. Larry Christenson passed away the other day, a man who spent his whole career with the Phillies.
Phillies news: Edmundo Sosa, Larry Christenson, Luis Robert
Phillies news: Edmundo Sosa, Larry Christenson, Luis Robert Aug 28, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect This is being written before the Phillies game even starts on Saturday night, which means that someone is going to come up with some crazy end game heroics.
Gamethread 8/29: Phillies at Angels Original
Aug 28, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Edmundo Sosa (33) is greeted by third base coach Anthony Contreras (88) after hitting a grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
An offensive approach even your father would love, but you don’t
An offensive approach even your father would love, but you don’t Aug 28, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A.
Phillies on the Pharm: 8/29/2026 Original
Thankfully, on this night, there was no rain around, meaning teams could actually play in their games. Here is how the kids did. Lehigh Valley 6, Syracuse 4 Robert Moore, you glorious man. Having himself a night, Moore went 3 for 3, blasting two home runs to lead the IronPigs to a victory, including this walk off two-run blast. That’s the kind of home run you remember for a while if you’re Robert Moore. The rest of the offense was nonexistent as they had three hits between them, but it didn’t matter.
Phillies news: Jesus Luzardo, Andrew Painter, George Lombard, Jr.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 26: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aaron Nola has changed his season by throwing it a curveball
When the Phillies signed Aaron Nola to a seven-year contract extension, there was concern. Concern that at some point, the years and mileage on his arm would come and claim him, concern that the contract would age poorly, concern that there really was no reason to give him a deal that long. After the dust settled on his 2025 season and he was a playoff starter for a mere two inning stint, more out of desperation than anything else, all of those concerns seemed to come true at once.
Aaron Nola has changed his season by throwing it a curveball
When the Phillies signed Aaron Nola to a seven-year contract extension, there was concern. Concern that at some point, the years and mileage on his arm would come and claim him, concern that the contract would age poorly, concern that there really was no reason to give him a deal that long. After the dust settled on his 2025 season and he was a playoff starter for a mere two inning stint, more out of desperation than anything else, all of those concerns seemed to come true at once.
Phillies on the Pharm: 8/28/2026 Original
The big guys in the major leagues might not have played last night, but that doesn’t mean everyone in the Phillies organization had the night off. How did the kids do? Lehigh Valley/Syracuse postponed due to rain Ok, well, the IronPigs were rained out, so maybe they had the night off, but surely the other teams played. Reading/Binghamton postponed due to rain Uh, this is getting weird. The rain made sure the Fightin’ Phils didn’t play either.
Phillies news: Zack Wheeler, Jhoan Duran, Masyn Winn
Phillies news: Zack Wheeler, Jhoan Duran, Masyn Winn SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 25: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images You know, I kind of expected the team to not play well on Monday.
What is this new offensive approach for the Phillies? Original
The Phillies have been hot. Winners of nine of their last ten, they have vaulted themselves back into the National League East race to at least make things interesting there while also tightening their grip on a wild card position. There is still plenty of time to go in the season and a lot can still happen, but their recent play has at least made it plausible that they can still be playing baseball once the calendar flips to October.
Gamethread 8/24: Phillies at Mariners Original
DYERSVILLE, IA - AUGUST 13: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the MLB Field of Dreams game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Minnesota Twins at MLB Field at Field of Dreams on Thursday, August 13, 2026 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images
Three up, three down: week of Aug. 17-23 Original
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 19: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Luis Arraez #4 against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Getty Images Which players does one choose when the entire team doesn’t lose a game all week? It doesn’t just mean those who had good weeks. It also applies to those that had a rough stretch as well as there weren’t many.
Phillies on the Pharm: 8/24/2026 Original
The minor league season is winding down, which means the number of games left to make an impression on the big league organization is dwindling. Buffalo 10, Lehigh Valley 2 Alan Rangel, yeesh. Having to kind of wear one for the bullpen, Rangel let up nine runs in 3 innings to salt away the game. He only struck out one and generally wasn’t very good.
Which of these three road series worries you the most? Original
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 21: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies fields a throw at first base during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies 9-2. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) Getty Images Late August, early September. The Phillies are headed out west to have three series in which they are playing teams that have given them trouble in the past.
Phillies news: Andrew Painter, Jesus Luzardo, Brendan Donovan
Have to admit: I had turned off the Phillies yesterday for quite a while and watched the Little League World Series. I pivoted quickly back to the Phillies once I saw that they had gotten runners on base and had a chance, but even the bright eyed optimist in me didn't think they had a shot. On to the links. Phillies news: Andrew Painter has his confidence again ($) . It showed on Saturday night as he dominated the Cardinals once again. Jesus Luzardo has become one of the aces of the game.
Phillies news: Andrew Painter, Jesus Luzardo, Brendan Donovan
Phillies news: Andrew Painter, Jesus Luzardo, Brendan Donovan Aug 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates his walk-off two-run home run during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Have to admit: I had turned off the Phillies yesterday for quite a while and watched the Little League World Series.
Who do you trust more right now: Alex McFarlane or Orion Kerkering? Original
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 21: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering #50 pitches the ball during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals on August 21st, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Let’s say that right now, the Phillies had a high leverage situation in which neither Jonathan Bowlan or Jhoan Duran are available.
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