Help!

These days, the Beatles’ classic No. 1 hit from 1965 is probably ringing through Phillies fans’ heads.

“Help! You know I need someone. Help!”

After Wednesday’s disastrous 8-6 loss to the Marlins, the cry rang loud and clear. Miami, which entered the series on a 12-game losing streak, erased a six-run deficit for the first time since August 2019. Ironically, it was against the Phillies.

Bryce Harper added more fuel to the fire when he took another shot at president Dave Dombrowski, saying the club needs “help” — specifically a left-handed reliever and a right-handed bat — according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Of course, you remember their “elite player” tussle from the spring.

Yet, Harper is hitting .156 with two homers and seven RBIs over his last 12 games, and .169 overall in July.

Manager Don Mattingly pushed back on Harper’s comments, basically stating that he should let Dombrowski run the show.

When things start to go bad, will help be on the way?

Twin Trouble ... Over the past two weeks, trade speculation has heated up between the Twins and the Phillies, mainly centering around Minnesota outfielder Byron Buxton, who has been on the Phillies’ radar all season.

Reports indicated the two clubs had discussed a deal that could have sent Buxton and veteran right-hander Bailey Ober (7-3, 4.56) to the Phillies in exchange for Andrew Painter and top prospect Aidan Miller, who has been sidelined all season with a back issue.

It appeared to be a win-win for both sides. The Phillies would get their right-handed bat and a fifth starter. The Twins would receive their second potential top-end Phillies starter — remember Mick Abel, who was traded for Jhoan Duran last season? — along with a likely future starting shortstop or third baseman.

However, both sides apparently blinked.

Dombrowski reportedly was hesitant to deal the 22-year-old Miller, whom he still envisions as part of the Phillies’ infield in the near future. It also appears the Phillies believe Painter – who had a surprising solid outing – could benefit from a change of scenery, while Gage Wood has emerged as their top young pitching prospect.

With the way the Phillies have shuffled Justin Crawford in and out of the lineup all season because they have been reluctant to let him face left-handed pitching, the rookie outfielder also could be part of a potential package with Minnesota.

Twins GM Jeremy Zoll recently posted on social media that his club intends to make a run at a Wild Card berth rather than become sellers because of its recent surge.

The Twins lead the league in runs scored and remain among the American League’s top offensive clubs.

If Dombrowski decides to include Miller, Zoll’s stance could change.

But the 32-year-old Buxton, who was hitting .263 with 25 home runs, 45 RBIs and seven stolen bases through his first 82 games this season, returned to the 10-day injured list with a hip injury that has nagged him all season.

He hasn’t homered since June 22 and is batting .160 with no extra-base hits in seven games since returning from his first IL stint.

Times Were Good ... Before the All-Star break, the Phillies cut their 10½-game deficit behind the division-leading Braves to two games. They won an impressive series in Detroit, with Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler twirling an impressive pair of victories.

The Phillies capped a strong stretch by going 18-10 in May and 18-9 in June. Suddenly, the thought of winning the division was well within reach.

That was before the All-Star break.

Since then, the picture has flipped.

When they were swept by the Marlins, the Phillies had dropped nine of their first 12 games since hosting the All-Star Game.

Yes, the Phillies are in a slump. And yes, there is plenty of baseball left to be played. At the time of this writing, they were 57-52 and thrust back into the Wild Card race.

Still, a sense of panic has surfaced again. Within two weeks, the mythical summer breeze they once rode had turned into a series of thunderstorms.

This Pen Isn’t Bullish ... The Phillies bullpen, looking more like a dumpster fire lately, couldn’t hold the Marlins on Wednesday, blowing a 6-0 lead. Even Duran couldn’t protect a 7-5 lead Monday.

In July, the bullpen ERA was the worst in the league at 6.26. It is a far cry from its 3.19 mark in May.

Beyond Duran, there hasn’t been much consistency. Setup man Brad Keller is gone until 2028 following elbow surgery, and Jose Alvarado remains a daily dice roll. Tim Mayza, the club’s other left-hander, has an ERA just over 9.00 in July.

