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First pitch: Grading 3 massive overreactions from MLB’s opening weekend

By Kevin Henry

Mar 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) leaves the game against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) leaves the game against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson. Cardinals, MLB Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson. Cardinals, MLB Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

ST. LOUIS — At most, when Monday dawned, an MLB team had played four games of a 162-game season. However, after the opening weekend, there are plenty of overreactions already out there.

Take a breath after the weekend slate, no matter which team you’re rooting for in 2023. Three or four games does not a World Series winner (or 100-loss team) make. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three overreactions from the first series of the season and see whether there is any truth to a team’s early successes or failures, or if the first series of 2023 should be shrugged off.

MLB overreaction: The Phillies are not going to make the postseason

It was anything but a good trip to the Lone Star State for the defending National League champions. During the first two games of the series, Philadelphia gave up 27 runs, the most for the team’s first two contests since 1895. The pitching numbers … were not good.

When you have a position player pitching in the second game of the season, it never bodes well. When you have a fanbase like the Phillies that entered 2023 with such high expectations, that only adds to the frustration.

While Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler certainly struggled, both are too good to think these starts are anything other than a blip on the radar. What should be more concerning for the Phillies, however, is the burning question about if this offense can produce enough runs without Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins. If Phillies pitchers struggle, can Philadelphia win a slugfest? Early in the season, the answer is no, and that’s a red flag.

Overreaction grade: Much more reality than overreaction here. With plenty of NL contenders, the Phillies could be in real danger of not sniffing the postseason in 2023.

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