Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the "passionate, productive" conversation reported between the Phillies and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, as well as their Jesus Luzardo concerns. Then, Tim Jackson of Baseball Prospectus talks about Phillies trade deadline scenarios and Andrew Mearns of Pinstripe Alley tells us what to expect from the Yankees this weekend.

On Episode 989 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps Wednesday night's awful loss to the Red Sox and tries to get to the bottom of Jesus Luzardo's struggles. Also, Cristopher Sanchez is now a bona fide ace, John goes inside the numbers on what makes him so special. And what are the latest Trade Rumors surrounding the Phils? John breaks down all the latest. Could the Phils move Ranger Suarez or Luzardo this summer?
 
 
 
 Show Notes:
 
 
 
 Disastrous loss in the finale
 
 Phillies blow a 5-0 lead, HRs from Schwarber, Harper, Castellanos & Stott, Realmuto
 It's the Phils’ first loss in a game they homered five or more times since June 10, 2019. 
 They haven't won three in a row since June 18-20.
 Blame Realmuto & Luzardo, who had a no-hitter going into the 5th, gives us 6 in the 5th after walking in two runs then serving up a grand slam
 FELL APART WHILE PITCHING FROM THE STRETCH AGAIN
 Thomson said they have to keep digging and working on what’s wrong with Luzardo, specifically in the stretch
 Since June 11, opponents have hit .192/.252/.253 with 37 strikeouts and eight walks when there is no one on base against Luzardo. With runners on base, those numbers jump to .339/.443/.576, 16 strikeouts and 11 walks. (Gelb)
 Gelb says he went back to his old mechanics last night, but it still didn’t work
 Jesus Luzardo says he is working day and night to fix his issues and he says they need to be fixed. He says teams are hitting him hard when he is pitching out of the stretch. He says it is not on JT Realmuto losing that foul ball pop-up. He says he and other Phillies lost it as well. Manager Rob Thomson says Jesus Luzardo lost his concentration. 
 Phillies now 3-8 in Luzardo’s last 11 starts
 They’ve now given Luzardo 3-0, 4-1 and 5-0 leads in July only to have him lose all 3 of them.
 He posted a 2.15 ERA in his first 11 starts. He allowed 20 runs in his next two. He made significant mechanical changes when pitching from the stretch, and it’s resulted in only a 4.79 ERA over his last nine starts.
 UNLESS LUZARDO FIGURES THIS OUT, THEIR ENTIRE OFF-SEASON WILL HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE AND UTTER FAILURE
 The good news is this is a mechanical issue… which would indicate to me it CAN be fixed… but can they fix it in time?
 PITCH TIPPING: The Red Sox are renowned for doing this.
 Two pitches later, Story doubled home a run.
 THIS WAS NOT A STRONG ROB THOMSON GAME
 Luzardo should have been pulled after the second straight bases loaded walk, but got Jordan Romano up too late… after the game, Thomson admitted that was a mistake
 Pinch-ran Weston Wilson for Kyle Schwarber in the 10th after Schwarber’s RBI single… Wilson, who is not fast… thrown out trying to steal 2nd to end the 10th
 With Wilson already used, Max Kepler had to face a lefty reliever and watched a called strike three to end the game in the 11th, instead of having Wilson available to pinch hit
 Rob Thomson on the 5th inning tonight: 
 Said they have to keep digging and working on what’s wrong with Luzardo, specifically in the stretch
 Harper’s home run was the 350th of his career
 Bryce Harper tonight became the youngest of the 8 active players to reach 350 career home runs joining Giancarlo Stanton, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, Manny Machado, Freddie Freeman, Nolan Arenado, Aaron Judge.
 Kyle Schwarber's 34 HR are the 3rd-most through 102 games in Phillies franchise history, behind only Ryan Howard in 2006 and Mike Schmidt in 1979 -- both had 36.
 Cristopher Sanchez is a TRUE ACE: https://www.thegoodphight.com/2025/7/23/24472912/cristopher-sanchez-is-a-real-bona-fide-cy-young-contender 
 
 
 WHEELER & SANCHEZ
 
 This gives the Phillies a leg-up in the postseason
 No one can match what the Phillies can do in the playoffs
 
 
 STARK ON SCHWARBER
 
 Says he believes Schwarber will be back here
 4 years, $100 million is the number… how is he going to have a better deal four years AFTER the first free agent contract???
 
