From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
Phillies aren't serious
Phillies miss NL Wild Card chance with weak September performance
In brief
Phillies miss NL Wild Card chance with weak September performance Phillies are not serious contenders after failing to secure NL East title despite playoff odds Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Phillies lose to Mets
Phillies lost 10-3 to Mets in a game where they gave up three runs in the sixth inning after loading the bases
“Bryson Stott hacked a roller through the grass to second and was left slamming his helmet into the dirt”
Bullpen struggles
Orion Kerkering was demoted to Triple-A after giving up four runs in the eighth inning
“Orion Kerkering got tagged for the second straight game, letting up four more runs in the eighth”
August performance
Phillies hit well in August but struggled in September with a 2-2 record against Mets
“The Phillies had a great August, but that was always with a tough September schedule looming”
Key players
Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto have struggled with low batting averages in recent games
“J.T. Realmuto struck out six times in the Mets series and is a .213 hitter in his mid-30s”
Managerial changes
Phillies have had two managerial changes in the past five years with interim manager Don Mattingly
“It's been this way for five years now, through many big-money contracts that feel like they're never quite living up to the price tag”
Bullpen instability
Phillies bullpen has been inconsistent with multiple relievers struggling in recent games
“They've since reverted back to the old habits and stubborn cold streaks that have long overstayed their welcome”
Postseason odds
Phillies are 8-10 through September with a slim chance at NL Wild Card
“They're 8-10 through September. They punted any possible shot at the NL East title out the window”
Team performance
Phillies have struggled with inconsistent hitting and pitching in recent games
“The Phillies aren't a serious baseball team. Not anymore, at least”
Key players
Luis Arraez has dropped from a .300 average to .285 as a Phillie
“Luis Arráez, who has batted well above .300 for years, suddenly dipped to a .285 average as a Phillie”
Postseason outlook
Phillies have a slim chance at NL Wild Card but no realistic path to deeper postseason
“They haven't shown anything to say otherwise, or that they're any different from the last two Phillies clubs that hit a hard stop”
Managerial challenges
Phillies have faced challenges with interim manager Don Mattingly and bullpen decisions
“Interim manager Don Mattingly yanked Raley as soon as he could for Chase Shugart”
Team history
Phillies have had a history of inconsistent performance and managerial changes
“It's been this way for five years now, through many big-money contracts that feel like they're never quite living up to the price tag”
Bullpen issues
Phillies bullpen has been a weak point with multiple relievers struggling in recent games
“They've since reverted back to the old habits and stubborn cold streaks that have long overstayed their welcome”
Postseason odds
Phillies are 8-10 through September with a slim chance at NL Wild Card
“They're 8-10 through September. They punted any possible shot at the NL East title out the window”
Team performance
Phillies have struggled with inconsistent hitting and pitching in recent games
“The Phillies aren't a serious baseball team. Not anymore, at least”
In short
Phillies are not serious contenders after failing to secure NL East title despite playoff odds
