The Philadelphia Phillies have been red hot lately, and they are now on a nine-game winning streak. Today, the Phillies sit with a record of 73-58. They currently sit just three games back of the Atlanta Braves, who lead the National League East division. With the Phillies getting hot, the postseason picture and the Phillies’ chances significantly change. They still will face plenty of adversity, which includes the bullpen and the upcoming schedule, but that is what makes the current winning streak so important, as it gives the Phillies an opportunity to earn breathing space. We now check out what this winning streak means for the Phillies here in late August.Â
Postseason Outlook After Phillies Extend Winning Streak
Phillies Likely To Make Postseason
Whether the Phillies can win their division or not is a separate concern, but Philadelphia now sits in the second wild card spot, and three wild cards make the playoffs. The Phillies are two games ahead of the third wild card team, which is the San Diego Padres, and they are only two games out from the first wild card spot. On the flip side, the Phillies are also two games from being out of the playoffs; their winning streak puts them in a good position, and they control their own destiny before the teams outside of the wild card do.
As for the division again, the Phillies are just 2.5 games back from the Braves. The Phillies are in a good position to make the playoffs as long as they do not go on losing streaks, which could be a challenge because they have a very hard schedule coming up. It is still possible for them to catch the Braves, and they even have two series with the Braves this season.Â
Bats Getting Hot, Pitching Staff Looks Solid
One thing the Phillies have really struggled with this season is getting the bats going. In their winning streak, they scored seven or more runs in all three games against the Minnesota Twins, four or more runs every game against the Miami Marlins, and in their first two games against the St. Louis Cardinals, they scored 19 runs in just the first two games total. Justin Crawford, Bryson Stott, and Alec Bohm have all played a key role in that.
The Phillies did not start their best hitter, Luis Arraez, in the series finale against the Cardinals due to a stiff neck, but he came in later in the game after Stott was removed from the game later after getting hit in the foot. All of a sudden, there are reasons to be concerned with injuries, but they still have to be able to hit without him.
As for the pitching staff, Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter have really turned it around and are in the middle of a hot streak. It is very crucial for the pitching to remain strong and disciplined because, with their schedule in the near future, there is a good chance the bats slow down and will need pitching to get the win, as this is something that has happened many times with the Phillies this season. All the Phillies have to do is stay hot at the plate and give the pitching staff run support, and they will be fine.
Do you think the Phillies can keep up this level of play with the postseason nearing?
Main Image: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