 
 TRADE DEADLINE LATEST:
 
 Jayson Stark on 975 the Fanatic w/ Mikey Miss: 
 Dombrowski wants to use his biggest chips to trade for a big time power bullpen arm controllable beyond this year, Duran, Bautista, no on Miller or Clase
 If he gets one, it’s a right-handed platoon bat that falls into his lap
 Bullpen arm is more important than a bat
 Jeff Passan: The Phillies have quietly built up one of the best farm systems in baseball, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's history of trading prospects for impact talent is unmatched. Still, with the Phillies entering a transition phase over the next few years, they aren't likely to sacrifice all of their depth. That complicates their tack at this deadline, because they are among the few teams with the need and capacity

In this episode of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss the signing of David Robertson, the state of the Phillies' bullpen, Bryce Harper's offensive surge and Monday's night's bizarre walk-off victory. They also dive into a trade deadline draft, evaluating potential players the Phillies could acquire to strengthen their roster. Also, why hasn't Justin Crawford been called up yet?
 
 
 
 Takeaways: 
 
 David Robertson returns to the Phillies for a third time.
 The Phillies' bullpen struggles with a 430 ERA.
 Recent game highlights include a walk-off win against the Red Sox.
 The trade deadline is approaching, and the Phillies need to make moves.
 Players like Eugenio Suarez and Mason Miller are potential targets.
 Bryce Harper is showing signs of a strong second half.
 The team is looking for a dynamic leadoff hitter.
 Justin Crawford could be an internal solution for the outfield.
 The importance of strong starting pitching for the Phillies' success.
 The need for a consistent offensive performance from the team.
 
 Chapters
 
 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Season
 02:29 - David Robertson's Signing and Its Implications
 05:24 - Evaluating the Bullpen and Future Moves
 08:29 - Game Highlights: Walk-off Win Against the Red Sox
 11:20 - Bryce Harper's Performance and Impact
 14:33 - Looking Ahead: The Phillies' Playoff Contention
 22:25 - Phillies' Offensive Needs and Player Injuries
 24:14 - Concerns About Starting Pitchers Jesus Luzardo & Ranger Suarez
 26:26 - Upcoming Challenges Against the Yankees
 28:31 - Highlight Moments: Kyle Schwarber's Grand Slam
 29:52 - Assessing the Phillies' Performance and Consistency
 32:03 - Trade Deadline Player Draft!
 01:05:46 - Final Thoughts

Kyle Schwarber put on quite the show at the All-Star Game and the trade deadline is still weeks away. Meanwhile, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about who needs to step it up for the Phillies offense in the second half, and break down the Phillies' first opponents, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

On Episode 986 of Hittin’ Season, powered by WHYY, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight marvels at the heroics of Kyle Schwarber in the All Star Game Home Run Derby Swing-Off that won him MVP honors of the Midsummer Classic. Also, why MLB was correct in not naming Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez All Stars and how a low-key All Star Break for most of the Phils is a blessing in disguise. Then John delivers 10 predictions for the second half and answers some Hot Stove mailbag questions.

On Episode 985 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, review the first half of the Phillies' 2025 season and wonder, how are the Phillies in first place? Also, John, Justin and Liz dive into a trivia challenge centered around the Philadelphia Phillies and their All-Star Game history, flowing through various milestones, memorable moments, and anecdotes from past All-Star Game. 
 
 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Season
 02:40 Home Run Derby Highlights and Player Performances
 05:28 Phillies' First Half Performance and Team Dynamics
 08:42 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Phillies' Roster
 11:37 Reflections on the First Half and Comparisons to Other Teams
 14:46 Grading the Players: Starting Pitching and Offense
 17:37 Bryce Harper's Impact and Expectations
 20:33 Assessing the Bullpen and Overall Team Performance
 23:30 Final Thoughts and All-Star Trivia
 40:11 Trade Deadline Predictions
 42:39 All-Star Game Trivia Fun
 53:38 Milestones and Memorable Moments
 59:16 All-Star Game Trivia Begins
 01:02:18 Milestones and Historical Context
 01:05:07 The Evolution of the Vet Stadium
 01:07:43 Home Run Derby Highlights
 01:11:31 Memorable All-Star Moments
 01:15:17 Final Trivia Challenge and Wrap-Up

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about some recent whispers on Phillies trade deadline moves, particularly in the bullpen, as well as what lies ahead for the Phillies in San Diego this weekend. Then Mitch Rupert comes by to reset expectations—just a little—for Andrew Painter.

