The Philadelphia Phillies managed just four hits in a 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. It was the sixth time in 11 games since the All-Star break that the team scored zero or one run.
After the game, first baseman Bryce Harper did not hold back when asked about the team's needs heading into the July trade deadline. According to Yahoo Sports, Harper said, "I think we need some help." When asked whether the Phillies need a bat or an arm, he answered, "I think both."
The Phillies enter Wednesday at 57-51, which puts them in the second National League wild-card spot. Their grip on that position is thin. They lead the next team in line by just one game, and five other clubs are within 2.5 games of that final wild-card berth.
Harper himself has not been part of the problem. Through 108 games, he is hitting .252/.358/.488. His 128 wRC+, a stat that measures total offensive contributions, ranks second on the team behind Kyle Schwarber. Outfielder Brandon Marsh is the only other Phillies hitter posting an above-average wRC+. Every other batter on the roster has been below average offensively this season.
The rotation tells a similar story. Three starters have performed at an All-Star level, but the final two spots have been a drag on the staff. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola has allowed home runs at a high rate, producing a 5.61 ERA. The fifth rotation spot has cycled through multiple pitchers all season, with Andrew Painter struggling across 14 appearances at the major league level.
Despite those weak spots, the Phillies are still viewed as a serious World Series contender in the National League. Closing the gap on the teams ahead of them, though, will require additions. Harper's comments make clear he understands that.
The decisions now fall to general manager Dave Dombrowski, who will need to act before the trade deadline to address the gaps Harper identified.
