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Philadelphia Phillies: 3 concerns going into the NLCS

By Tim Boyle

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 15: Josh Hader #71 of the San Diego Padres reacts during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the National League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 15, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2) The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a closer who has figured it out again

Josh Hader has figured it out with the Padres. The big trade deadline acquisition for the bullpen looked disastrous in the regular season. Hader was 1-1 with a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings of work for San Diego after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers.

In the postseason, Hader has been his old self again. The 1.23 ERA pitcher he was with the Brewers in 2021 has returned. This is not good news for Philadelphia.

Attacking the Padres bullpen is a good strategy for victory. It’s the exact formula they should have if they want to beat the Phillies. Relief pitchers are the only thing on the planet more fickle than high school friends once you all go off to college. You think you might be able to rely on some. The truth is, you never hear back from most ever again.

A strong, more effective Hader is trouble for any team the Padres will face. If he was serving up home runs, the Phillies would have a much better chance. San Diego will look to shorten games with their strong starting pitching staff the same way the Phillies hope to do with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, along with maybe even Ranger Suarez.

In a battle of bullpens, the Phillies and Padres match well. Hader can, however, give the Padres a slight edge.

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