On Episode 983 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, host John Stolnis of the Good Phight is joined by Crossing Broad's Luke Arcaini to discuss Bryce Harper's long-awaited coming out party in Wednesday's 13-0 shellacking of the Giants in their house of horrors, San Francisco. Also, a horrific walk-off loss, trade deadline talk, Andrew Painter's timeline, and lots more!

On Episode 982 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the historic pitching performance of Zack Wheeler and why the Phillies cannot waste his performance, and the starting rotation, by being passive at the trade deadline. Also, thoughts on All Stars Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber, snubs, and concerns over Bryce Harper's wrist continue.

Justin Klugh talks about the Phillies' series win over the Padres. Then baseball economics and labor reporter Jen Ramos Eisen discusses the recent purchase of the Reading Fightin' Phils by Diamond Baseball Holdings, and Wick Terrell of Red Reporter drops by to talk about the Phillies' weekend opponent, the Cincinnati Reds.

On Episode 980, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the Phillies series victory over the Padres, with thoughts on the continued dominance of Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, including thoughts on whether Wheeler is the second-best pitcher in franchise history, how many of the starters will make the All Star team, Cristopher Sanchez' incredible run, and what's next for Mick Abel? Also, the cries are growing louder for the Braves to sell at the trade deadline after another devastating pitching injury, and the All Star starters are announced. Who was snubbed?

On Episode 979 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh recap the weekend series in Atlanta, why the Phillies aren't hitting and what can be done, if anything, to get them to start hitting more consistently. Plus, Bryce Harper returns this week, Ranger Suarez is making history, and the Mets really, really, really stink all of a sudden!

The Phillies were collectively outscored 5-1 against the Astros as they were swept out of Houston despite three terrific pitching performances from their starters. Justin Klugh and John Stolnis lament the offensive woes and look ahead to Atlanta.

On Episode 977 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of the Good Phight talks about the Phillies back-to-back shutout losses at the hands of the Astros in Houston. The offense is dead and in need of help, but will Dave Dombrowski use the trade deadline to pick up a bat? What about the bullpen. John analyzes Dombrowski's interview with The Athletic's Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville, searching for clues.

On Episode 976 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and SABR's Editor of the Baseball Research Journal, Liz Roscher, recap the Phillies' emphatic series win over the Mets this weekend. Is this now officially a two-team race in the NL East? Did the Phils make a statement with their two blowout wins? Also, John, Justin and Liz talk about which Phillies are deserving of an All Star nod.

The Phillies and Mets are playing for first place in the NL East on a hot weekend in Philadelphia. The Good Phight's Joe Edinger talks about the match-up with Justin Klugh, as well as the ten-year anniversary of the White Towel game. Then, authors Derek Bain and John Racanelli drop by to discuss their book, "Hardball Retro’s Compendium of Baseball Video Games and Electronic Handhelds."

On Episode 974 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of SB Nation's The Good Phight lists five potential outfielders the Phillies could pursue at the trade deadline. Also, what Bryson Stott needs to do to take the next step, does Ranger Suarez has a future in Philly, and thoughts on the Nick Castellanos drama from this week in Miami.

On Episode 973 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal react to the Phillies' sudden winning streak after Monday's 5-2 win over the Marlins. Pitching heroes, bats that are now hot and Orion Kerkering the new closer? Plus, a spirited debate over AI in baseball and the Rafael Devers trade!

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the Phillies' big series win against the Cubs this week and the ambiguity of their future roster moves. Then, Sportsnet analyst Blake Murphy gives us the lowdown on the red hot Toronto Blue Jays who are coming into Philly for the weekend.

It's officially a rough patch for the Phillies, with their power numbers down, their bullpen giving up runs, and their starters missing time and/or the strike zone. Justin Klugh walks through the last week of Phillies follies as the series finale with the Cubs looms.

