The Phillies will look to avoid a 3-game series sweep against the Orioles with Jake Arrieta on the mound this afternoon. The Phillies have dropped two straight against the Orioles, both being one-run games. Big news from the Phillies today as top prospect Alec Bohm got word he will be joining the Phillies in Philadelphia.

Arrieta has been terrific in two starts this season with a 1-1 record and a 2.45 ERA. In Arrieta’s last start, he tossed six scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Atlanta Braves for his first scoreless start since 2018.

Jake finally looks healthy after dealing with bone spurs the last two seasons with the Phillies.

“I know he’s battled injuries the last two years and it’s difficult to pitch when you have a knee problem, an elbow problem or any problem,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s difficult to execute pitches. What I’ve seen in the first two starts has been extremely impressive and a lot of execution.”

Bryce Harper has noticed the revival of Arrieta:

“His backdoor sinker, I haven’t seen 93 from him in a couple of years,” said Bryce Harper, who had two hits in Wednesday’s loss. “To be able to see him really spotting up, if he’s throwing that backdoor sinker, and he’s throwing off with that cutter, he’s very tough.”

So far this series, the Phillies have produced 13 runs of offense and have yet to win a ball game. It’s been a frustrating series to watch. Salvaging a win this afternoon is exactly what this ball club needs heading into Friday’s series with the New York Mets.

Thomas Eshelman will be on the mound for the Orioles who coincidentally, is a former top Phillies prospect who joined the Orioles last June. This will be Eshelman’s third appearance this season. He is 0-0 with a 3.68 ERA.

WHAT TO WATCH:

There’s no reason why Alec Bohm shouldn’t be in the Phillies lineup regularly as long as he’s up in the big leagues. Joe Girardi said himself that when Bohm joins the club, he will need to be playing every day.

Bohm could bring some much needed help to the Phillies’ offense. He’s the number 31 prospect in baseball. With the exception of JT Realmuto and Didi Gregorious, the Phillies infield has been brutal offensively. Jean Segura (.205/.354/.359), Scott Kingery (.100/.163/.100) and Rhys Hoskins (.190/.404/.238) are performing below their standards.

Bohm could play his natural position at 3rd base, obviously, but there’s a chance you could see him at 1st base or in the DH slot as well. Segura can easily move over to 2nd base or even 1st base if needed to make room for Bohm.

Ring that bell, baby.