It’s been said that with the emergence of analytics and factoring in batting splits that managers could be replaced by computers in the dugout. Well, we turned to Microsoft’s Copilot AI to see how that might work with the Phillies Opening Day batting order. We did not specifically put Mackenzie Gore – the Nationals’ starting pitcher – into the mix, but we did ask for a lineup facing a left-handed pitcher. We will take a look at the lineup against a right-hander as well.

  1. Trea Turner (SS): Turner, a reliable right-handed hitter, remains the ideal leadoff option thanks to his speed and ability to get on base.
  2. Nick Castellanos (RF): Castellanos’ consistent bat and ability to hit left-handed pitching make him a great fit for the second spot, setting the stage for the middle of the lineup.
  3. J.T. Realmuto (C): Realmuto is a dependable right-handed hitter who thrives in RBI situations, making him perfect for the third spot.
  4. Kyle Schwarber (DH): Schwarber’s power bat, even against left-handed pitching, fits well in the cleanup role, giving the Phillies a strong chance to drive in runs.
  5. Alec Bohm (3B): Bohm, with his right-handed swing and growing power, adds depth and a key RBI presence in the fifth spot.
  6. Max Kepler (LF): Though Kepler is a left-handed hitter, his experience and ability to hit against tough left-handers make him a valuable asset here.
  7. Bryce Harper (1B): Harper, even as a left-handed batter, is an elite hitter who can handle left-handed pitching. Placing him in the seventh spot reduces the pressure but keeps his power in play.
  8. Johan Rojas (CF): Rojas, a right-handed batter, provides speed and defensive capability, keeping the lineup dynamic near the bottom.
  9. Bryson Stott (2B): Stott, a left-handed hitter, rounds out the lineup. His ability to make contact and turn the order over is valuable in this spot.

Wait a minute! Bryce Harper batting seventh? What the… First, he would likely put up a huge fight with manager Rob Thomson or simply take out the computer with one good swing of a bat. Second, every baseball pundit would be wondering if technology has gone amok. Third, No. It just makes no sense. With that in mind, we asked Copilot to explain itself. The response from AI is in italics.

Certainly! The decision to place Bryce Harper in the seventh spot against a left-handed pitcher stems from strategic considerations tailored to maximizing the Phillies’ overall lineup effectiveness.

Harper is a left-handed hitter, and although he’s an elite player who can handle left-handed pitching, the seventh spot reduces the immediate pressure on him to face the opposing starter’s toughest pitches early in the game. It allows him to potentially come up in situations where the left-handed pitcher is either tiring or has been replaced by a right-handed reliever later in the game. Harper thrives against right-handers, so moving him further down in the lineup can capitalize on those matchups.

Additionally, the seventh spot offers lineup balance. By positioning right-handed hitters like J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm higher in the order, the Phillies can exploit platoon advantages and keep the opposing pitcher guessing. Harper’s power and ability to reach base make him a dangerous threat even in a lower slot, ensuring the lineup stays potent through its entirety.

It’s also a way to protect Harper from potential left-on-left pitching matchups in high-leverage situations early in the game, giving the Phillies an opportunity to build momentum before needing him in critical moments.

Just for fun, we wanted to see what Copilot would come up with if the Phillies were facing a right-hander.

  1. Trea Turner (SS): Turner remains the ideal leadoff hitter with his speed, contact skills, and ability to set the tone for the lineup.
  2. Bryson Stott (2B): Stott, a left-handed hitter, provides balance and consistency in the second spot, complementing Turner.
  3. Bryce Harper (1B): Harper excels against right-handed pitching, making him a perfect fit for the third spot to drive in runs.
  4. Kyle Schwarber (DH): Schwarber’s power bat is crucial in the cleanup spot, especially against right-handers.
  5. J.T. Realmuto (C): Realmuto’s right-handed bat adds reliability and power in the middle of the lineup.
  6. Nick Castellanos (RF): Castellanos, another right-handed hitter, can capitalize on RBI opportunities in the sixth spot.
  7. Alec Bohm (3B): Bohm’s right-handed swing provides additional pop and clutch hitting in the lower half of the lineup.
  8. Max Kepler (LF): Kepler, a left-handed hitter, brings a steady bat and defensive prowess to the eighth spot, adding depth to the lineup.
  9. Brandon Marsh (CF): Marsh rounds out the lineup with his speed and ability to turn the order over effectively.

Please note that the graphic used for this story was also created by Microsoft Copilot.