The Phillies' bullpen is in dire need of a breather, and this Friday's off-day is a welcome respite. With a scorching 6-1 loss to the Pirates on Thursday, the team's starters struggled to pitch deep into games, putting an immense strain on the bullpen. Kyle Kendrick and Alan Rangel, the starters, couldn't match the intensity of the 2011 heatwave, where the temperature reached a scorching 105 degrees in the ninth inning. The bullpen has been working overtime, throwing 82 innings in 20 games since June 12, the fourth-highest total in baseball. This has led to a 19th-ranked performance in the MLB. Tim Mayza, José Alvarado, Lou Trivino, and Kyle Backhus have been underperforming, with high ERAs, and the team can't rely on them every night. Brad Keller, who was inconsistent before his injury, is set to make a rehab appearance, and his return to form would be a significant boost. The Phillies' late-inning struggles are a cause for concern, and they know they need more than just 'fine' performances in October. The team's ability to pitch deep into games is a key factor in their success, and they must address this issue to improve their overall performance.
