Rob Thomson Stirs the Pot Again, The Philadelphia Phillies entered Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals with an opportunity to complete a four-game sweep of their NL East opponents and secure their fifth consecutive victory. Although the recent competition hadn’t been strong, a 5-1 record at Citizens Bank Park would have been a significant turnaround given their previous struggles.
However, the Phillies seemed intent on sabotaging their own chances. Despite having a lineup more talented than Washington’s, key players like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Johan Rojas (one of their standout hitters) were all on the bench. To add to the frustration, the Phillies had a chance to at least tie the game in the bottom of the ninth after Washington took a two-run lead. Edmundo Sosa began the inning with a single, providing opportunities for manager Thomson to utilize Harper and Realmuto as pinch hitters. Instead, Rob Thomson Stirs the Pot Again as he chose not to use these All-Stars, and the Phillies ended up losing 6-4.
While this decision was maddening, Thomson does have a rationale for his choice.
Rob Thomson explains why he didn't pinch-hit Bryce Harper or J.T. Realmuto in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/Ayyz6fjJVQ
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 18, 2024
Rob Thomson had reason to make infuriating decision
Given that Cal Stevenson and Garrett Stubbs, who are less effective hitters, were due up after Sosa, it might have seemed obvious that the Phillies should have made a move. Allowing Stevenson and Stubbs to bat essentially set up an easy win for the Nationals, which they ultimately secured. Despite the frustration, Thomson’s reasoning for his decision does hold some merit.
Rob Thomson aimed to give Harper and Realmuto a complete day off. This approach is understandable given that Harper had played every game since the second half began, and Realmuto, having caught six straight games with only one off day, is due for some rest. Both players are over 30 and have previously dealt with injuries.
When asked if he considered using Harper or Realmuto off the bench, Rob Thomson’s response was one that Phillies fans should appreciate:
Absolutely, but I’m thinking long-term as well… This is going to be a tough stretch, no doubt, and we’ve gotta be able to handle it. We have to have healthy bodies and rested bodies so that we give ourselves every chance to play well.”
After this series against the Nationals, the Phillies face a much tougher schedule with a six-game road trip to Atlanta and Kansas City, followed by a return home to play the Astros and Braves. That’s 13 challenging games in a row with only one off-day.
While every game is crucial, long-term planning is essential. Thomson aims to ensure Harper and Realmuto, who have had injury issues this season, are in top form for the crucial stretch and October. The Phillies currently lead the NL East by seven games and will face the second-place Braves seven times in the near future. If Harper and Realmuto aren’t at their best, the NL East race could become more competitive than desired.
Winning Sunday’s game would have been ideal, but the ultimate goal is a World Series title. Ensuring that key players are healthy and rested for the demanding schedule ahead, even if it means sacrificing one game against the struggling Nationals, seems like a prudent strategy.
Read More: https://fansided.com/posts/rob-thomson-shows-stunning-lack-of-urgency-three-game-skid-in-nlcs-rematch
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