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Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies: Five Players To Watch This Weekend

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) stands in the dugout at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) stands in the dugout at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) throws the ball to first base for an out during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Freddy Galvis

In the first three games of the season, three players have hit home runs and one of them is their shortstop, Freddy Galvis. Galvis hit a solo shot in Monday’s win over the Reds, but he is 0-for-6 in the last two games.

Last season, Galvis had the best year of his career. He had a slash line of .241/.274/.399 with 20 home runs, 67 RBI’s, and 17 stolen bases in 23 attempts. He was tied for second on the team in stolen bases, second on the team in RBI’s, and fourth in home runs.

When the Phillies faced the Washington Nationals last year, Galvis was one of their better hitters in those matchups. In 18 games, he hit three home runs (tied for most on the team) and six RBI’s (tied for second).

Galvis has been hitting in the eighth spot in the first three games, so he can also bring some power to the bottom of the order, but he probably can’t steal as many bases compared to second baseman Cesar Hernandez, who is in the leadoff spot.

While Galvis had some success against the Nats last year, his numbers aren’t great against Scherzer or Strasburg. He is a combined 8-for-42 with a RBI against both of those pitchers.

Other Phillies hitters to watch in this series include two of the players that the team hope to build around in the future. Third baseman Maikel Franco had 25 home runs last year and center fielder Odubel Herrera, who got a contract extension this winter, hit 15 homers and stole 25 bases in 2016.

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