The Phillies are on the brink of securing a playoff spot despite a couple of recent losses to the Marlins. Even with those setbacks, they are in a prime position to earn a first-round bye into the divisional series following a successful road trip.
Their magic number to clinch the NL East title over the Mets and Braves is 13, with only 19 games remaining in the regular season. Additionally, they are in contention for the best record in baseball, currently trailing the Dodgers by just one game.
If the Phillies do secure a bye, they could potentially face one of five teams in the NLDS: the Brewers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Braves, or Mets. Let’s take a closer look at how these potential matchups stack up…
5. Diamondbacks (3-4 this season)
Potential rotation: Zach Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodríguez
The Diamondbacks, who knocked the Phillies out of the playoffs last year, represent a challenging opponent. The Phils have struggled against Arizona, particularly with a 5.10 ERA in their matchups. The Diamondbacks are currently holding onto a Wild Card spot and would be a tough matchup for the Phillies.
4. The Brewers (3-0 this season, 3 to play)
Potential rotation: Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, Tobias Myers
The Phillies have had success against the Brewers this season, but a playoff series could provide a different challenge. With Rhys Hoskins returning to Citizens Bank Park, this matchup could be intriguing if it comes to fruition.
3. The Mets (4-2 this season, 7 to play)
Potential rotation: Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana
The Phillies have a relatively solid record against the Mets this season. With several upcoming matchups between the two teams, the outcome could impact the playoff race significantly.
2. Padres (5-1 this season)
Potential rotation: Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove
The Phillies have fared well against the Padres this season and have a history of success against them in recent years. This matchup could offer an exciting postseason series for Phillies fans.
1. The Braves (6-7 this season)
Potential rotation: Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Chris Sale
A potential rematch with the Braves could be a tough matchup for the Phillies, given their history of struggles against Atlanta this season. However, the Phillies have had postseason success against the Braves in recent years, making this a compelling potential series.
As the regular season winds down, Phillies fans will be eagerly watching how these playoff scenarios unfold. Regardless of the opponent, October baseball is on the horizon, and the Phillies are poised to make a strong postseason run.
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