The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in a strange position where they are 21 games over .500 and have a six-game lead in the NL East, yet a series loss to the Braves is deflating for both fans and players. The constant back and forth of highs and lows can be draining, but there are still positives to focus on as the team heads into the final stretch of the season.
One of the bright spots for the Phillies is manager Rob Thomson, who recently celebrated his 400th game as Phillies manager. Since taking over in June 2022, Thomson has led the team to a strong record and back-to-back playoff appearances. Despite some questionable decisions, Thomson’s overall impact on the team has been positive, and he is on track to become just the third manager in Phillies history to make the playoffs in three or more consecutive seasons.
Another standout player for the Phillies this season has been Alec Bohm. Despite a brief slump in July, Bohm has been a model of consistency throughout the season. He leads the team in runs batted in, leads MLB in doubles, and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. Bohm’s performance has earned him accolades such as an All-Star nod and NL Player of the Week honors.
In the outfield, the Phillies have seen some interesting developments with the return of Austin Hays from injury. While Hays will be eased back into the lineup, players like Weston Wilson and Johan Rojas have stepped up in his absence. Wilson recently hit for the cycle, while Rojas has shown improvement at the plate. Brandon Marsh has struggled against lefties but has provided valuable defense in the outfield.
As the Phillies enter the final stretch of the season, they have 35 games remaining, including 18 division matchups. The team will face tough competition, with 13 games against teams currently in playoff positions. The upcoming series against the Mets could be crucial, as the Phillies look to maintain their lead in the NL East.
Despite the ups and downs, there is still hope for the Phillies to make a strong push towards the postseason. With the talent on the roster and the leadership of manager Rob Thomson, the team has the potential to get hot at the right time. As the season winds down, fans can look forward to an exciting finish and hopefully, a return to postseason baseball for the Phillies.