As the Philadelphia Phillies head into the final stretch of the season, they will be looking to secure first place in the National League East. They're also looking to secure one of the top two seeds in the NL to put themselves into a more favorable position heading into the postseason.
In order to do so, they will need some potential difference-makers on the club to step up when things matter most. Who could potentially be the Phillies' key X factors down the stretch in September? Here are at five worthy candidates who might play that exact role.
5 Phillies players who will be X factors down the stretch
Zack Wheeler
Without question, one of the more consistently dominant players that the Phillies have had all season has been team ace Zack Wheeler. No matter whether the Phillies were hot and when they were not, you could always expect to see maximal effort and brilliance from the former NL Cy Young runner-up each time out.
He has delivered big time once again this season, as in 27 starts to date, Wheeler has posted a 13-6 record with a 2.63 ERA, an NL-leading 0.98 WHIP, along with a whopping 183 strikeouts in just 167 2/3 innings pitched. Even when the Phillies have struggled, Wheeler never wavered in his confidence and approach to the game.
If Wheeler wasn’t scary enough already to opposing teams, wait until they see him in September. History has shown that he performs at his very best during the final month of the season. For his career, he has amassed a 2.77 ERA and 1.10 WHIP for the month of September/October. With Wheeler set to make about five more starts this year, he will no doubt play a huge part in the success of the Phillies down the stretch.