Phillies manager Gabe Kapler wasn't upset with Jake Arrieta's harsh comments about the team after the Giants swept them Sunday.
Arrieta said the Phillies are "the worst in the league with shifts" and called the Giants' domination of the Phillies "just a really horse— series." He also said the team "need(s) to have an accountability check."
Despite the harsh words, Kapler said he agreed with Arrieta's sentiment and understood his frustration.
"Jake's comments are true — we didn't play well, and we can be better," the Phillies first-year manager told MLB Network. "It's a good opportunity for us to sit down and discuss how we can improve our team.
"Personally, I don't mind Jake expressing how he feels about shifts or anything else."
Even though the Phillies (31-26) have lost six of their last eight games, they are still just 2 1/2 games behind the Braves, who sit first in the NL East.
Kapler did find the silver lining in the situation, saying he appreciated that Arrieta and the team were fired up and not "content" with their current situation.
"If we're content, it means we're not getting better," Kapler said. "Our clubhouse should be passionate, driven and only satisfied when we are clicking on all cylinders.
"I don't think we have defensive shifts figured out. I don't think anyone has them nailed down."
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