Fueled by a big first inning, two Trea Turner bombs, and a returning Bryce Harper, the Phillies blasted the Blue Jays in game one of their series in Toronto. Justin Klugh talks breaks down that game and talks with Phillies minor league evaluator Matt Winkelman about what Mick Abel's been up to between his first two big league starts.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the Phillies' awful weekend with the Brewers, in which they were swept at home for only the second time in three years, and discuss the roster reshuffling that has changed the look of the Phillies pitching staff.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the Phillies' series with the Braves, as well as the target practice Atlanta took while facing the Phillies lineup. Then, Brewers beat writer Jack Stern talks about Milwaukee's surprisingly deep rotation, struggling offense, and of course, Rhys Hoskins.

On Episode 967 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight debates the merits of the Phillies retaliating against the Braves after Spencer Strider hit Bryce Harper on the elbow with a fastball Tuesday night. Also, ranking trade deadline reliever targets, moving starters to the 'pen, Bryson Stott chatter, Ranger Suarez stuff, and lots more.

On Episode 966 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh gather together to discuss the many high points of the Phillies' 6-1 road trip. How much does it matter the level of competition wasn't great? Also, they preview this week's series against the Braves in Philly. Is Atlanta any good?

The Phillies absolutely steamrolled the lousy Pirates and Rockies, and now head to West Sacramento to play a struggling Athletics team. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break it down, and then historian Matt Albertson fill us in on the last Phillies-A's Philadelphia City Series played before the Athletics moved in 1955.

On Episode 964 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down the first two games of the FIRST PLACE Phillies' series against the Rockies, including incredible pitching performances from Jesus Luzardo and Christopher Sanchez, the incredible Kyle Schwarber, why he isn't a Phillie for life yet, and reliever names to watch as the Phillies try to replace Jose Alvarado. How is it the Phils suddenly have the best record in the National League?!

On Episode 963 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, John Stolnis from The Good Phight, SABR's Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus talk about Mick Abel's eye-opening MLB debut against the Pirates Sunday, and Jose Alvarado's shocking 80-game PED suspension that bars him from the 2025 postseason. Oh, and the Phils swept the Pirates, too.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Aaron Nola's Worst Start Ever, as well the lowly Pirates coming to town. Then author Bob Fulton talks about some Phillies-Pirates history from his book, "Burial at Home Plate: The Oddball History of the Pittsburgh Pirates."

On Episode 961 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis is joined by Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports to chat about the Phillies doubleheader split against the Cardinals on Wednesday, dialing in on a troubling Aaron Nola start, another encouraging outing from Jesus Luzardo, and some talk about Pete Rose's reinstatement and Hall of Fame possibilities.

On Episode 960 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher of the Baseball Research Journal and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh hand out grades for different areas of the Phillies through the first quarter of the season, talk about the incredible run by the starting rotation, an improving offense and bullpen, the worst Phils seasons of their lifetimes, and whether Boston star Rafael Devers is right in telling the Red Sox he refuses to change positions again.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talked about the Phillies' adrenaline-pumping sweep of the Rays and look ahead to Cleveland, while Mitch Rupert gives an update on Andrew Painter's debut with the IronPigs. Then, author Luke Epplin talks about his book on Cleveland's 1948 World Series-champion team.

On Episode 958 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the first two games of the Phillies series in Tampa, another series win for the boys! The Good Phight's Ethan Witte stops by to talk Kyle Schwarber extension, Zack Wheeler or Jesus Luzardo as the Phils' best Cy Young candidate, and whether Iron Pig stud Otto Kemp has a future in Philadelphia. Also, is Taijuan Walker going to be a stud reliever now?

On Episode 957 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher of the Baseball Research Journal discuss the Phillies' weekend series win over the Diamondbacks, improvement from the offense, Max Kepler, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, shaky defense and how to fix MLB's moronic extra innings rule.

The Arizona Diamondbacks just did the impossible and beat the Mets in New York. Now, they come to Philadelphia with a depleted bullpen. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the matchups of the Phillies' upcoming weekend series with the D-backs.

On Episode 955 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis from The Good Phight recaps an eventful April for the Phils. After two straight wins over the Nationals, the Phillies are on a 91-win pace. Who is their MVP thus far? Their best pitcher? Best win of the year? Worst loss?

