A few weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies seemed all but assured of a playoff ticket for the first time since 2011. The firing of Joe Girardi had breathed new life into the group, and with the return of Bryce Harper, all hopes were high in the city of brotherly love.
If we go back to September 14, for example, they were 4.5 games ahead of the Brewers, their closest pursuers among the teams that were not in the playoff portrait.
However, since that date, we are witnessing something quite spectacular on the side of Philadelphia: all of a sudden, the team is unable to win games.
As of today, the Phillies have lost five in a row and have lost 10 of their last 13 games. And in their three games against the powerful poor Cubs this week, they’ve only had three runs in 27 innings.
This carnage therefore means that before the Brewers game last night, they were tied with the Phillies for the last place among the teams drafted.
However, a grand slam from Avisail Garcia gave the Marlins victory over the Brewers. So that means that this morning, the Phillies still have half a game in hand against the formation of Wisconsin. Note, however, that the Phillies have the advantage in the event of a tie between the two teams.
However, the simple fact that the Phillies nosedived at the worst possible moment means that during the coming week, they will have to fight for a place in the playoffs which seemed to them already promised.
In the next six days, the Phillies will play four games against the Nationals and three more against the Astros. For their part, the Brewers have three more games against the Marlins and they will face the Diamondbacks to close their schedule.
However, if ever the Phillies were to lose both games of their doubleheader today and the Brewers were to beat the Marlins tonight, Rob Thomson’s squad would find themselves outside the playoff portrait.
Recall that with the Mariners set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001, the Phillies (2011) may have the longest active streak without making the playoffs.
In short, it will be a very interesting race to watch in the coming days. And with the series between the Braves and the Mets starting today, let’s say that there will be big ball that will be played in the National in the coming days.
- The Mets recall Francisco Alvarez, baseball’s hottest prospect.
- Who will sign the big free agents at shortstop?
