Short memory, execution are big keys moving forward for Phils' bullpen

NEW YORK -- What was expected to be one of the Phillies' biggest strengths has suddenly turned into the biggest question mark heading into Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at Citi Field.

Though the Phils escaped potential disaster by rallying for a wild 7-6 win on Sunday to even the series, manager Rob Thomson was once again left scrambling to get to 27 outs following some late-game bullpen woes.

Through two games, Philadelphia's bullpen has allowed 10 runs on 13 hits (including three homers) and two walks in just six innings -- good for a 15.00 ERA. The Mets are hitting .448 with a 1.213 OPS in 33 plate appearances against the 'pen.

That's all the more shocking considering the Phillies' relief corps had been dominant in each of the past two postseasons -- and this year's crew is arguably the strongest of the bunch.

So how does Thomson balance the past two games with what he's seen from his 'pen all season?

"I think you have to trust them, you know," Thomson said. "They've been performing all year long. It's just a matter of execution. But these guys adjust all the time and they've been so good all year, I think you have to trust them."

Matt Strahm yielded two runs apiece in Games 1 and 2, but that is the only time this entire season that he allowed a run in back-to-back outings. He also gave up just two runs in August and September combined.

"I mean, I've been a reliever a long time,” Strahm said. “You've got to forget them as quickly as you can and move on."

While Strahm has had the biggest missteps, it's been a bullpen-wide problem.

Of the nine individual outings by Phillies relievers in the NLDS, only three have been scoreless -- and only one of those was a full inning (Carlos Estévez in Game 2). Estévez's outing was also the only one of the nine that did not result in at least one hit.

At the same time, the Phillies know as well as anyone the volatility of a big league bullpen, where every mistake is magnified -- especially in the postseason. But they also know those concerns can dissipate just as quickly as they appeared over the weekend.

"Like hitting [and] your starting rotation, your bullpen is contagious one way or the other," Thomson said. "We just have to snap out of this thing and start executing pitches, and hitting our spots."

And while the Phillies have had plenty of relief woes over the past half-decade -- remember, the 2020 club finished with the second-worst bullpen ERA (6.92) in AL/NL history -- this is, in a way, uncharted territory.

The 2022 Phillies had a 4.25 ERA in the regular season, which ranked 23rd in the Majors -- and worst among all postseason qualifiers. But come the postseason, they went 6-0 with a 2.62 ERA and five saves while taking down 68 2/3 innings over 17 games. Similarly, the '23 bullpen posted a 2.23 ERA and four saves over 44 1/3 postseason innings.

Fast forward to 2024, and Philadelphia has arguably its best crew yet. Consider these regular-season numbers …

Matt Strahm: 1.87 ERA, 79 K's in 66 appearances
Jeff Hoffman: 2.17 ERA, 89 K's in 68 appearances
Orion Kerkering: 2.29 ERA, 74 K's in 64 appearances

The Phillies are the only team in MLB history to have three pitchers with 70 K’s and a sub-2.40 ERA while making at least 60 appearances. No other team had even two such pitchers this season.

And that trio doesn't even include Trade Deadline acquisition Estévez, who had a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves over 54 appearances between the Angels and Phillies. There’s also José Alvarado, who -- despite his ups and downs -- posted a 2.38 ERA over his last 12 appearances down the stretch. The hard-throwing lefty also had a 1.13 ERA in eight postseason appearances last year.

"They've been so good all year," said Game 3 starter Aaron Nola, who previously called this the best bullpen he's ever had behind him. "Every time I come out of a game, or any of the guys come out of a game, we feel confident with those guys coming in and shutting the door."

It also helps that the Phillies aren’t sulking their way into Game 3 facing a 2-0 deficit.

Strahm was as hyped as anyone watching Nick Castellanos line his walk-off hit into left field in Game 2. The reliever watched it all play out from the home clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park, slapping his chair and cheering alongside Kerkering.

"We were like little kids," Strahm said. “Winning fixes everything.”