Despite their struggles, the Phillies can still make the playoffs this year
The Phillies are in the midst of their toughest stretch this season, playing 13 games against the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves in just 14 days. This series of inter-division games could make or break their season.
After a tough start in Atlanta, the Phillies are starting to show signs of life going into September.
Losing two of three to a division rival, especially in the manner Philadelphia did in Atlanta, can put a damper on any team’s season. Their walk-off defensive win to close out the series has propelled them into the Nationals series where they took game one 8-3 behind a J.T. Realmuto three-run home run and some timely, late-inning hits.
Now 11-14, the Phillies are 3.5 games out of first place (as of 11 p.m. Sunday evening) and 2.5 games out of the wildcard.
With an expanded playoff and 35 games left, the Phillies still have an opportunity to get into the expanded playoffs.
After the win, Fangraphs has Philadelphia with a 49.5 percent chance of making the playoffs. With eight National League teams now getting a ticket to the postseason, they could miss out on the National League East crown and still have multiple opportunities to get a playoff game.
Right now is the time to go on a run with the series against Washington and Atlanta over the next two weeks. Coming off that series they have 16 games against the Mets, Red Sox, and Marlins in 14 days with three doubleheaders and only one off day.
Right now the Phillies only have two more off days this season and will play 29 games in 27 days.
It’ll be a marathon, but with health on their side and the opportunity to improve at the trade deadline, the Phillies can still squeak into the playoffs.