The Philadelphia Phillies are currently just one game behind the New York Mets in the NL East standings. After a tough week characterized by their poor performance, the Phillies have experienced a notable upswing, while the Mets have encountered setbacks in their form.
Pitcher Ranger Suárez has made significant adjustments this season that have contributed to his success. Following a promising first half of 2024, where he earned a spot on the NL All-Star team, Suárez faced challenges with a 6.07 ERA in his final ten starts. In 2025, however, he has demonstrated a return to form, boasting a 2.20 ERA across nine starts. His approach has included a strategic increase in changeup and cutter usage, while he has reduced his reliance on the curveball, which had previously been his most effective pitch.
Suárez’s changes come in response to a decline in his curveball’s effectiveness, which saw a drop in whiff rates. His adjustment to rely more on his changeup, which is yielding robust results with a .215 batting average against it and a significant whiff rate, has been critical. Moreover, he has modified the location of his four-seam fastball, lowering the pitch’s elevation against right-handed hitters. This tactical shift has drastically improved his results, limiting opponents to a .136 average against his fastball in 2025.
These small yet impactful adjustments underscore Suárez’s growth as a pitcher, making him a compelling free agent prospect this offseason.
In another area of concern, outfielder Brandon Marsh has shown signs of improvement this June. After some performance worries in April and May, Marsh’s metrics indicate a return to familiar form, with a ground ball rate of 37.9%, a line drive rate of 27.6%, and an uptick in fly balls. He has notably thrived in June, delivering a batting average of .378 with a .955 OPS. While these impressive numbers may not be sustainable, Marsh’s resurgence is vital for the Phillies, particularly as they navigate uncertainty in their outfield, including potential offseason changes involving Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos.
With both Suárez and Marsh showing promising signs of development, the Phillies may be able to bolster their performance as they strive for the postseason in a competitive NL East.