The Phillies need to get and stay healthy
The Phillies' roster has been riddled with injuries to start the year. Bryce Harper began the season on the injured list and missed the first month and a half. Rhys Hoskins is sidelined for the season due to an ACL tear that he suffered in spring training. His replacement— Darick Hall— was injured in the beginning of April. José Alvarado was placed on the injured list in early May after a dominating start to the season. The club's potential fifth starter Andrew Painter made one spring training appearance before being shut down to heal a ligament in his throwing arm.
The injuries are not the only thing to blame for the Phillies' pedestrian start to the year, but they certainly have not helped. While Hoskins will likely not return this season, Harper, Alvarado, Hall, and perhaps even Painter have or will return to make an impact on the team. Injuries are a natural part of the sport, unfortunately, but good teams can overcome them. To this point in the season, the Phillies have had players such as Kody Clemens step up to fill in for injured players. The bullpen has also done a good job of stepping up in Alvarado's absence.
The Phillies need key players to stay healthy to be a threat in the division. The team has some depth in certain areas in the minor leagues, but other areas are already thin, and the team cannot afford major injuries to those positions.