Phillies’ Lineup Still Searching for Answers After Another Shutout

The Philadelphia Phillies have tried three different leadoff hitters, and they have moved guys up and down the lineup, but they are still struggling to find a consistent group.

Leadoff Shuffles, Same Outcome

Friday night, they tried to protect Bryce Harper with Kyle Schwarber and moved Bryson Stott to the top spot.   On Sunday, Stott was out of the lineup, and Trea Turner was leading off.

The result? Zero runs. Again.

“We’ve got to be better,” Harper said after the loss. “We’ll find our way. We’ve got to hit with guys on base, scoring position.”

Phillies Lineup Struggles vs Cardinals

The Phillies went 6-for-60 combined on Friday and Sunday, striking out 13 times.  They were shut out twice, dropping 2-of-3 in St. Louis.

“I know I’m not doing my part, which stinks the worst,” Brandon Marsh admitted. “I feel like I’m letting my guys down, and I need to be better for them.” Marsh is in the middle of a 0-26 streak, which includes nine strikeouts, dropping his season average to .108.

Manager Rob Thomson said he felt a lack of energy from his team, never a good sign. The team is set to head home to face a Giants team that is off to an 11-4 start, with Taijuan Walker making the start on Monday night.

If the Phillies struggle during this homestand, will Dave Dombrowski start to look at ways to shake this roster up? The top of the order is pressing, with the bottom of the order featuring multiple hitters hitting under .200 or worse to open the season.

Yes, the season is young, but the same issues that have hurt this team in the playoffs are starting to show already in April.  Adding Max Kepler, who is hitting .200, hasn't helped the lineup progress. Coupled with Marsh (.108) and Alec Bohm (.150), the bottom of the team might need a facelift - soon.