Max Kepler started in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies during their 5-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, fulfilling a commitment made by manager Rob Thomson. However, Kepler’s future role remains uncertain as Thomson plans to announce a new outfield strategy before Friday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers.
After acquiring Harrison Bader at the Trade Deadline, Thomson stated he would maintain platoons in both left and center field through the end of the series with Baltimore. The plan has been Bader in center and Weston Wilson in left against left-handed pitchers, while Brandon Marsh plays center and Kepler takes left against right-handed pitching.
Despite Bader’s three-run home run on Monday—his first with the Phillies—the platoon system remained intact for Tuesday’s game. “I promised these guys the first six days that we’re going to platoon,” Thomson said before Tuesday’s matchup.
Kepler took advantage of his opportunity by hitting a two-run homer in the second inning and adding a double in the fourth. This marked his first game with multiple extra-base hits since March 31, ending a streak without a double that had lasted since June 13.
“To be honest, it does get to me. I’m an overthinker, even before I started playing this game,” Kepler said. “I try to analyze what I did right or wrong in the past and what’s to come in the future. And that takes away from the present.”
Thomson indicated that changes could be forthcoming regarding Kepler’s role, depending on team needs and player performance: “Bader is kind of an even split between right- and left-handed pitching,” he said. “Kepler has had some pretty good at-bats of late, so we’ll see.” He also noted Marsh’s improvement: “The at-bats against left-handed pitching when he’s got them have been pretty good,” Thomson said of Marsh. “I like what I see with him.”
On Tuesday night, Taijuan Walker delivered six scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks—a feat he last accomplished on September 13, 2016, while pitching for Seattle. “That’s the best stuff I’ve seen out of him in two years,” Thomson remarked.
Walker’s outing comes as Aaron Nola prepares for his second rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday. Nola is expected to make another minor league appearance next week before potentially rejoining Philadelphia around August 17. The Phillies may consider using a six-man rotation upon Nola’s return or moving Walker to bullpen duties; Walker has recorded a 3.71 ERA across 11 relief appearances compared to a 3.48 ERA as a starter.
“Possibly,” Thomson replied when asked if Walker could earn a spot in an expanded rotation.
“That’s up to them, whatever they decide,” Walker added about his potential role shift. “I’m ready to do whatever they need me to do. If it’s back in the bullpen or six-man [rotation] or whatever it is, I’m just going to be ready like I have been all year.”
With their win on Tuesday, Philadelphia holds first place in the NL East at 65-48, leading New York by two-and-a-half games.
“I’m just happy to still be here and watch these guys ball,” Kepler said after Tuesday’s game. “At the end of the day, we got a ‘W’ — and I think the Mets just lost. So, good day.”
