The Phillies head into their three-game set with the Diamondbacks carrying real momentum and a number that matters: their magic number for a playoff berth is 21.
That figure has already come down during a strong West Coast trip, one that’s seen Philadelphia go 4-2 after sweeping the Los Angeles Angels. The club’s August has also been a steady climb after some early second-half struggles, and the latest stretch has put them in a solid place in the race for October.
What stood out most against the Angels was the pitching. Philadelphia got quality work from all three starters, and Zack Wheeler delivered a much-needed strong outing after a rough month.
If the Phillies are going to make noise in the postseason, Wheeler has to look like an ace, and that performance was an encouraging step. Andrew Painter also turned in a solid start Friday night, even with a rough first inning.
Over the three games, the Phillies allowed just seven runs total, with both the rotation and the bullpen doing their part.
Now comes the final leg of the road trip, and it’s a big one. Philadelphia is chasing the Chicago Cubs for the top wild card spot, and the National League picture has settled into a four-team fight for three postseason places. Right behind the Phillies are the Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.
That makes this series in Arizona a prime chance to chip away at the magic number. A few wins could push it well into the teens. The Phillies will also be keeping an eye on the scoreboard and hoping the Cincinnati Reds can give them help to start the week against the Padres.
The Braves haven’t exactly opened the door, either. Atlanta still holds a five-game lead in the division and is 8-2 over its last 10 games, matching Philadelphia’s recent surge.
Still, even if the division race stays out of reach, the top wild card spot would be a strong outcome for the Phillies. With the starting rotation they can put on the mound, they’ve got the kind of pitching that can stand up to anybody in a short series.
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Ketel Marte Returns With D-Backs Fans Still Waiting For Answers
Ketel Marte is expected back in the Diamondbacks lineup against the Phillies, bringing a needed jolt to Arizona at a moment when every game carries postseason weight. His return comes after time away because of knee inflammation and a separate absence that drew plenty of attention, leaving the club to handle the matter internally while the team pushes through a critical Wild Card series.
What happens next may be just as important as Martes presence in the order. The Diamondbacks need him on the field, but the mood at Chase Field figures to be watched closely as fans react to a return that still leaves some questions hanging in the air. [Read more 🡒]
Diamondbacks Missed Chance Could Loom Large With Phillies Up Next
Arizonas trip through San Francisco came with plenty at stake, and the Diamondbacks left it still very much in the mix in the NL Wild Card race. The club has leaned hard on its young starting pitchers for most of the stretch run, a gamble that has produced uneven results and put more pressure on the bullpen than ideal, while Lars Nootbars recent offensive uptick has offered a timely boost as the lineup tries to keep pace.
Philadelphia is next, and the timing makes the missed opportunity against the Giants loom a little larger. Arizona is still in position to keep pushing, but the margin for error is shrinking fast, and a strong showing against the Phillies would go a long way toward making sure the recent stumble does not define the final sprint. [Read more 🡒]