The Philadelphia Phillies should have a different approach for the end of the regular season compared to past years. This season, the Phillies have a bye to the NLDS just as they did last year. How the team approached that bye last year probably contributed to their NLDS loss to the New York Mets. Additionally, the Phillies were the lone team with a bye last season to fail to advance to their league’s championship series. Last year, the team rested key players in the last series. This year, they have adjusted the rotation so that Cristopher Sánchez will start the last game of the regular season and NLDS Game 1 on October 4. The rest of the postseason rotation is to be determined.
To prepare for the postseason, the Phillies need to keep their foot on the gas to some extent in their final series. The team hosts the Minnesota Twins to wrap up the regular season, with a chance to secure the one-seed still possible. To ensure the one-seed, the Phillies would have to win out, and the Milwaukee Brewers would have to lose all their remaining games. The Brewers play the Cincinnati Reds at home this weekend. Regardless of that, if the Phillies advance to the World Series, they will have home-field advantage. The Phillies are the NL East champions for the second consecutive year and have high expectations for the postseason. There needs to be a different postseason outcome for the Phillies than last season.
Phillies’ Approach For Conclusion Of Regular Season
Need To Play Regular Starters
Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto have missed games recently due to injury or illness. While resting them would make sense, they need to play in at least two games. Having Garrett Stubbs as a third catcher on the roster gives them flexibility with Realmuto. It is worth noting that Stubbs could be optioned if the Phillies elect to activate Trea Turner from the injured list. With nearly a week between the last regular season game and NLDS Game 1, the Phillies’ lineup needs to stay in a rhythm. Kyle Schwarber should get the chance to break the Phillies’ single-season home run record, currently held by Ryan Howard. Schwarber currently has 56 home runs this season, which is two away from matching Howard’s record of 58 set in 2006.
Currently Injured Star Player Should Come Back
While Turner is not going to be activated from the injured list on September 26, he needs to play during the Twins series. Turner heading into the postseason having not played since September 7 would be a bad idea. In addition to that, Turner currently holds the lead for the NL batting title. This season, Turner has a .305 batting average in 140 games. The next best qualified hitter in batting average in the NL is Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, who has a .299 batting average in 153 games. It is possible that Turner could sit out and still win the batting title. However, batting title aside, getting Turner ready for the postseason and back into a rhythm would be helpful. Turner also needs to play at least one game at shortstop if he returns this weekend.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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