On Episode 954 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh talk about the high points of the Phillies' series win over the Cubs, Aaron Nola's bounceback, some signs of life from the offense, and a little nonsense on 4 HR-games in MLB.

The Cubs are probably even hotter than the Mets who just swept the Phillies—but their pitching is vulnerable, just what a Phillies offense full of underlying successes could use. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the coming weekend at Wrigley Field, as does author Stuart Shea, who talks about his book, “Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines."

On Episode 952 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis recaps the three-game sweep the Phillies suffered against the Mets this week with 10 observations about where things stand with the Phils. Also, Jeff Warren, host of the Philadelphia Sports Table podcast joins the show to share his thoughts on the series, and we take a look ahead to another tough match-up this weekend in Chicago against the red-hot Cubs.

On Episode 951 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and SABR's Liz Roscher talk about Monday night's 5-4 loss to the Mets in New York, the Phillies' leaky bullpen, Aaron Nola now 0-5, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper's 9th inning ABs and more. Also, who's better right now, Jesus Luzardo or Cristopher Sanchez? And has Bryson Stott emerged as the answer in the leadoff spot? Plus, things aren't going so well in Atlanta for manager Brian Snitker.

On Episode 950 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh wrap up the Phils' series split against the Giants and drool over Cristopher Sanchez' changeup. Also, Justin talks with Ely Sussman of Fish on First to preview this weekend's Marlins series, as well as with Sam Zygner, author of "The Forgotten Marlins," a book about the 1956-1960 minor-league team. Shut up, it was cool.

On Episode 949 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight offers five observations about the Phillies offense as the team continues to struggle to score. Also, thoughts on Aaron Nola's latest disappointing start and why a rocky beginning to the season is not cause for panic.

Powered by WHYY... On Episode 948 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher react to a weak-hitting and ineffective offense, levels of worry about Brandon Marsh, Alec Bohm, Max Kepler, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, and make sure to stay until the very end of the podcast when the gang gets really mad at Rob Thomson for not defending J.T. Realmuto in Monday night's loss to the Giants. Feelings were felt!

After a late loss to the Braves, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down what lies in store for the Phillies in St. Louis. Mitch Rupert talks about Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter making his first minor league start since 2022 and author Marshall Garvey discusses his book, "Interstate '85: The Royals, the Cardinals, and the Show-Me World Series."

On Episode 946 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis & Liz Roscher recap the first two games of the Phillies series against the Braves in Atlanta, including the heroics of Trea Turner, Jose Alvarado and Bryce Harper in Wednesday's 4-3 win. Also, John spoke with Demetrius Bell, site producer and writer for the Braves' site Battery Power.

On Episode 945 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis and Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus recap the Phillies' series victory over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Dodgers. Why the Phils proved they are every bit the equal of the Dodgers over the weekend, with full breakdowns of each game! Plus, a quick look ahead to this week's series in Atlanta, and John & Justin try to help a Phillies fan keep his young child from being indoctrinated by his wife into becoming a Mets fan.

The Phillies off to a great start—with plenty of baseball left—but it's still easy to see the Braves' 0-7 start as catastrophic. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Edmundo Sosa as well as the upcoming Dodgers series.

The Phillies 2025 season is underway, and it's off to a great start... unlike those terrible Braves you've heard so much about. Justin Klugh is joined by Leo Morgenstern of FanGraphs to discuss how the Phillies measure up with the rest of MLB, position by position.

On Episode 942 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher recap Saturday and Sunday's games between the Phillies and Nationals. There was some good (Jesus Luzardo, Kyle Schwarber, the Saturday offense) and some bad (Aaron Nola & the Sunday offense). Also, John & Liz share their thoughts on the Yankees' Torpedo Bats, and bask in the glow of the Atlanta Braves' 0-4 start in San Diego.

On Episode 941, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the 5 Big Storylines from the Phillies' stirring Opening Day victory against the Nationals in DC. Alec Bohm's Redemption, Strikeouts Galore, Zack Wheeler's Cy Young Push, Bryce Harper Opening Day Magic & Bullpen Usage. Plus thoughts on the benefits of the new lineup, Kyle Schwarber's success vs. lefties and a preview of this weekend's final two games of the series.
 
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