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Washington Nationals: Good, bad, and ugly from Phillies series

By James Simmons

Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with Kyle Schwarber #12 after he hit a grand slam home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with Kyle Schwarber #12 after he hit a grand slam home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Nationals pitcher Erick Fedde struggled in his most recent outing against the Phillies.
Erick Fedde #23 of the Washington Nationals in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The bad

The starting pitching. This has been a strength over the course of the recent winning stretch, and it took a step back against Philadelphia. Scherzer was solid in just surrendering two hits, but he walked three and threw 106 pitches in just five innings. This was his first time out since coming off the Injured List, but this team needs more from their ace.

Erick Fedde entered the contest not allowing a run in his past 19 innings. He tacked on another one before getting lit up for three against the bottom half of the Phillies batting order. Fedde lasted just four innings, walked three and gave up two home runs. Nine bullpen innings used. That’s too much for a two game set, especially when the next off-day comes with the All-Star break. In 18 days.

Davey Martinez’s bullpen usage. This is an easy armchair bullpen coach moment. Seven relievers were used. Only two pitched a full inning. This game was all-hands on deck. Kyle McGowin was tiring and never should have faced Andrew McCutchen, especially with Wander Suero already warmed up in the bullpen. Suero and Justin Miller faced just one batter each, because their spot in the batting order was due up and they were pinch hit for. Brad Hand was out (because he threw too many pitches securing the win the night before) leaving Paolo Espino to the ninth. Martinez continues to trust Tanner Rainey in high leverage situations when more times than not he has failed (today included). As evidenced by his 7.54 earned run average.

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