Phillies Nuggets: Thomson, Maton & more

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson spoke to the media Saturday evening before the team’s tilt against the Los Angeles Angels. Here are a few interesting notes from Thomson’s first pregame media session as skipper of the Phillies:

• Thomson has been the manager of the Phillies for just over 24 hours, and he admitted that he’s still trying to respond to each of the 350 text messages that he received after news broke that he would be replacing Joe Girardi. “It’s the most that I’ve ever had,” Thomson joked when asked if his inbox is a little fuller than usual.
• Who gave Thomson the nickname Topper? “I think it was Joe Torre, to tell you the truth. Maybe because when somebody tells a story, I try to top it.”
• Bryce Harper took batting practice on the field Saturday afternoon, which he doesn’t often do. He did so while sporting the hat that he acquired from a fan sitting close to the dugout during the team’s May 19 loss to the San Diego Padres:

• Nick Maton isn’t in tonight’s lineup after leaving Friday’s game when he injured his right shoulder making a tremendous catch. The 25-year-old is day-to-day. “He’s a little sore,” Thomson said.

Angels Lineup

1. Matt Duffy, Third Base
2. Shohei Ohtani, DH
3. Mike Trout, Center Field
4. Jared Walsh, First Base
5. Max Stassi, Catcher
6. Brandon Marsh, Left Field
7. Luis Rengifo, Second Base
8. Juan Lagares, Right Field
9. Andrew Velazquez, Shortstop

RHP Michael Lorenzen: 5-2 with a 3.19 ERA, 4.00 FIP and 0.6 fWAR across 48 innings

Phillies Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber, Left Field
2. Rhys Hoskins, First Base
3. Bryce Harper, DH
4. Nick Castellanos, Right Field
5. J.T. Realmuto, Catcher
6. Alec Bohm, Third Base
7. Bryson Stott, Shortstop
8. Johan Camargo, Second Base
9. Mickey Moniak, Center Field

RHP Zack Wheeler: 3-3 with a 3.16 ERA, 2.39 FIP and a 1.7 fWAR across 51 1/3 innings

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