Bryce Harper admits Phillies 'need some help' with team scuffling before trade deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies were shut down Tuesday, notching just four hits in a 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins. It marked the sixth time in the team’s 11 games since the All-Star break that the Phillies have scored zero or one run in a game.

Because of that, first baseman Bryce Harper admitted Tuesday that the Phillies “need some help” ahead of the trade deadline.

When asked whether he believes the Phillies need an arm or a bat at the deadline, Harper said, “I think both.”

Despite the team’s post-All-Star Game struggles, the Phillies sit at 57-51 entering play Wednesday. That’s good enough for a wild-card spot in the National League, though the Phillies only hold a one-game lead on that position. Five other teams are within 2.5 games of the final wild-card spot, meaning there’s plenty of pressure on the Phillies even with the team in the second wild-card spot at the end of July.

The 33-year-old Harper hasn’t been among the team’s issues this season. The veteran holds a .252/.358/.488 slash line through 108 games. His 128 wRC+ — an advanced stat that captures a player’s total offensive contributions — sits second on the Phillies, behind only Kyle Schwarber.

The rest of the Phillies’ offense can’t say the same. The only other player on the team with an above-average wRC+ — over 100 — is Brandon Marsh. Every other Phillies hitter has been a below-average offensive player this year.

The rotation has functioned similarly, with three players performing at All-Star level and the other two spots disappointing. Veteran Aaron Nola has given up home runs at an astounding rate, leading to a 5.61 ERA. The fifth spot in the rotation has been a revolving door all season, as Andrew Painter struggled mightily in 14 MLB games.

Despite those issues, the Phillies are still considered a strong World Series contender in the NL. But toppling the clubs ahead of them won’t be easy. Harper knows as much, which is why he didn’t shy away when asked about potential upgrades at the trade deadline.

With Harper making his stance clear, it will be up to Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski to give the Phillies what they need to truly compete for another World Series title.