3 reasons why the Phillies are still in contention and 1 reason why they are not

As it stands today, the Phillies sit 10.5 games behind of the Atlanta Braves for first place in the NL East. According to baseball reference, the Braves have a 99.2% chance of winning the division and the Phillies have 0.6% chance. 

In the wise words of Lloyd Christmas from the 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!” 

The Braves have been an absolute juggernaut for the first 92 games of the season. They current hold the best record in baseball at 62-33 and they are clicking on all cylinders. They are currently on pace to end the season 106-56 which would put them tied for 15th most wins in a single season all-time. 

But the Phillies have been hot on their heals since June 2nd. The Phillies have the second best record in the majors since that date and have been winning at a .722 clip, a 117-win pace. Unfortunately, the best team in that span is the…Atlanta Braves. Winning at a .800 clip, a 130-win pace. 

Let’s dive in and look at a few reasons why the Phillies are still in the hunt for the division title and one why they are not.