Phillies energized after Galvis lights a fire

Following D-backs series, shortstop calls out poor play

June 29th, 2017

Coincidence? Maybe.
But the Phillies have played better since expressed his frustrations Monday in Arizona -- using some choice language along the way -- about the team's poor play through 75 games. The Phillies flew to Seattle afterward and won the two-game series, including Wednesday's 5-4 victory at Safeco Field.
It is the first time the Phillies won a road series since April.
"It's nice to have a leader like that to call us out a little bit," Phillies catcher told reporters in Seattle. "You know, it's been a tough stretch, but we've got a lot of good ballplayers, and he's right. We've got to start playing a little bit better and that's what we're capable of. I don't think he's asking too much of us, but yeah, a little fire."
Galvis has been with the Phillies since 2012, playing on the Phillies' last team without a losing record. He played with , , , Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and others. He might not have played for a World Series contender, but he knows about effort.
"I mean, we're losing, we're losing, we're losing and I don't see any change so far," Galvis said Monday about the team's effort. "If you get used to it, we're [in trouble]. We have to have a different mentality every time we come here. We have to try to win. We have to try to fight for nine innings and 27 outs."

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Galvis' words might have resonated within the clubhouse.
"I think the guys are tired of losing, and we've been in so many games that it gets to be frustrating," Mackanin said. "I think [hitting coach] Matt Stairs had a meeting with all the hitters and basically read them the riot act and told them we need more quality at-bats, and I think that affected them. Along with Freddy, the guys are getting frustrated, and I think they're coming out of it with a little bit more effort. I shouldn't say effort because they've been giving me effort, but a little bit more, 'Come on, let's win some games."
The Phillies open a three-game series Friday night at Citi Field. They are 3-3 on their road trip. If they win two of three from the Mets, they would win their first road trip since they went 5-4 against the Twins, Giants and D-backs from June 21-29, 2016.
Kendrick bothered by hamstring
could not play Wednesday after being the team's DH on Tuesday. Kendrick has not played in the field since June 21 because of a tight left hamstring, and he could be placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday.
The Phillies have limited options. They could activate right-hander , who is on the DL with a strained upper back, which would keep in the bullpen. They could recall outfielder or from Triple-A, although it likely would be for only a few days. The Phillies have no room on the 40-man roster, so they would need to make moves to accommodate somebody like Triple-A infielder . Triple-A second baseman Scott Kingery is not an option.
Of course, maybe Kendrick shows up Friday feeling fine and it's not an issue at all.