Phillies Plummet Deeper After Weekend Sweep by Pirates
The Philadelphia Phillies hit another rough patch this weekend with a sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates, extending their losing streak to five games. This skid marks their third straight series loss and nine defeats in the last ten matchups.
June usually signals the onset of peak offensive performance—but this Phillies squad seems to have forgotten how to hit. Responsibility for this downturn falls squarely on Rob Thomson and his coaching staff. With the team stuck in a rut, it’d be wise for Thomson to rethink both his batting order construction and reliever deployment. Replace ineffective “buttons” before this slump costs them ground in the NL East standings.
Who’s Responsible for the Phillies’ Dismal Start to June?
The Entire Offense
The Phillies’ offense has been shockingly ineffective during this slide. Even with Bryce Harper sidelined by injury for much of it, a lineup featuring Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and J.T. Realmuto should not look this lifeless.
Setting Harper aside, the veterans have failed to step up. Trea Turner remains the lone consistent force at the plate, as others like Schwarber and Bryson Stott have evaporated in June.
- Kyle Schwarber, nicknamed “Mr. June,” sits at a disappointing .143 average through 28 at-bats this month, with just one homer, three RBIs, one walk, and 13 strikeouts—hardly his usual torrid June pace.
- Bryson Stott, who blazed through April, has cooled off to a 2-for-24 start in June. His struggles may force a demotion down the order, particularly against right-handed pitching.
Jesús Luzardo
After being acquired from the Marlins, Luzardo looked like an early frontrunner for NL Cy Young. He opened the season with a 5–0 record, a 2.15 ERA, and 77 Ks over 67 innings—through May 25.
But his June performance has been disastrous. In his first June start against the Blue Jays, he lasted only 2⅓ innings, giving up nine runs on nine hits and two walks. Across his last two starts, against Toronto and Milwaukee, Luzardo has yielded 21 hits, five walks, and 20 earned runs over just 5⅔ innings while striking out only six—earning his first two losses of the season.
Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano, signed in the offseason after two strong All-Star campaigns, got off to a shaky start in Philly but rebounded with nine straight scoreless outings (including five saves). Now, he’s back in a slump.
Through three June appearances, Romano has blown two late-inning leads—first against his former team, the Blue Jays, and again on Friday versus the Pirates. Over just 2⅓ innings, he’s given up six hits, one walk, and three earned runs, posting an 11.57 ERA for the month and an alarming 7.71 overall in 26 bullpen appearances.
The Phillies simply must have dependability from their bullpen, particularly with José Alvarado suspended. Romano is a key piece they need on lock if they’re serious about a postseason run.
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