The Phillies are looking to keep this month’s momentum going with Red October quickly approaching. As the current leaders of the National League East, the team has clinched their fourth consecutive playoff berth and is on track to win their second straight division title.
After being swept by the Mets on the road in August, it was a riveting series of revenge as the Phillies swept the Mets at Citizen’s Bank Park last week. History was made in the four-game division match-up as designated hitter Kyle Schwarber reached a milestone of 50 home runs hit in the regular season. He joins former first baseman Ryan Howard as the only franchise players to reach this incredible feat. “It’s something that you don’t take lightly,” Schwarber stated while reflecting on yet another one of his incredible in-season achievements. As the 34th player in Major League Baseball history to pull off this monumental accomplishment, Schwarber continues to build his case to be named the National League’s MVP.
The Phillies are playing well despite multiple injuries spanning the roster as of late. The most significant loss of the season occurred in mid-August with Zack Wheeler’s season-ending diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The Cy Young candidate underwent a successful procedure, but the 6-8 month recovery period will prevent him from making a return in 2025. If the Phillies want a shot at a deep postseason run, it is pivotal for the rest of the pitching staff to be on their “A” game.
Third baseman Alec Bohm and shortstop Trea Turner’s recent injuries propelled the decision to call up Triple-A Lehigh Valley infielders Otto Kemp and Donovan Walton. Versatile infielders Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott have also been tasked with further contributing to the team in order to close out the regular season strong. Bohm and Turner were each placed on the 10-day injury list with left shoulder inflammation and a right hamstring strain, respectively. “We expect him to be back by playoff time,” Phillies manager Rob Thompson said following Turner’s diagnosis. The National League’s lone .300 hitter suffered the setback as he raced down the first base line Sept. 7. As for Bohm, the decision to place him on the injury list was strictly precautionary as the 29-year-old has been playing through the pain for quite some time. The Phillies’ starting third baseman is treating the non-urgent matter now in order to fully prepare for the playoffs.
Despite key absences, the Phillies certainly have the momentum they desperately need going into the postseason. While the current team has been putting in the work these last couple of weeks, a full-strength Fightin’ Phils roster is waiting to charge into October.
