Starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel was a free-agent until June 7th this season, when he finally signed with the Braves on a one-year deal worth $13 million.
The Phillies were rumored, or expected, to be interested in Keuchel because they were (and still are) in need of starting pitchers. However, their NL East rival signed Keuchel instead and Atlanta has cruised to a 91-56 record atop of the divison and 15.0 games ahead of the Phillies.
On Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park, Keuchel took the ball for the Braves against the Phillies and allowed just three hits in 6.0 innings, while striking out eight in the 3-1 Atlanta victory.
After the game Keuchel was asked about the Phillies decision to not pursue him in free-agency.
"I mean if you don't come calling, what is there for me to be mad about?" Keuchel said. "I think a lot of those guys over there in the front office are second guessing themselves and I would too."
Dallas Keuchel on if there was any extra motivation to beat the #Phillies tonight after what didn't go down in free agency pic.twitter.com/PXfJQ7SU9p
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) September 12, 2019Keuchel, 31, is 8-5 with a 3.35 ERA this season in 16 starts for the Braves.
At 75-70, the Phils remain 2.0 games back of the second NL wildcard spot behind the Cubs and Brewers. After finishing a four-game series at home against the Braves tonight, the Phils remaining schedule looks like: vs. Boston (2), @ Atlanta (3), @ Cleveland (3), @ Washington (5), vs. Miami (3).
