RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesWASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Manager Don Mattingly #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches his team bat in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies are in the final days before the MLB trade deadline searching for answers to an offense that has stalled at an inopportune time. After another frustrating series loss, pressure continues to mount on the front office to find upgrades capable of jump-starting a lineup with postseason aspirations.
Franchise slugger Bryce Harper recently made it clear that he believes reinforcements are necessary, and the numbers back him up. Philadelphia has struggled to generate consistent production from right field, making it one of the club's most glaring weaknesses as deadline decisions approach.
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The Phillies appear ready to move on from rookie outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr., who has struggled to seize an everyday opportunity despite receiving extended playing time against right-handed pitching.
On Tuesday, interim manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the club's growing concern over Rincones while explaining why Bryan De La Cruz has begun taking over regular duties in right field.
“Rico’s been given a decent runway against right-handed pitching,” Mattingly said, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb . “Hasn’t been as good as we’d like. De La Cruz, he’s getting his hits. And I know he’s going to be solid in the outfield and all that. So I don’t feel like it’s going to be worse than what we’re seeing.”
Gelb added that Mattingly’s comments were an indication that the team expects to cut Rincones from the major-league roster as the trade deadline approaches.
“They are onto a new everyday player there, De La Cruz, who started Tuesday against a righty for the first time,” Gelb added. “He was the only one in the lineup with two hits. He has supplanted rookie Gabriel Rincones Jr., who probably won’t be in the majors after the trade deadline. Mattingly said as much before Tuesday’s game.”
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The Phillies' offensive struggles have become impossible to ignore, particularly with the trade deadline just days away.
Harper, who is mired in an extended slump, offered a direct assessment of where the club stands.
“With the Philadelphia Phillies dropping their fourth straight series since the All-Star break, Bryce Harper was blunt when asked if the team needs reinforcements as the Monday trade deadline approaches,” ESPN reported . “‘I think we need some help,’ Harper said Tuesday night after the Phillies lost 1-0 to the Marlins, their eighth defeat in 11 games since the break. They have scored one run or fewer in six of those 11 games.”
If Philadelphia acquires another outfielder before the deadline — as many around baseball expect — the roster squeeze could leave Rincones without a place on the major league club. Mattingly's comments suggest that process may already be underway, with De La Cruz earning more opportunities while the Phillies evaluate external additions.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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