It seems like just yesterday baseball fans were impatiently awaiting Opening Day. Now, the 2024 MLB season is entering June, and most clubs have wrapped up one-third of their games. There have been some surprises and some consistencies.
The Philadelphia Phillies were projected to be in the running for a Wild Card spot entering the season. Some believed they could compete with the defending NL East champion Atlanta Braves, but the expectations for the division foes were sky-high.
Fast forward to Memorial Day, and the Phillies are atop the division and hold the best winning percentage in baseball. They have one of the top run differentials in the game and are simply demolishing the teams that good teams should be beating.
3 important things we’ve learned about the Phillies at the season’s 30% mark
Let's take a look into some things that the league has learned about the 2024 Phillies through the first 30 percent of their season.
The Phillies' starting rotation has exceeded expectations
Entering the season, the Phillies' starting rotation was viewed as a strength. After extending Zack Wheeler and re-signing Aaron Nola, the starting staff looked set for 2024 and beyond. To start the campaign, the club's starting pitching has been a juggernaut.
Entering Sunday, Phillies starters lead the league in innings pitched (318), ERA (2.63), FIP (3.25), and fWAR (7.6). Spearheaded by Wheeler, Nola, and Ranger Suárez, the starting staff has been dominant.
It's no surprise that Wheeler is off to a great start, but the revelation of Suárez was not predicted. Phillies' fans knew their left-hander was a solid pitcher, but what he has accomplished to this point in the season has been nothing short of incredible.
The top three pitchers in the rotation have been great, but the backend of the staff has pitched well too. Cristopher Sánchez has a 3.15 ERA through his first ten games. Spencer Turnbull made six starts while Taijuan Walker was rehabbing from an injury and filled in admirably. Walker has been fine for a No. 5 starter. He has the occasional blow-up inning but has shown some glimpses of effectiveness.
The Phillies could ride this rotation to a deep postseason run if they are able to stay healthy and consistent.