Hays knows all too well the pitfalls of having an extended break between games. Just last year, he witnessed the stark contrast between a stellar regular season and a disheartening playoff exit. The Orioles, despite boasting an impressive 101-win season and holding the title for the best record in the American League, faced a shocking end to their campaign. They were swept by the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series, marking a bitter defeat for a team that had, surprisingly, never faced such a loss throughout the regular season.
Reflecting on that experience, Hays pointed out that the workouts the Phillies undertook this past Monday—ranging from batting practice and defensive drills to sprints—had some similarities to the preparation the Orioles had last season. However, there’s a key difference that sets the Phillies apart: their plan for an intrasquad game scheduled for Wednesday. In contrast to Baltimore's approach, where players engaged in live at-bats against real pitching without the urgency of a competitive game, the Phillies are ensuring they create a more authentic game environment.
“Guys that weren’t hitting would just kind of filter into a position and try to make plays on balls,” Hays recalled. “But we’re going to actually play a game. So that is a little bit different in how we’re going about that.” The Phillies' approach demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a competitive edge during this downtime.
The leadership team is even exploring ways to elevate this experience. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned that they considered allowing fans to attend the intrasquad game—similar to what the Atlanta Braves did in 2023—but ultimately decided against it. Instead, they are finding innovative ways to simulate the intensity of a real game by hiring umpires and incorporating walk-up songs, enhancing the atmosphere to replicate the stakes of postseason play.
The competitive spirit is alive and well among the players. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are set to co-captain one team, while Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto will lead the other. They held a draft on Monday to finalize team rosters, and Hays proudly announced that he’s on Harper’s team. Although the specific wager for this friendly competition hasn’t been disclosed, the players are bringing a sense of urgency and excitement to this practice session.
“We’ve got some competitive stuff going on in the clubhouse between a couple of teams, so I think that’s going to be really good for the fire side of it,” Hays explained. “It’s not just going through the motions out there. We’ll actually be playing for something.” This competitive edge is crucial as they look to stay sharp and engaged, turning practice into a meaningful contest.
A stark contrast between the two teams emerges when considering postseason experience. The Orioles hadn't tasted playoff action since 2016, so for many players, the prospect of October baseball—whether they had a bye or not—felt completely foreign. Hays noted this difference, emphasizing that the Phillies’ roster is rich with players who have navigated the postseason before.
“It’s a confidence thing,” Hays explained. “When you’ve gone through it before and you know exactly what to expect, you’re going to be a little bit more confident.” This familiarity can provide a significant advantage as the team faces the unknown challenges of the playoffs.
For Hays personally, this downtime serves as an opportunity for reflection and recovery. His second half of the season has been marred by injuries, including a frustrating hamstring strain followed by a kidney infection that kept him sidelined. After a brief rehab stint, he returned to the lineup on September 24 but was held out of the Phillies’ final regular season game as a precautionary measure due to some lingering back soreness.
Fortunately, Hays reported on Tuesday that his back is feeling much better. “I just had some fatigue, my body just feeling a little tired, like I was pushing it hard,” he shared. “But we knew that was going to be there. We put that into our plan, knowing we had to work really hard because we have a very short window to try to get back to game shape.”
Dombrowski expressed optimism about Hays’ readiness for the NLDS, emphasizing the importance of Hays’ right-handed bat. With a stellar .354 average against lefties this year, he could play a pivotal role in the Phillies' postseason strategy. “We really believe that he can hit left-handed pitching,” Dombrowski said. “Depending upon who we play and who we face, that could be an extremely important part of our ball club. I think he has a chance to be really valuable for us at this time of year.”
On another note, the team is also excited to see Spencer Turnbull back in action. Turnbull is slated to pitch two to three innings in the upcoming intrasquad game. It’s been a while since he last took the mound in a major league game—his last appearance was on June 26, hampered by a right shoulder strain. However, he made strides recently, completing a two-inning rehab appearance with the IronPigs on September 22 and throwing 52 pitches at the Phillies’ triple-A facilities in Allentown just last Friday.
As the Phillies navigate this crucial preparation phase, they’re doing so with a clear vision and a competitive fire. The experiences of players like Austin Hays offer invaluable lessons, underscoring the importance of maintaining urgency and intensity—even in practice. With their eyes set firmly on the postseason, the Phillies are determined to harness their collective experience, cultivate a winning mindset, and ensure they’re ready to seize every opportunity that comes their way. As the days inch closer to the NLDS, the excitement builds, and the anticipation of what’s to come fills the air.
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