(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies have not been a team known for their defense.
Even after making the World Series last year, they did so behind their bats and not their gloves.
But, the Phillies seemed more invested in finding better defensive players for this season.
One of the bright spots on their defense has been center fielder Cristian Pache.
He has always been known for being an elite defender with an elite throwing arm.
That has not changed since he joined the Phillies this year.
According to Tim Kelly, Pache has four defensive runs saved on the season, which is tied for first on the Phillies.
Phillies leaders in defensive runs saved at the All-Star Break
Four DRS: Bryson Stott, Cristian Pache and Dalton Guthrie (!!)
Three DRS: Zack Wheeler
Two DRS: Brandon Marsh, Taijuan Walker and Matt Strahm
pic.twitter.com/vXrlzNeHY0
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) July 10, 2023
Pache is tied with Bryson Stott and Dalton Guthrie (who is now with the San Francisco Giants.)
It is impressive to see Pache at the top of this list despite being a part-time player.
He is usually in the starting lineup against left-handed pitchers.
Against left-handers this year, Pache is batting .405 with 15 hits in 37 at-bats.
But against righties, he is only hitting .083 and has gone 1-12.
Even when Pache does not start he is usually brought in for his defense in the later innings.
The Phillies have a good platoon working in center field with Pache and Brandon Marsh.
Marsh has two defensive runs saved of his own on the year.
The Phillies find themselves in the Wild Card race and should be looking to improve their roster at the upcoming trade deadline.
Any move they make could make all the difference in getting back to the World Series.
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