Bryce Harper was given the night off last night as the Phillies opened up their series in New York against the Mets. Over his last 10 games, Harper has cooled down significantly after starting the first 22 games batting .343 with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs, and 19 RBIs. His OPS was an astounding 1.192 in that span. Over his last 10 games, he’s batting .143 with 1 double, 2 RBIs, and a .512 OPS. A night off to regroup was much needed, and it paid off for the Phillies.

Girardi gave Phil Gosselin the start in right field. It was the first time Gosselin ever started a game in right field in his professional career and he hit a 2-out double then scored on a go-ahead single from Roman Quinn. Much like Girardi giving Neil Walker the start over Rhys Hoskins a few nights ago, the move paid off and the Phillies got yet another win, making it 10 of 11.

The Phillies beat the Mets 5-3. Jake Arrieta pitched 7 innings for the first time since May 2019. The Phillies are 19-15 and 2 games back of the NL East leading Braves. They are 4-0 on the season against the Mets, after going 6-0 against the Nationals.

The ball club is just playing stellar baseball in every aspect of the game. The Phillies are currently stealing bases at an 85.2 percent clip (23-for-27) this season, which is 4th in baseball this year and their 2nd best mark in franchise history. Roman Quinn in particular has stolen 16 consecutive bases without getting caught.

Just so we’re clear, The Misery Report talked about this way back in April:

The Misery Report. A Philly Sports Podcast. pic.twitter.com/HNGaokKYBv

— TMR (@TheMiseryReport) April 11, 2020

The Phillies play five seven-inning doubleheaders in 15 days, beginning on Tuesday against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Expect Vince Velasquez to be the 6th man of the starting pitching rotation.

Today, the Phillies will send Spencer Howard to the mound to face Mets pitcher Seth Lugo. Howard, who earned his 1st career win last start against the Nationals, will look to continue his progression and keep his pitching velocity up as he goes deeper into games. Seth Lugo is also dealing with some tiring issues, only throwing 60 pitches his last outing.

Buckle up: We are about embark on a wild month of September baseball.

Ring that bell, baby. 

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Phillies