Phillies May storylines: CF dilemma, cold offense, and more

The Phillies will see tough competition as part of their May schedule.

The Phillies start their May slate in continuation of the Mets series at home, followed by a four-game home set against the Milwaukee Brewers. The NL Central team currently sits atop its division with a 16-10 record.

Next up is a nine-game road trip — with three against the Braves, the first time this season they play against the Nationals, and a three-game series against the Blue Jays. The Nationals are third in the division. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, sit second in the AL East with a 12-12 record.

After that will be a six-game homestand — with three against the Marlins and Boston Red Sox each This is also the first time they face the Marlins this year, who last season was the most shocking team and even won a postseason series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Red Sox are shocking the MLB world right now, too, with a 17-10 record and being first in the AL East. While it is too early to tell, this could be the first time Nick Pivetta gets a chance to face his former team.

To wrap up May, the Phillies will go on the road against the Marlins for four games and the Tampa Bay Rays for two, before starting a series against the Cincinnati Reds. The Rays are the defending AL Champions and sit at 13-14 so far this year — third in the AL East. The Reds are currently 12-13, fourth in the NL Central.

The Phillies will see some tough competition in May, including facing all of the NL East at some point. It will be key to have a strong month if they want to stay close or at the top of the division.