Jesús Luzardo’s bounce-back outing vs. the Chicago Cubs proves huge for the Phillies after pitch-tipping concerns plagued prior outings.

In Harper’s place at first base on Wednesday was recently promoted prospect Otto Kemp. The 25-year-old logged a hit and a run in the win and the Phillies announced that he will be a big part of the team’s Harper replacement plan going forward.

With every performance like this, the price tags of two of the Phillies’ three most important free-agents-to-be continue to increase.

Discover the Phillies’ four most disappointing players of 2025 and how their struggles are impacting Philadelphia’s postseason hopes and roster decisions.

“Demoting Marsh to the minors would be extreme; it could be one gambit to deliver a message to a sagging offense,” Matt Gelb suggested for The Athletic. “Marsh has been at or below replacement level for most of the season. The Phillies would be justified in seeking a ‘reset’ for the 27-year-old outfielder.”

Jesus Luzardo bounced back in a big way Wednesday as the Phillies collected a 7-2 feat and series win over the Cubs.

But the unpredictability of their performance — see: the 2024 NLDS — makes that task unpleasant anyway,” wrote Tim Britton of The Athletic (subscription required). More news: Phillies Hoping ...