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The defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies have overcome a difficult start to the 2023 season and now find themselves in prime postseason position.
Despite sitting 10 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the top spot in the National League East, the Phils are in possession of the second Wild Card spot with a record of 55-47.
With the trade deadline now just five days away, the Phillies will be an interesting team to watch as they try and put the finishing touches on their 2023 roster and prepare for another stretch run.
On MLB Network, Jayson Stark of The Athletic commented on what he thinks the defending NL champs will do before Tuesday’s deadline.
.@jaysonst discusses Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies’ potential #TradeDeadline plans. pic.twitter.com/UbareEy9mn
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 28, 2023
Stark noted that General Manager Dave Dombrowski is always busy at this time of year, looking for ways to improve his ballclub.
However, while Stark expects moves to be made, he doesn’t think that Dombrowski will be as aggressive as he has been in years past.
Last year, the Phillies traded away some key prospects to strengthen their roster, as Stark noted, including Mickey Moniak, who is now coming into his own with the Los Angeles Angels.
Stark predicts that the defending National League champions will grab an arm at the deadline, but won’t empty the farm system for somebody like Eduardo Rodriguez.
Instead, he believes that somebody like Michael Lorenzen is more likely, should they choose to make a deal with the Detroit Tigers, Dombrowski’s former team.
The Phillies are looking for depth and versatility on their pitching staff, and Lorenzen is somebody who can start or come out of the bullpen.
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