Orion Kerkering struggled in July while Jonathan Bowlan provided one of the steadiest performances. The rest of the shuttle arms from Lehigh Valley often look like they should be back in Allentown.

Seth Johnson (5.51 ERA) and Kyle Backhus (5.50) have left a lot to be desired.

The Mets’ Brooks Raley and the Padres’ Adrian Morejon remain prime left-handed targets, although San Diego is still in the Wild Card hunt despite a disappointing season. Houston’s Josh Hader also still could be on the market.

Right-hander Luke Weaver, another Mets pitcher who could be dealt, is having a great season and still could be an asset to the Phillies. Weaver, though, would be highly coveted if he becomes available.

Keep Him In ... In a recent Times News Sports Facebook poll, readers were asked whether the Phillies should keep Brandon Marsh in the lineup against left-handed pitching.

An overwhelming 97 percent said Marsh should be an everyday player, while 3 percent weren’t sure.

This season, Marsh is hitting .233 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. Lifetime against left-handers, he is batting .220 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Readers Write

Phils Are Tough To Watch

Dear Jeff,

The Phillies are the most frustrating team. They cannot put it all together. Hitting fails, then pitching, no heart and no desire.

Harper says they need help? He needs to look in the mirror because he is not helping. This year is likely their last chance, but they are not playing like they even care.

At this rate, they will be lucky to crawl into the postseason and, if so, get kicked out in the first round.

Melissa Hager

Lehighton

Taylor Made ... The Phillies move into Camden Yards for a weekend set with the Orioles, who have been playing better lately and have reignited their postseason hopes.

Since the start of the season, Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward has been viewed as a potential right-handed bat for Philadelphia. Ward has slumped this season with just seven home runs after belting 36 for the Angels last season. But Ward leads the American League in walks (83) and has a .386 on-base percentage while typically hitting near the top of the lineup. That could help, too.

If the Buxton deal doesn’t materialize, Ward could simply change clubhouses after Sunday’s game. Ward also is a free agent after the season.

Goin’ Hunting ... In 2011, the Phillies were in a similar situation, seeking right-handed power, and they acquired Hunter Pence from the Astros at the trade deadline for four minor leaguers.

Pence served the purpose, connecting on 11 home runs, driving in 35 runs and hitting .324. He helped the Phillies win 102 games, but they lost to the Cardinals in the National League Division Series.

The following season, a veteran team — much like the current one — began to show its age and slipped to an 81-81 record. Pence was surprisingly dealt at the trade deadline to the Giants for catcher Tommy Joseph and pitchers Seth Rosin and Nate Schierholtz.

Pence had hit 17 home runs with 59 RBIs and a .271 average before the trade.

Goin’ Fishin’ ... Along with the above-mentioned trade possibilities, the Phillies can also cast some lines for Mets right-handed starter Clay Holmes, who is returning from an injury and will be a free agent. Royals right-hander Michael Wacha is also on the trade watch.

Toronto will be sellers, and the Blue Jays have made veteran outfielders George Springer, Daulton Varsho and Jesús Sánchez available. Springer is a solid veteran bat. Varsho is the son of former Phillie Gary Varsho, who played, coached and even managed a game.

Right-hander Kevin Gausman is having an off year (4-10, 4.51), but the 35-year-old veteran would be a valuable pickup. Ex-Phillie reliever Jeff Hoffman also could be in the mix for a return.

Scrapbook ... In each column, I will recall the career of a former local standout.

Daryl Evans was a four-year baseball standout at Northern Lehigh.

He also excelled in basketball and football. As a senior, Evans compiled a 5-3 record with a 2.87 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 50 innings. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the Colonial League championship game, where they suffered a 2-1 loss to Pen Argyl.

Evans continued his career at DeSales University, primarily serving as a closer. He recorded nine career saves and 108 strikeouts with a 4.16 ERA. As a freshman, Evans posted a 1.61 ERA over 22 innings.

“Won’t you please, please, help me.”

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