Arraez’s Bat Talks, Harper Walks

That is the nightmare scenario that has awaited opposing pitchers since the trade deadline. Imagine facing Schwarber and Harper knowing that the fourth man up is the Contact King, who you can strike out about as often as you can open your Christmas presents: once a year, if you're good. One of the main cases for acquiring Arraez, and for hitting him in the cleanup spot, is that he would offer protection to the big sluggers. Having had Arraez in the fold for a few weeks, we can start to take stock: have opponents started to pitch to the Phillies' leadoff trio differently now that Arraez looms in the spot after them? (All stats prior to Tuesday night's game)

So far, no signs that pitchers are less willing to throw pitches outside the zone with Arraez at cleanup. Turner and Harper are taking more pitches outside this month than last, though I doubt that's a meaningful increase.

What about the pitchers' tendencies when the batter is ahead in the count, when the dread threat of a baserunner for Arraez to bring home is looming?