Two MLB teams will meet. The Guardians will play the Phillies.
Guardians’ Strengths and Weaknesses
The Guardians have a +23 run differential. Their team wRC+ is 101, ranking 13th. The Guardians are eighth in baserunning runs above average at +2. The Guardians’ defence is 11th at -5.4. The Guardians’ starting pitcher ERA is sixth at 3.59 (3.99 FIP). Their bullpen ERA is 13th at 3.80 (3.86 FIP).
Phillies’ Performance
The Phillies are 25-25 with a -24 run differential. The Phillies’ team wRC+ is 93, ranking 23rd. They are sixth in baserunning runs above average at +2.9. Their defense is 17th at -8.3. The Phillies’ starting pitcher ERA is 22nd at 4.49 (3.51 FIP). Their bullpen ERA is 16th at 4.04 (3.40 FIP).
The Phillies’ defense is bad and their bullpen is quite shaky. The Phillies are not as bad as their record or run differential indicates.
Key Matchups in the Series
Game One features Cristopher Sanchez (1.82 ERA, 1.92 FIP) against Gavin Williams (3.67 ERA, 4.17 FIP). Game Two sees Zack Wheeler (1.99 ERA, 2.37 FIP) face Slade Cecconi (5.16 ERA, 4.99 FIP). Game Three pits Andrew Painter (5.77 ERA, 4.59 FIP) against Parker Messick (2.45 ERA, 3.17 FIP).
The Guardians have drawn a rough slate having to face Sanchez and Wheeler. The Guardians will have to win this series the hard way, if they do it.
Guardians and Phillies Players to Watch
The Guardians are led by Travis Bazzana at 133 wRC+, Chase DeLauter at 130 wRC+, Jose Ramirez 130 wRC+, Brayan Rocchio 130 wRC+, Angel Martinez 119 wRC+, David Fry 112 wRC+, Daniel Schneemann 109 wRC+ and Rhys Hoskins 105 wRC+.
The Phillies are led by Kyle Schwarber 168 wRC+, Bryce Harper 138 wRC+, and Brandon Marsh at 124 wRC+. Don’t let Schwarber beat you.
The key for the Guardians will be to make Sanchez and Wheeler work, get them out of the game as soon as possible, and put the ball in play as often as possible against a bad Phillies’ defense. The Guardians need to score some runs to steal a couple in this series.