That’s All, Folks: Marlins 5, Phillies 4

The Phillies’ 2021 season is officially over after a 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. They finish the season 82-80, and in second place in the NL East. While there isn’t much to celebrate from the loss, there were a few positive things to note.

1. With his strikeout of Jazz Chisholm in the fifth inning, Héctor Neris is officially the Phillies’ franchise leader in strikeouts by a reliever. Héctor signed as a free agent with the Phillies in 2010 and joined the bullpen in 2014. He is the longest tenured player on the team, and one of the longest tenured players in Philadelphia. Congratulations, Héctor!

2. Seranthony Dominguez finally made his return to the Majors after a long Tommy John rehab. Dominguez hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 2019. He pitched one inning and had one strikeout. This appearance doesn’t prove that he’s back as the dazzling player he was in 2018, but it is a crucial step forward in a long-coming return.

3. Despite losing the last game of the season, the Phillies secured the first winning season since 2011. I guess there was something good overall about this season, but has this been progress for the sake of progress? Who knows?

4. Andrew McCutchen hit his 27^th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third inning. After starting the season a bit slow, Cutch proved why the Phillies signed him in the first place. He has a club option for 2022 and the Phillies absolutely should take it, though they likely will not. If this was his last game in a Phillies uniform, at least he went out on a high note.

5. Bryce Harper became just the fourth outfielder in MLB history to reach 100 runs, 40 doubles, 35 home runs and 100 walks in a single season. He joins Barry Bonds, Stan Musial, and Babe Ruth (who accomplished this feat twice). He’ll definitely be in consideration for the MVP award this year.